Monster Hunter Freedom

"Hunting on the go!"

Let's take a look at the past, well, 2 years ago. Monster Hunter was released and it was an awesome game. Despite some deplorable review it had a great following. I found myself playing this game for 1 1/2 years, from December 25, 2004 to September 21, 2005.

Lets get on the review!

Graphics: 9/10

Graphics are simply awesome. Almost as good as its PS2 father. One thing, however, that changed with the port is that some of the backround look static. The forest beyond the river in the Forest and Hill area looks plastered on. This, however, doesn't have a great impact in the game. Simply put, the graphics are great.

I've also noticed that there are cherry blossom falling and raining from the sky in Kokoto, so thats a plus.

Gameplay: 7/10

Now the attacks are switched over to the Triangle and Square button, the camera staying with the Directional Button, and some of the buttons have dual purposes. The reason why it earned a 7/10 is because of the Camera. Yes, the one problem from the first MH stayed with us. Get against a wall or bush with some Bullfango and you're screwed. The Block button is coupled with the Dash button. In the first MH, if you press the Block button (L) you'll take your weapon out and block; not in this game. It gives you a disadvantage when Rathalos is charging at you and you have to take your weapon out just to block (Unless you have Auto-Block on, then it blocks without the weapon being drawn). It's also kinda hard whipping the camera around when you're in a battle since you have to use your left hand to move, and then bring your right over just to pan the camera over (the fact that the camera rotation speed is of medium speed doesnt help)

Music: 10/10

The usual music, harmonious and earthy, from the original is back. That being said, there's no real "music" like... songs or whatever, maybe a theme. The boss theme really gets you pumped, but to me it sounds kinda like the music is used to inspire fear, not bravery.

Replayability: 9/10

Two gender and two different armor look for them, so thats something. There are also the added on feature of different colored beast, resulting in different colored and stronger armor/weapon, and finally resulting in more time hunting said different colored beast. There's the farm and its improvement, which means that you dont have to go on a quest just to get that ore, or that Nitroshroom. The added on feature really gives this game some added life. Online alone will probably have you playing for months after you've killed Fatalis, because you can't go on Treasure Hunts by yourself. But once you've gotten everything, there's really no other point unless you want all 3 character slot to be perfect.

Final Score: 9/10

With so many added on feature, MHF needs to be bough, not rented. I hope my review help. I just hope I can get online and meet up with some old buddy, but whatever.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/29/06