Monster Hunter Tri -- Initial Impression.

This initial impression is a few days late. Monster Hunter is a huge hit in Japan. Outside of Japan? Not so much. But Capcom and especially Nintendo are out to change all that. Monster Hunter Tri is the third game in the series proper and the first one for Nintendo's Wii console. The game was originally being developed for the PlayStation 3 but when Capcom saw how the initial sales of the system were struggling and how the Wii had taken off development was switched to Nintendo's console. Nintendo has decided to really help make Monster Hunter Tri the Wii's online shining star and helped with product awareness and advertising. I was interested in Monster Hunter originally on the PlayStation 2 but it's hard to remember what kept me from jumping in with the original. The reasons for skipping the subsequent PlayStation Portable titles are a little more clear. Now here comes the Wii version. Back on consoles. And freed from Nintendo's Wi-Fi network, as Capcom will be handling the servers. No friend code hassles on one hand. On the other hand no real viable voice chat system on the Wii. The Monster Hunter series is heavily inspired by Phantasy Star Online. Same basic genre. Monster Hunter Tri shifts focus from the hunt for the ultimate rare to the hunt itself. While SEGA's Phantasy Star Online always promoted worldwide teamwork and other lofty concepts, Capcom's Monster Hunter makes cooperation essential for survival. They've also made the combat, especially with bosses, a knockdown drag-out affair. The combat is intense. Especially when dealing with anything new or relatively high powered. And they somehow manage to keep that intensity going upwards of twenty minutes a boss battle. Monster Hunter Tri also features a strong gathering aspect. You'll build your items and weapons and armor from the spoils found by gathering or hunting. The series is known for being rather difficult. I'm not sure if I agree at this point. It's unforgiving in that Demon's Souls sort of way. It doesn't hold your hand in either combat or in figuring out what needs to be done or what could even be done. There is a lot of room for experimenting. For figuring everything out. From the time I've spent with the game I can say it's fun and provides a real sense of accomplishment when you can finally take down a boss. I can also say that the interface can be exceedingly clunky. Time will tell if that will get better with age and familiarity. I can also say that the game looks great, if it were a PlayStation 2 game. The Wii just can't cut it graphically with this level of 3D. The game does have a charming aesthetic though. The game is also clearly a long haul. Expect to put in some serious time if you're going to be playing online. Right now Monster Hunter Tri seems like it's going to perfectly pass the time until next month's flood of games hits.