A misunderstood, and unerrated game for the PSP. Extreme difficulty and a high learning curve turn people off.
If you're in the mood for a few thousand of hours of the most indepth gameplay you've ever seen, I'd suggest you pick this game up. Of course, it does have its flaws but it's still an excellent game.
For those who don't know (sadly there are many) this game is a Port of the original Monster Hunter for the PlayStation 2. Not a direct port, many many new things were added to this game for the better. Players who are veterans of the PlayStation 2 title will appreciate and notice the following.
1. New armor and weapon upgrading system. No longer do you actually require items in your inventory to make items. Speaking of which there are hundreds of new armor and weapon combinations for this game.
2. The Kokoto farm allows you to gain items after every hunt, mainly used for ore. Allows less annoying grinding.
3. New Wyverns. Yian Garuga, Pink Rathian, Gold Rathalos, the list goes on.
4. Core gameplay has not changed. The analog feature is changed with the buttons now, no longer analog swinging.
Now, for those of you who have no idea what I was just talking about, let me just tell you this. You probably didn't get the Monster Hunter PS2 game, and if you're even remotely interested in a 3rd person action JRPG, you should check out Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP. You will get hundreds of hours, and if you're obsessed possibly thousands. The new additions from the PS2 title totally justifies owning a copy.
To put it simply, if you like PRG's and own a PSP this game should be in your library.
There is a learning curve, it's an extremely hard game. But the feeling of taking down your first Wyvern is just simply fantastic, and the sense of accomplishment never ends.
The Graphics are the same as the PS2 title, which is honestly saying a whole lot. Due to the fact that you're on a handheld after all... Honestly nothing to complain about in this department. Same is for the music score in this game. Absolutely fantastic if you're into gaming music.
The Cons
-Extremely difficult
-High learning curve
-Extremely frustrating even for the experienced players
-At times slightly repetitive
The Pros
-Amazing core gameplay
-Add-ons from the Original PS2 version make this the definitive version of Monster Hunter.
-Fantastic Graphics
-Fantastic Music Score
-Easily Hundreds of hours of gameplay
-Addicting
Again, not to beat a dead horse but I will repeat it for the 3rd time.
To put it simply, if you like PRG's and own a PSP this game should be in your library.