Great fun for the enthusiast, and the amateur as well!
I've heard about others having serious issues with the camera, and while I admit, It can get crazy at times, but it is yet another thing that keeps the realism of the hunt. if you're frantically running and not paying attention, you won't be able to see what is behind you. But you CAN pan the camera around using the < and > arrow keys, It isn't that difficult once you get a handle on the situation. Yes you do tap the L shoulder button a lot, but its not annoying. The only time it gets kinda harsh is if you're up against a wall, in which case you just try to roll away. Definately not a game breaking issue.
The graphics in this game are simply beautiful. Expecially the backdrops, the scenery looks real, lets not forget the ambiance, such as actual raised grass, and birds. The terrain was excelently done, utilizing cliffs, and ledges that you character than jump up on to. Lets not forget to mention the interactivity of the landscape! Flowers, Ivy patches, Mushrooms, Mines, Wyvern dens, Nests, and even Dung piles! All these things are potential spots to find valuable items, and every day items that will make the game just that much easier, weather its healing herbs, or items to combine into ammo.
Speaking of Combining, this is one of the main aspects of hunting. Yes, yet another thing to keep track of while you're in battle. If you want to successfully kill a wyvern, you're going to have to have the materials ready to combine them into an effective pit trap. Also, If you are lucky enough to find some rare reagents, You can make powerful potions and the like. It is always a good idea to check an FAQ somewhere to find out what items are used for what potions.
Now, as for the basics of the game, you start off with your wannabe hunter character in his house, you have a "magazine" by your bed that has some useful beginner tips in it, if you feel like taking the time to read them. you also have your chest there, in which you can store your extra items, like combining materials, bones, monster parts, ore, etc. things you don't need out on the field with you. Your inventory space on the field is pretty limited. 20 spots. So, you figure "alright, I'm ready for my first adventure! lets kill some dragons!" wrong. You are a novice. prettymuch all you can manage just yet are the innocent cow like monsters that usually prefer to run away rather than fight back (note that all you slow-weapon users). So you talk to the village elder, and he gives you a quest, not to slay a dragon, but to bring him two pieces of raw meat. it sounds menial, but since it is your first time out on the field, it lets you get a feel for the fighting controlls.
So, you show up at your base camp out in the field. There is a blue chest, and a red chest. But first, you notice that the chief left you some information. So press start, and go to "chiefs wisdom". There you will learn that he packed some goodies for you in the blue chest (which you open with O). You also learn, when you have aquired all the needed materials, and are done goofing off, then you can come back to the base camp, and turn the items in at the red chest (O again). So, you go out to kill some prey. All there is are the large cow-like beasts. So you kill them, and then press Square to shieth your weapon, and press O to skin them. These beasts are so large you can skin them twice. So anyway, when all is said and done, you turn your meat into the chest, and viola! you win the game. not quite.
There are in total, about 6 or 7 "tutorial quests" Then the game starts getting a bit more challenging. At this point, You will have purchased armor, and upgraded your weapon a good bit. A good point to make about this game is that you can go back, and redo ANY quest, and as long as you complete the quest in the alotted time, you still get the reward! This is your main way of making Zeni (the monetary source in MH). So when you find yourself low on cash, you can go and do some relatively easy quests that you've become familiar with, and get money, as well as more items and sellables. Now, there will come a time at which you hit a roadblock in the difficulty of the game. This game isn't easy, nor is it for the weak willed. You have to be determined to be successful at this game. You have to learn how to evade every blow by the enemy, and land your every hit. It takes intence training, but once you've learned how, it just makes the game that much more fun. But i'm sure by no means too easy.
Thats what keeps me hooked, my determination in knowing that I CAN, and WILL do better. If you do come to a monster that is just too hard for you, then I suggest doing other quests to get the funds/parts to upgrade your equipment, then go back in when you think you are up to par. But keep in mind, just because this game seems hard, it is definately not impossible. It isn't a rush through game. You can't expect to do every quest in 10, or even 30 minutes. Some quests take almost exactly the time limit (which is usually 50 minutes). It is a game you sit down, and express extreme patience and will power. You aren't there to simply slay the beast, you are there to hunt it down, and prepare for it. If you go rushing head strong into a wyvern, you are going to get your clock cleaned. You have to wait for your opportunity, for the wyvern to come to you. You have to plan ahead and lay traps, and utilize every tool you have to kill the large creatures. This game is for true gamers out there who want status to actually mean something. Who cares if you're level 60, so is 98% of the population. but when you've taken down a Rathalos, then talk to me.
Now, on to the pressing issue of no online. I have yet to play online, and I have accomplished plenty on my own. I would imagine that going online and leaching off others wouldn't teach me much, am i right? Sure when it comes to the really, REALLY hard monsters, I can see the desire to want help, but I personally won't let that stop me. If I have to, I will just simply go on Xlink Kai. Its not that big of deal. The entire game is soloable, but you HAVE to be skilled, and you will have to master the game. This game wasn't meant to be an easy stroll through the park with pretty graphics. It is a hardcore hunting simulation, in which you track down your prey, and pounce when you see fit.
There are also other aspects of the game that are slightly less "rewarding" then embarking on quests, such as the kitty kitchen (which you get after killing YKK), and Kokoto Farm, where you can do all the recreational things, like mining, fishing, gardening, and things of that like. If you are looking for a time sink, you can easily blow 20 minutes here between each quest, and thats before renovating! All in all, this game is chalk full of learning experiences, and massive, roaring weapons, all topped off with stunningly beautiful graphics. I don't give 10's often, but this game definately gets my approval.