Underappreciated by some, this game puts your skills to the test.

User Rating: 10 | Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G PSP
I never played any of the Monster Hunter games before this, heck, I never even HEARD of them. When my cousin came over, he had a copy. Let's just say after a couple of days, it's now MY copy. Anyhoo, here's some prospectives...

Graphics: Very Good
By far the best looking game I have on my PSP. Not to say they're absolutely perfect, there are some clipping errors with weapons and armors, but other than that, very nicely done, especially the maps.

Controls: Very Hard
This is probably the most complained about section of the game, however, it's that steep learning curve that divides the men from the boys. My only complaint is about the camera. If we had the option for a "chase" camera, one that keeps it constantly be behind your back, my index finger wouldn't hurt from "J-hooking" the d-pad so much.

Difficulty: Hard
Not a game for the weak hearted, or for those "five minutes of entertainment" sort of people. You have to dedicate yourself to playing this game, to learning the ins and outs of whatever you're currently hunting. I've lost count of the number of times I was wiped by that blasted Yian Kut-ku at first, and that's nothing compared to what you encounter as you get further into the game.

Replayability: Very High
I can do the same mission all day long. Not even a hunting mission at that, simply a "go find X amount of Y items." Not only are there eleven different weapon types to master, but hundreds of weapons all together to fart around with.

Multi-player: Excellent
Get yourself a group of friends to go on the same hunt as you, and you'll really see where this game shines. Single player is fine in its own right, and quite enjoyable, but when you've got other people ganging up on that beast that's whipped you so many times, and finally see it die, that is truly something.

Final Opinion: One BLOODY Good Game
I'm not one for overly difficult games, but this grabbed me, and I've learn to play through thick and thin. Don't base on what you see for Gamespot's review, you really need to try this out for yourself.