Monster Hunter

"Watch out Jurrasic Park!"

Im assuming you all know Capcom. You know? The guys that have brought us classics like Street Fighter, Megaman, Resident Evil, Ominusha, and so on and so forth. Capcom has that special talent to make almost any game into a series, and Monster Hunter is no exception. From slicing herbivores with a knife, to blasting wyverns with a cannon, this game is no joke. Wondering why? Read on.......

Graphics 10/10

Ah yes, graphics. Something always to look at in a game. Monster Hunter has SUPERB graphics. The monsters, the other humans, and hell, even the grass in this game is richly detailed. Capcom pulled off a lot with the PS2. The armor and weapons you make are also detailed and resemble the tools used to make them. You may also get side tracked by the graphics while your even in a big fight because they are so beautiful!

Sound 9/10

The only reason this got a nine is because there simply isn't enough music in the game. HOWEVER, the tracks that are in the game are simply incredible. When you first set out on your first quest, will be in awe on the wonderful job an orchestra pulls off for the intro stage. There are also many other theme's. For example, wether it be in a swamp, a desert, or a volcano, the sound tracks for when you fight a boss are always different. Whenever you hit a monster, with a Great sword for example, it sounds so real! Awesome job with the sound effects Capcom!

Controls 7.5/10

eek! Is that a 7.5!? Yes, sadly it is. This game has some very...... different controls. For example, normally you would control the camera with the right analog stick. Well in this game you use the D-pad. Yes, that's right the D-pad. Get this, you use the right analog stick to attack. Relax though, even though the controls take some getting used to, Capcom took a risk with these kinda controls and trust me, they are awsome once you get used to them.

Gameplay 8/10 Offline 10/10 Online

This is the games moment of glory. Monster Hunter takes place in what looks like a prehistoric era. You can make weapons and armor out of just about anything you want from bones, metal, and even shells and skin from the monsters you kill. Speaking of monsters, you kill an ass load of them, and I mean an ASS LOAD. From the extremely weak and tiny Mosswine, from huge, deadly, and overpowered Monoblos. Taking down bosses in this game is the real deal as well. You know usually boss fights in a game normally last about 3-5 minutes? Well not in this game. It could take you as long as 40 minutes to kill a single boss! TRUST ME though, you get some KILLER rewards and a huge pay at the end to it is very much worth. What I find interesting about this game is you would go about in it like you would in real life. For example, in other games like Final Fantasy, you could wield a great sword and move it around like a feather. This game is a different story. When you swing a great sword, your guys needs a sec to pick it back up and get back on his toes, which is how it would be in real life. Offline mode is just you by yourself dealing with massive enemies. It can get challenging, but it is possible. Online is the real deal. You and 3 other guys travel together in a group and overcome the odds by taking down monsters together!

Rent or buy?
I'd say buy, but if your skeptical about the controls rent it.

Pros:
-Awesome Gameplay
-Awesome Graphics
-Good BGM

Cons:
-Clunky controls
-Screwy camera

All in all, just play this game. Your seriously missing out on an adventure if you don't.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/19/06