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Weekly Monster Hunter DLC begins today

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 3rd 2009 at 11:45AM }

Just like its Japanese counterpart, the English language version of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite will feature weekly downloadable content. Best of all, it'll be free! Expect updates every Friday for the next few months. The first content update, available today, is a new "Epic Hunting Quest" called "The Triumvirate of the Sands." This quest will feature the monsters Daimyo Hermitaur, Tigrex, Plesioth, and will take place in the desert (hence the "Sands" part, you see?). Survive and you'll be able to net 12300z.

In order to download the DLC, all you need to do is boot up the game in your PSP and click Download from the start menu. No need to log on to the PlayStation Network or download anything from the PlayStation Store. Not bad, huh?

Hunt monsters in Namco Bandai's 'God Eater'

by JC Fletcher { Jul 1st 2009 at 11:25AM }

Famitsu scans have revealed the God Eater project whose title was trademarked by Namco Bandai a couple of months ago. It's a multiplayer action game for PSP that appears aimed at the Monster Hunter market (which, let's be honest, every Japanese developer probably should be trying to do on the PSP). God Eater trades out the fantasy setting of Monster Hunter for a more futuristic, industrial venue. It features a mix of mythical creatures and big, robotic monsters.

According to Siliconera, God Eater will be out this fall in Japan. The existence of that US trademark suggests that the company will be releasing it here as well.

More Monster Hunter bundles hit Japan

by Majed Athab { Jun 23rd 2009 at 12:15PM }

Perhaps there's no real point to releasing these new bundled sets, considering just about every person in Japan already has a copy of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (aka Freedom Unite). If, by some off chance, they don't have one (or even a PSP), then, sure, this looks like a pretty good way of getting into the addicting craze. The new bundles, which include either a radiant red or vibrant blue PSP Brite (both with a copy of Freedom Unite packaged inside), will hit Japanese retailers on July 23 for ¥21,000 ($220).

These carnival color PSPs seen in the bundles are not all-new; they've been available in Asia for some time now. Technically, a customer could pick up both a copy of the game and either PSP color (or another) right now, get the same value as next month's bundle and only spend a trivial sum more. Also, it's not as intricate and wonderful as the one that appeared at launch. Why'd SCEI even bother?

Introducing Monster Hunter 3's 'Chacha'

by JC Fletcher { Jun 19th 2009 at 3:00PM }

All right, Monster Hunter 3. You got us. We are officially enchanted.This Claymation-style trailer, introducing the new "Chacha" creature, is one of the cutest things we've seen in some time, and definitely the cutest thing we've seen in a long time about hunting and killing large animals.

Apparently, just like in the video, the Chacha will follow you underwater, and has a special "dance" attack. In the video, the "dance" appeared to summon a large monster, but we aren't sure if that's what it really does in-game.

As much as we enjoy looking at this Monster Hunter stuff, we must still note that the game hasn't been officially dated for North America yet. Please, Capcom? And if it wouldn't be too much trouble, we'd like it in bundle form as well. Thanks!

New Monster Hunter PSP bundle hitting Europe

by Majed Athab { Jun 9th 2009 at 5:45PM }

In two weeks time, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite will make its way to North America and Europe. For Europe at least, the release of this new Monster Hunter title will be marked with a special PSP bundle. Arriving day-and-date with the regular software, the bundle will include a copy of the game, a silver PSP-3000, a Monster Hunter-branded carrying pouch, screen wipe and a branded skin cover.

Expect to see this bundle on June 26 -- the official European release date. As for North America, the game will arrive three days earlier on June 23, although no special bundle has been mentioned.

Capcom bundling Monster Hunter 3 with black Wii in Japan

by JC Fletcher { Jun 4th 2009 at 5:30PM }

Not only will a new black Wii be out in Japan this summer, prospective owners will have the option of buying it in a bundle with what will undoubtedly be 2009's biggest game for that region: Capcom's Monster Hunter 3 (Tri).

The Monster Hunter 3 bundle will be released on August 1, concurrent with the standalone version of the game, and will include the game, a black system, and a black Classic Controller Pro for 33,000 yen ($342). In addition, a black version of the MH3/Classic Controller Pro bundle will be sold for 8,490 yen ($88).

Despite the fact that the red DSi is coming out on the same day as Dragon Quest IX, no bundle has been announced for that yet.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3

[Via GAME Watch]

Real Gathering Hall set to cure London's Monster Hunter fever

by Majed Athab { May 20th 2009 at 5:55PM }

As Swine Flu has the world on edge, London is preparing for its own epidemic: Monster Hunter Fever. Apparently, the contagious disease, which originated in Japan, is hitting the British Isles -- specifically in London. Symptoms of the disease include insomnia due to lack of ad hoc play, sore thumbs and an insatiable love for talking cats. If you know anyone who is suffering from these symptoms, kindly bring them to the Monster Hunter Gathering Hall in London between July 1st and September 1st for treatment.

Those who come will undergo special therapy, whereby they'll interact with others suffering from the same condition, allowing physicians to better understand their disease and discover a cure. Doors swing open from 10am to 8pm all week (except for Thursdays: 10am to 10pm). Admission is only open to those who suffer from Monster Hunter Fever, which means you should have a PSP and a copy of the game on you when you arrive at the hall. Participating patients will also receive a free, complementary injection of soda. So don't forget to ask!

Capcom begins teaching English players how to play Monster Hunter

by Andrew Yoon { May 19th 2009 at 3:40PM }

Are you a Monster Hunter n00b? Don't worry if you are -- Capcom understands that the franchise hasn't been too big outside of Japan. However, things are going to be different this time around. Capcom is trying to recreate the astronomical success Monster Hunter Freedom Unite found in Japan by launching one of its biggest promotions to date. We've already seen viral videos -- what's next?

This tutorial is but the first in a series of videos designed to teach Monster Hunter basics to the masses. Capcom is promising a massive adventure that "delivers over 500 hours of gameplay" through "over 400 missions." Does that pique your interest?

Viral vid warns of Japanese monster outbreak spreading to the West

by Andrew Yoon { May 18th 2009 at 3:30PM }

The monsters are coming. Capcom released this viral video not too long ago, and we have to admit it's very cool. This documentary-style video captures the terrifying hunt of four Japanese civilians. They must work together in order to take down these beasts -- but alas, it looks as though the monster infection is spreading beyond Japan.

Does this sound familiar? It should. Capcom is trying to recreate the success of this PSP game for the Western audience. So long as Capcom continues this edgy marketing, it may actually succeed.

You do know what game we're talking about, right?

Monster Hunter 3 trailer hunted down, captured

by JC Fletcher { May 14th 2009 at 2:30PM }

With Monster Hunter 3 (tri) now officially dated for Japan, it's time for Capcom to step up the hype even more than it already has. Will Monster Hunter be able to turn the Wii's slowdown around? Only if enough people see this new trailer. The trailer looks really good, is what we're saying.

It's not too much of a departure from previous Monster Hunters, but a new, nice-looking series entry, with new controls, new monsters, and new locations, is more than enough for obsessed fans. Check GAME Watch for some pictures of the limited-edition bundle (the one with the DVD, not the one with the Classic Controller Pro), to facilitate your coveting of the rather fancy box it comes in.

Capcom releasing two Monster Hunter 3 bundles in Japan this August

by JC Fletcher { May 13th 2009 at 11:40AM }

This week's Famitsu magazine reveals the Japanese release date for Monster Hunter 3 (tri-): August 1. Capcom is graciously offering fans three different ways to blow a bunch of money on the game -- in addition to the standalone game, two separate limited-edition bundles will be released.

A Classic Controller Pro package, containing the game and Nintendo's new controller, will be available for ¥8,490 ($88), and a Limited Edition pack, containing the game, a "making-of DVD" and other unspecified extras will retail for ¥9,440 ($98). The Famitsu article also shows the silhouette of a "Monster Head Figure" to be handed out as a bonus with early copies of the game.

[Image via Wii Everyday]

Monster Hunter 3 coming to U.S. and Europe, Capcom working on nine Wii titles

by Griffin McElroy { May 11th 2009 at 12:30PM }

Those who took the time to dig through Capcom's most recent statistic-filled investor briefing for the upcoming fiscal year could find two interesting nuggets therein. The first, and most savory of these nuggets was a release date chart which revealed Capcom's plans to bring its upcoming pelt collecting action-RPG Monster Hunter 3 (Tri-) to the U.S. and Europe some time during this fiscal year. For those who slept through Econ 101, that means it should be in your hot little hands before next April Fools' Day.

The second interesting bit was the revelation that Capcom is currently working on nine Wii titles to release in the current fiscal year. We know about six of them: Monster Hunter G (which dropped last month), Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, Resident Evil Archives, Resident Evil Zero Archives, Spyborgs, and now, Monster Hunter 3. What could the other three titles be? Further reboots of old series? Another Archived Resident Evil? Brand new franchises? We may never know. No, wait -- yes, we will. Sorry about that.

Monster Hunter 3 appears on Capcom press page

by Justin McElroy { May 4th 2009 at 10:00AM }

If one were to draw an analogy between the North American announcement of Monster Hunter 3 (tri-) and the birth of a baby, one would say the game's been crowning for months now. In February, it was mentioned in the same breath as the North American market by Capcom, and now it's shown up on the company's press page alongside other TBA titles like Dark Void and Dead Rising 2.

Now, Capcom, would you please just announce the thing already so we can decide what color we're painting the nursery?

[Via Siliconera]

Europe to receive Monster Hunter Freedom Unite PSP bundle

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 28th 2009 at 5:30PM }

Outspoken SCEE president David Reeves told CAPTIVATE audiences (including Eurogamer) that the upcoming Monster Hunter Freedom Unite would "spearhead the PSP resurgence of 2009." Big words, but considering the success of the game in Japan, it's not unwarranted.

To support Capcom's efforts in marketing the game to Western audiences, SCEE is planning a new PSP bundle featuring Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. While unlikely, we're hoping it'll be as awesome as the Japan-only special edition seen above.

Famitsu crowns Hideo Kojima, Monster Hunter with timely 2008 awards

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 25th 2009 at 5:30PM }

They say that the Japanese are known for their impeccable respect of timeliness. So why is it that leading Japanese mag Famitsu is revealing its 2008 Game of the Year winners now? Here are some highlights:

Person of the Year -- Hideo Kojima
This is a man that not only has time to pen the complex and convoluted script behind Metal Gear Solid 4, but will star in weird videos meant solely for fanboys. That's a man you can respect.
Rookie Title Prize -- The Last Remnant
Perhaps "rookie" is a good word to use for Square Enix's RPG that almost played at a respectable framerate on a system that almost sold well in Japan.
Innovation Prize -- Wii Music
This game innovated by being the first Nintendo-developed Wii game that didn't sell billions of copies.
Game of the Year & Best Seller Prize -- Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G
We love it when "best selling" means simply "the best." In America, the best game of 2008 is Wii Play.