Monster Hunter Freedom

"Monster Hunter? More Like Monster Awesome mirite."

Monster Hunter Freedom

I was hesitant at first to purchase this game for 50$ (CAN) at my local EB games store. I'm pleased I did though, as it is one of my favorite Portable games, and I prefer it over most console games as well. Anyways, I hope you enjoy reading my second review, and I hope to be reviewing a lot more in the future on upcoming/recent games.

Story: As everyone probably knows/guessed, this game is lacking a plot. The game starts out with a man/woman who you have created, (more on this later) and I guess he/she just wakes up and decides to take on the Monster world. Anyways, Not too much here. I don't think Story applies in a game like this. I don't mind. =)

X/10

Graphics: When I first got this game, I was amazed at how well it looked. The graphics were so lush and rich with color. Especially when I ventured into the First level “Forest and Hills” I was bowled over by the graphics. I was surprised to see that they put full 3D models of some monsters in the Background, grazing on the hills. The Character Models look breathtaking as well. All the Armor and Weapons are wonderful to look at . And When I fought The Yian Kut Ku for the first time (First wyvern you fight) I was too busy looking at it and the surrounding area I was in too really fight it. The graphics are even better than many PS2 Games! Easily some of the best graphics I've seen on a handheld.

10/10

Sound: The first time I walked onto the “Forest and Hills” map, It opened up with a wonderful little song. It really makes you think you're a part of the game. ESPECIALLY while wearing Good quality Earphones. (This game is Presented in Dolby Surround ;D) And I loved the Different Tunes it played during Battles With wyverns. The Sound Effects in the game are just great! I love it when I swing My Katana, hearing it ‘slice' the air. Or when I connect with My Great sword on a wyvern's head. Or when I'm sneaking up behind a wyvern, and I hear the Grass rustling beneath me. Or even when I'm Running away from those dreadful Bullfangos on Wyvern egg gathering missions. Great…I love it <3

10/10

Gameplay: Now this is the part where this game shines. In my opinion, This is one of the Best games Capcom has ever released. The point of this game, is to complete quests and gather materials in order to upgrade your equipment. And once you have upgraded your armor, you JUST may be tough enough to beat that one wyvern you've been waiting to kill. One of the best feelings in this game so far for me, was when I killed Rathalos for the first time. That is truly a magnificent feeling. I have only Scratched the surface of this game, as many Monster Hunters have gotten over 600 hours from this game alone! I have only clocked in 25 hours as of August 1st 2006, as I have only had the game for 2 weeks. But In my adventures so far, I have slayed 3 types of Wyverns, each one Stronger then the last.

One of the things about this game that keep me playing till the wee hours of the morning, are the weapons and armor, and trying to collect the materials to upgrade my equipment. There are WELL over 100 Weapons in this game, maybe even 200, which include: Sword and Shield, Great Swords, Dual Swords, Lances, Hammers, Heavy Bow guns and Light Bow guns. Some of you might not know, but Sword and shield also have axes in it, and Great swords have (My favorite weapon) Katanas. There's funny weapons too, including Teddy bears (Hammer) Frozen tuna (Not sure) and a few more. Some weapons you can upgrade to have Elemental damage as well, and some Wyverns are weak to certain elementals, as well as strong to others. Wyverns also have weak spots, and finding these weak spots is vital in battle versus these beasts. Also, when fighting Bosses, it is not just a “Hack and Slash” game, because you need to plan out a strategy when fighting these monstrosities. Take my Rathalos I slaughtered for example. I was just mindlessly hacking away at it with my iron Katana “Gospel” until I tried different tactics, Including combining materials to make a net, and combining my nets with Pitfall tools to make Pitfall traps. And using raw meat you have carved off a smaller monster previous to the fight, I lured the Rathalos into my Trap, and laid Bombs around it. Then proceeded to Whack at it with my weapon, and eventually Killed it =)

Anyways, I'm ranting now. There's much more to do in this game, Including Dealing with a farm (Optional) to obtain new materials, Training School to Practice your skills on those dreadful wyverns once you've defeated them, and Just plain exploring in gathering quests.

There is much to do in this game, and I am pleased. Although, there are some cons to this game. You might have guessed it, yes…It's the CAMERA! Some things that can really annoy someone (Like me) in a Battle against a tough monster/wyvern, is a shotty camera. When You are cornered in a tight spot, and the camera is pushed against the wall, it gives an appalling view of the map. It will swerve left and right until you can get up and escape. Another thing related to this bad camera angle and being cornered is being hit as soon as you get up. When fighting some enemies, especially Bullfango, (Wild boar) the Bullfango will charge at you and will make it near impossible to get away. It's extremely annoying if you're taking on more than one Bullfango, as they will rush at you at different timing, making it that much harder to run away.

Anyways, Camera's and Bullfangos aside, This game has an immeasurable amount of things you can do in it.

9/10

Multiplayer: I have yet to try Ad Hoc with my friend once he comes over next. But from what I've heard, it's an amazing feature. Just think of an online MMoRPG with a two man party I guess. But I have not tried it so…

X/10

So I am at last going to summarize this review.

If you have been looking for a great Portable game, or think that your PSP is lonely because of the lack of decent games for it so far, pick this game up. This game should be on the top of everyone's “Next to buy” list.

Thanks for reading my review everyone! I hope you found it helpful n_n

9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/02/06