Monster Hunter Freedom 2

"A-Hunting I shall go...."

Having never before played any of the Monster Hunter games, nor even really having heard of the series, I was apprehensive about purchasing this title. I got home, crammed it in my PSP, and almost instantly my fears were laid to rest, much like my first Giaprey. Truly a game where anyone can become a master with practice, there are dozens of niches that a player can fit in to, or find multiple niches that they excel in.

The game has a rather weak story, but it works much in the favor of the title, rather than against it. The quiet mountain village of Pokke is in a bind, as their main hunter was grievously injured by a large Wyvern (winged monsters that are the main targets in most missions). Shortly, a new rookie hunter (you!) is dispatched from the hunters guild to replace him, but on the last leg of the trip you are cast off the side of the local mountain by the same beast! Awakening in the old hunters shed, you are quickly recovered, and supplied with basic armor and weapons to get you started. That's it, no binding oath to save the world, no quest to rescue your sweetheart, no Godsent mission of the just. It's your story, tell it your way (and yes, you get your chance for revenge against the Wyvern) Allowing for creativity, this game lets you design your own hunter based on gender, skin color, over a dozen pre-designed faces (for each gender nonetheless!), clothes (under your armor of course...), and voices. Weapons range from defense oriented, to all-out aggression, and ranged, allowing everyone to find something that works well for themselves, or get familiar with several, and be ready for anything.

The gameplay is smooth, with believable multi-path environments and straightforward, simple to read maps. Although there are only about six different maps to play, it feels petty to ask for more as these maps can change somewhat depending on the mission or the time of day. Speaking of time, a simple on screen timer references you to about how long you have left, while a menu timer gives a more detailed account. Weapons behave believably, and come in a HUGE variety of shapes, sizes, abilities, and powers. Special training missions allow you to familiarize yourself with each, making a snap to decide what is right for you (LONGSWORD!!!). Combat is simple and streamlined, easy to learn, but not without challenge. Environments force players to adapt to different conditions, such as extreme temperature or terrain hazards, not just pimp out a favorite set of armor and cheapshot through the game. A background loading option can be activated to speed up loading times, or turned off to conserve battery power, so if your plugged in, you can get twice as much hunting done.

Self sufficiency and teamwork are both key features of this game. All of the materials you need, save a select few, are either harvested from your farm, gathered in the environment, or carved from the various beasts you defeat (and your rewards of course). Items can be purchased, but money is often tight, so making them yourself is almost always the better option. Armor and weapons are crafted from the various hides, scales, claws and fangs your bring back, so don't miss an oppertunity to nab some good trophies, because they may be your new sword and shield soon. All missions in the game can be taken solo, but most of them can also be played in teams of up to four, so if you're having some trouble with a particular beast, grab your friends, stratagize, and stick it to 'em. With so many different approaches availible, a coordinated strike can turn the odds against even an elder dragon. ;-)

Controls handle smooth, as if (gasp) they were actually designed for the PSP, instead of just adapted from a console version (designers- hint hint hint). All weapons, though different in design and function, use the same three buttons in combat, making learning a new weapon easier, and changing between hunts far less of a hassle. Different armor sets can be required for different weapons, but then an archer wearing plate mail makes little sense too. Running, jumping and eating are all readily controlled at whim, with seamless transitions to melee combat, and quick setups for snipers.

The graphics are excellent, with detailed monsters, lush environments, and great characters. Plants look about as good as they ever have on a portable, and day/night lightshows can be worth going on a mission just to see. Monsters have scaley, smooth, shiny, or even furry hides, all of which look great (just don't get too close!!!), while armors reflect the nature of the creature it's materials came from, both visually and in its stats, so it's easy to figure out what your friends are wearing.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/03/08

Game Release: Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (US, 08/28/07)