With a full time line already marked for Capcom USA's 2009/2010 schedule, there wasn't much wiggle room for the rather spontaneous reveal of a Monster Hunter G port for the Nintendo Wii. In Japan, the product is already marked for an April 23rd release, sporting a Fatalis stamped Monster Hunter themed Wii Classic Controller as well as a demo of the highly anticipated Monster Hunter ~ Tri. Not long after the news came of the Japanese intent of this release did Capcom's own Christian Svensson become the barer of bad news for those eager for an English version of this port.

  Like so many other Monster Hunter games before it, Monster Hunter G for the Nintendo Wii was declared a no-go for western localization. Indeed there are laments of this loss, but even with many Monster Hunter loyals now completely immune to inevitable disappointment - the choice to not localize the product may come to haunt Capcom's western strategy when the bell begins to toll for the release of Monster Hunter 3. As a member of the Monster Hunter media, it is my duty to investigate and hypothesize, and hopefully offer a channeled voice for the community and the gaming world.

  But before I begin unpacking the issues that may come with the loss of MHG, let us look at what is to be expected in the future for the Nintendo Wii. Unlike 2008, the upcoming year sports much promise for the system. With third-party developers now making a strive to bolster the "hardcore" gaming market on the system that is nearly a dry river bed of sustenance for such gamers - the overall out look of the year may catch the wandering eyes of the hungry gamer. This news is coupled along with rumors that Microsoft has decided to take a more Casual turn in 2009.

  The rumors are well founded of course, as seeing the release of the new XBox Live Experience barrows much from the Wii, and many of their hardcore development studios have recently been shut down to bolster more power towards games that are cheaper to develop and appeal to a wider audience. From the technical prospective, the Wii is still the inferior product when it comes to hardware as outlined in my previous blogs which breaks down the inner workings of the Wii. But despite this lack of power, it has still been the industry leader in sales, which were still strong even in November 2008.

  Despite the upturn of potential products, some Wii owners are bailing out. Granted not everyone is upset, but with the lack of real meat to the system in 2008, many people have decided it's time to sell their Wii, and also seem to think that many other people will be doing the same. This author stands on the sidelines at present, merely looking at some of these bloggers from Gamer.blorge.com and Slapstic.com only to take note. They do not represent the Hardcore Wii gamers as a whole, and delightfully I've read some nice counters which do mention Monster Hunter 3 as reasons to hold on to ones Wii.

  Nevertheless, there is an industry wide attempt to shift focus. Everyone is trying to turn a profit and plant some seeds in the wake of the Wii's plowing success. Is Capcom missing out here with not making an investment with Monster Hunter G as one of those seeds? As I browsed the local super-market today, I did as I always do and swing by the electronics department to have a glance at what is behind those glass shelves. My eyes often feverishly sweep across for a familiar title, Monster Hunter. But as I looked for it, I could not help but recall seeing the entire mass of them shoved into the bargain bin some eight months prior.

  That's right, Monster Hunter Freedom 2 was dropped off in mass and sold off for as a supposed bargain of $19.99 a pop. I was half tempted to buy them all up myself and then distribute them to people I felt would sell others into the cause. This all came back to me as I stood there looking at the glass, feeling the loss at not seeing Monster Hunter Freedom 2 behind it. Knowing that it was there meant that people would walk by and actually see it, and without any form of advertising it was the only real way a stranger would see the game's name on complete happenstance.

  Within this author grows a concern that Monster Hunter ~ Tri may end up in the bargain bin sometime well before it deserves to be there. This fear of course has come because I've been let down in the past, and with very little faith in the advertising abilities of Capcom USA to really sell the ship like it needs to sold. Such lack of faith is the very essence of my being, and it is purpose of my existence at present. This and many other reasons leave me to setting in a pit when it comes to thoughts of Monster Hunter G, and what it could mean for Monster Hunter ~ Tri if it were to have been localized.

  Since Monster Hunter has existed purely on the PSP in the US for nearly three years, and hasn't reared its head on a major console for four and a half - seeing a sudden re-appearance of the title in the form of Monster Hunter ~ Tri poses some risk. This risk rests in the reviewers hands, for it is they who really hold a massive sway on the minds of gamers when it comes to the Nintendo Wii. The reviewers lack of respect for the near MMORPG weight of Monster Hunter often leads to poor, misinformed reviews that ultimately reflect on the game with poor sales figures.

  The game thrives Online, and it is designed to attract players and keep them firmly interested for months, not mere weeks. Monster Hunter G can be the avenue which allows Capcom to begin the process of communication with reviewers and gamers, spreading around demos across many of the hot new titles of 2009. Not to mention informative leaflets in games like Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter 4. Also, it can be be the forefront for constructing a stable online service, and a community which will begin building support for Monster Hunter ~ Tri.

  Let us not forget that Street Fighter had a huge following before it was released, Monster Hunter ~ Tri will not share in the glory until people outside of the realm of the PSP can actually get their hands on a Monster Hunter title and begin to enjoy it online in the way it was meant to be played. I expect much more from Capcom, and I feel that 2009 is a very critical year for Monster Hunter. The battle plan should be no holds bard for Monster Hunter, for that is the only way it'll truly be a success.

   Already March dawns on us, and I've seen nothing really in the form of informative banter from Capcom USA about upcoming Monster Hunter titles. I do not kid when I say that the bandwagon really needs to start rolling now, or else we may find Monster Hunter falling through the cracks yet again. I may be doing my part on my own time, but without proper funding and a steady stream of suitable official assets from Capcom I can only do so much to build support for the Monster Hunter games.

  An intimate relationship really needs to be set up with several high name reviewers, and Monster Hunter G is the perfect vehicle to re-introduce the western world to Monster Hunter. Simply because the first PS2 version failed doesn't mean that the Wii version should be discarded as well. Heck, even Okami saw a Wii version. With a solid and informative community that still writhes and whimpers at the loss of the recent closer of the PS2 servers, I see grand reason to have Monster Hunter G in the US. Not simply because it's vital to Monster Hunter ~ Tri's success, in that it is actually owed to the Monster Hunter community. We frankly deserve a port of the grand old title, and there really should be no argument to that statement.

  The Monster Hunter community as a whole should be utterly outraged in every way, shape, and form. Aside from all other fine points I've listed, there really should be no excuse meritable enough which should excuse why Monster Hunter G was denied to an already ever present and long term existence to a sustained Monster Hunter community that supports this title in every way shape and form.

COMtributer ~

March 2009

   This is my first profressional grade trailer. Sadly, the video assets were web based so they may not be top-notch quality, but I did the best with what I had. I've been working on this project since Monday, and it's dominated my time until this morning when I finally rendered it out.

   All the assets are legal, everything is 100% Capcom and 100% Monster Hunter. The voice over was done by a friend of mine whom is a professional voice actress. You can learn more about her at the following link: www.voiceoversandvocals.c...

   This is basically one of those "If you want something done right, do it yourself moments". Clearly the traditional Japanese trailer for this game simply will not sell, there needs to be more information imbedded into the trailer itself. So I wanted to tell people about the game in the shortest amount of the time, while at the same time showing some of the great moments of this game.

   I'm very certain I reached this goal. And if you were wondering, this is why I painted a my own MHFU logo - so I could animate it for the conclusion. Let me know what you think.

Discuss Here: Monster Hunter Disccsion

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   The wait is over Monster Hunter loyal, well sort of. As I've been producing plenty of new Monster Hunter assets for a rather big upcoming project of mine, I had some to spare for the public. For starters, I felt it's been high time we get introduced to the Monster Hunter Freedom Unite logo:

   Now do not mistake this for the "real" thing, it's far from it actually. For my project to continue on schedule, I had to make my own. I based it off the Monster Hunter 2nd G title as seen below:

   Since the title was never actually featured as Monster Hunter Freedom 2 Unite, I negated the large number "2". But I clearly used the G as inspiration for the giant Unite Logo. Not to mention that added a few features to it which make it relate to my future project.

   For those interested, I have very large raw photoshop files which I can render down into .png form for fan manipulation. No, you won't get the raw .psds - those are mine! Instead of copy and pasting everything, the only thing copied on my logo is the word "Freedom" - everything else I hand painted myself, even the words "Monster Hunter". I wanted to give it a more organic feel, and I think I succeeded in giving it that appeal. Furthermore:

   Monster Hunter Freedom Unite iCalendar for Windows Desktops

   I found this program called Desktop iCalendar produced by Desksware. What really got me what how customizable it is, and what really sold me on the power it has to read fellow Monster Hunters through the subtle use of Google Calendars! That's right, I've found a way to use this tool to send information to anyone who has the Calendar via the power of the internet!

   Right now I have an online Calendar linked to this  program, but there is nothing presently listed on it. Rest assured that as the popularity of tool grows and as we approach western releases of new Monster Hunter titles trust that this Calendar will come in handly. Through this I can inform the Capcom Community of the release dates of Capcom Products and Special Monster Hunter related events! Isn't that sweet!?

   Ever wanted to be a part of the group but didn't know when and where to be? Well no more! As I further refine this tool, I'll also give access to special choice community leaders to the Calendar so they can also send updates to loyal Monster Hunters.

   Wanna get it? Download the Desksware's FREE iCalendar Lite and my first Beta release of the Monster Hunter iCalander Patch. Following the Download link is installation and use instructions, as the Free version doesn't offer the user friendly Google Calender Sync function, so you gotta do it manually everytime.

   Download Link: Monster Hunter iCalender for Windows 

Notes: Keep in mind this is a Beta Version, more options and skins will be available as I refine the Monster Hunter skin. Also, it has only been tested on Windows XP. Whether is functions on Vista or Windows 7 is beyond my present knowledge.

Installation:

1. Extract file and run desktop-icalendar-lite.exe. Installation path doesn't matter.

2. When installation completes, do not run the program. If you run the program, close it and run the mh_ical_patch_v0.2Beta.exe.

3. Run the program, from Start > All Programs > Deskstop iCalendar >Desktop ICalendar

4. Done!

How to Keep Your Google Calendar Updated: 

Since this is a free version, you have to update your Google Calendar manually each time you want new information downloaded to your PC. I've taken care of the hard stuff for you so this would be as easy as possible.

1. Right Click anywhere on the Calendar to open the Menu. Go to Calendars > Manage Calendars.

 2. This will open a new window. Select New...

3.  Choose Goggle public calendar.

4. Select Capcom USA > Monster Hunter and then Finish.

5.  MOST IMPORTANT PART: The program will never automatically update this Calendar for you! When you want updates, you have to Remove the Monster Hunter Calendar and repeat steps 1 through 4 all over again each and everytime!

Enjoy!

Discuss Issues, Complications, and Suggestions in this thread: Monster Hunter iCalendar 

  Behold a tree with presents large and small, wrapped in paper, ribbon, and flair. Each to a child of high prize and admiration, where no limit of expense could contain. But of all the children and their massive gifts, there is one child, the step-child, whose gift was small and feeble. Apparently this step-child had only a single chance to shine, and when the fire didn't ignite much of what 'could happen' with his potential has been put on the parent's back burner. Though not forgotten as they still feed him, cloth him, and keep him company - but there is a feeling that deep down, there is a cloud of disappointment that seems unlifted. 

  Truth be told that the scenario may not be exactly on the mark, but the feeling is surely there when thoughts reside on Monster Hunter. We love his game, yes we do, and we want to share it with the world. I've found that language has been a fierce barrier, not in the technical fashion, but more in the social nature of the English language. Perhaps the worst enemy of Monster Hunter is not a fickle and resentful crowd that is driven away from the new and the difficult, but the words we use to describe it may be the fowl beast in the dark. 

  Language is what I love and craft, shape and mold with my hands and mind to paint a vivid image and then offer that to the world. But the more I've come to enjoy the use of the English version of language, I find that the restrictions it offers make it very cumbersome. We have used language before to try and sell Monster Hunter in the past, and in the western world it has really been the only medium in which it has been offered to the public outside of the physical realm of the game. 

  I for one still have copies of the magazines in which had articles on the supposed 'exciting new experiment by Capcom'. GMR's August 2004 edition featured two whole pages to Monster Hunter, and that is pretty much the enitre extent of Monster Hunter's positive magazine air time.

    "Gamers who want the excitement of cooperative, team-based gameplay but aren't quite ready for the commitment required by full-on MMORPGs and there prepetual enviroments. Monster Hunter picks up the baton that Phantasy Star Online dropped when Nintendo muffled the broadband adapter supply chain and offers superior graphics and more innovative gameplay, if not the more recognizable Phantasy Star band." ~ GMR August 2004 pg. 76

   Such high praise is what sold me to the game, but getting an article and a front page spread on GMR Magazine was has effective as printing sword shaped prints on toilet tissue.  Within a month of the game's release there was a vast number of articles which dominated the minds of the public; such as PSM and Eltronic Gaming.

   "the actual execution, this is where Monster Hunter disappoints. For starters, combat is frustrating because of the awkward control scheme." ~ PSM Magazine October 2004

   "Yet as a result of its awkward controls and dated online features, Monster Hunter just makes for a good weekend rental." ~ PSM Magazine October 2004

    "Ultimately, Monster Hunter just feels irrelevant. Its seemingly single-minded purpose of re-creating the Phantasy Star Online experience apparently superseded any motivation to make it a unique, original experience." ~ Gamespot 2004

   These are but minor collection of the massive amounts of negative feedback from a title that came from no where, a stranger in a strange land full of quick weekend seven hour block busters and pretty graphics. We can not depend on the written word to sell our product, as we will only find a bitter pit of betrayal. The game should be treated like that of toxic material, it must be handled with care it must come with highly specific and informative instruction to those who are about to handle it. 

  At this point in 2009 face a monumental task that simply can not be ignored, an unavoidable barrier now stands between the success of our product and the customers we so desperately want it to reach. Language is this barrier, and we must transcend it. What we must attack is the heart of the consumer, we must target the visual soul and the impressionable inner child with an eye popping 'wow' factor. 

  No guns have ever been fired in the name of Monster Hunter in the states. Not for the PSP Versions and certainly not for the PS2 versions. Now we have traveled four and a half years since the release of the original PS2 version within the United States and haven't won many victories. Like the spirit of the 2008 election, where the youth of our nation arose together for a common purpose to say "No more" to do-nothings of Washington there must be a Campaign for Monster Hunter. 

  A mill of information and visuals, of massive wall painting and poster contests, of viral ads and television commercials for a product not even available yet. Yes, we must be dirty, we must be inspire, and most of all we must be willing to take the risks that it demands. The sooner we construct the band wagon, the bigger it can become in the end. But we can not wait any longer. 

  Do not fool yourselves into thinking that last moment advertisements a week prior to the game's release will do the job. Do not think that web ads are alone the new wave of wonderment. Do not believe your thoughts of thinking people actually 'read' magazines in mass, and most of all do not think this product will sell itself (like Street Fighter can do). We're handling a whole new creature here, and we must inform, educate, and wow as soon as possible. 

  Hire on a whole new league of eager psychos as your minions, this is how the Democrats did it - and they won. Create a foundation based free commission in the form of contests, and then try to invest a massive budget towards actually featuring television commercials of a game you don't even have yet, while at the same time advertising what you do have - PSP titles. 

  This is a war, make a complicated battle plan and stick to it. Be creative, do not let money hinder you. Do something crazy. And by all means, you should at very least offer a Monster Hunter theme to your Debit Cards. Frankly, that's the only thing holding me back from getting one. Monster Hunter shouldn't be the bastard step child, starting now it should be prized, polished, and pampered like never before. 

  The army awaits, all they need is a call to arms.

~ COMtributer

 Feburary 22nd 2009

Introduction

  After a long and silent period, the Tokyo Game Show 2008 became ground zero for the latest news on Monster Hunter Tri (3) for the Nintendo Wii. Far from being the third installment, this title will mark the ninth game to bare the Monster Hunter title since 2003 in Japan. The game has come a long way in the past five years, and the release of the newest trailer reveals just that. But what all does this trailer show us? A great deal, but in order to help make some sense of it all I'll explore the various new elements added to the game.

  Keep in mind the US has not seen a release on a major console since the first Monster Hunter on the PS2 back in 2004, and since then only the hand-held titles have made it over. So sit tight, there is a lot of unpacking to do. Before we begin however, understand that clear details on everything will not be provided. This includes the names of monsters as they are subject to change if there will be a US release. Furthermore, this analysis is not to be mistaken with any official statements of Capcom – this is merely a result of taking the trailer at face value. 

  I urge viewers to take the time to watch the trailer first. Screen shots will be provided as visual aids to the explanations.

The Analysis

  Quite literally, the trailer dives straight into the part of the game Capcom is most eager to show off, and that is the inclusion of the under water environment. Never before has a Monster Hunter game delved into the depths. For the longest time hunters have been limited to the shorelines, facing off against water dragons like the Plesioth by forcing it out of the water. This is no longer the case, as now the hunter can jump into the depths and explore a new range of possibilities.

  The first creatures we see in the trailer are perhaps the cannon fodder of the sea. Like the large, lumbering dinosaurs in Forest and Hills of the first title, and the mammoth type creatures so woolly and furry on the cold mountainous regions of the PSP editions of the game – these lazy swimmers may be a good source of meat and bone. One could even call them “Sea Cows” perhaps, with no affiliation to a manatee of course.

  Later we watch as the hunter swims with giant tuna, farms the sea floor for materials, and strikes a thorny headed shark with a blunt spike studded hammer. But perhaps the most interesting moment in this short montage of ocean bliss is the delightful, and surprisingly agile use of the the Great Sword. Without that pesky ground to hinder it, the massive blade spins around in full circles of terror and might that splices through anything within its strike radius.

  Those who have grown a little tired of the big, hulking weapon may find it quite appealing again as it will give the player enough reach to strike even slippery, nimble creatures who are more at home to the under sea atmosphere.

  Several new sneak peaks at the new and impressive maps which will set the stage for many heart pounding and challenging quests. Some of the areas displayed reveal where the land meets the water, allowing us to look at only the tip of the iceberg. Various other gameplay videos reveal very massive underwater stages that will play host to long and aggressive battles with many new, and fearsome dragons.

  As our hunters sneak around in later bits only a few seconds further along in the trailer, we get a peak at something that has been missing from the game for quite a while. We watch as a Rathian pins down a beast, utilizing a new a deadly move that it uses to consume meat to regain stamina. Capcom has confirmed that Monsters will now have Stamina, and will need to take part in this vicious act quite often in order to regain it. But know that this is not likely limited to just random monsters, as the trailer later reveals that the Rathian also uses this move on hunters as well. Appearing to kill them instantly in the process. (1:99 mark in the trailer, screen capture further down)

  Another 'Prey' type monster is introduced as well, this one being a bit of a land and water hybrid sort. We see the alpha version of the white maned creature call for aid in this image. As seen in many videos, its primary weapon is that of its tail, and it puts all of its weight into doing full sweeping strikes that can inflict a good amount of damage.

  Here we can see a new desert type map, including what appears to be a new insect-type monster as well. From the way they move, one would likely consider them giant ants. This terrain of course introduces some interesting new forms of destructible elements. In previous titles, terrain that could be destroyed was often quite limited. But it appears there are many of these pillars on this map here. A single blow should send them falling down with nasty results!

  Following the desert segment is a look at a strange bird-like wyvern which quenches its thirst in a pool. Many beasts in Monster Hunter do go about everyday activities like this, and such can be seen in the next image as another new beast covered in jagged stone. Rolling about in the mud seems to one of its habits, not to mention shaking it off can result in an unexpected attack type not quite seen before in the series.

   The trailer also features shots of the ingame towns hunters will be stationed in. Though it is unknown if the shot with these two pillars is of the online town or the offline, also it is unclear if there will be a difference between the two or if they are on in the same. Needless to say, the setting looks to be far richer than any of town yet seen in any of the titles. This author assumes that we are seeing portions of an online town, simply because we see more than one hunter walking the streets at the 1:28 mark in the trailer.

  Of course if this isn't the case, having other NPC hunters roaming the streets would be a nice touch online and offline nevertheless. At the 1:30 mark we also see hunters sitting at the table, suggesting that perhaps they've done away with the Guild Hall concept, and now made it more of an open-air restaurant that provides quests and the occasional laugh from getting drunk. No doubt this is a welcoming change, as the clustered up hall has gotten just a little old.

    Marking mid-way through the trailer is a first peek at the game's opening introduction movie. We get to watch as the new water dragon battles with a Rathalos, and will no doubt be the victor in that contest. We can expect a very impressive show, revealing lots of new things to do, but not really giving anything away as to what the game really has in it. But I must admit, it really would be nice to actually see two dragons duke it out on their own for once – but that is likely not to happen.

  At 1:42, the previously mentioned rock-shedding attack is revealed by this earth loving creature. This dragon seems to come in all shapes and sizes, and like other rock dragons before it – makes a habit of bursting out of the ground when bothered. Likely he will be very much like Basarious, using his heavily armed head and barbed tail to aggressively pound into hunters as the thick, rocky hide keeps it protected from slashing attacks.

  The next dragon we see is the strange bird-like one, which appears to be taking part in a mating dance! This is both amusing and deadly I imagine, as this beast is not exactly a Kut ku mock-up. Though he does have some pecking attacks, the motions are more fluid and unpredictable, making him worthy of an “Annoying Dodo Award”. But by looking closer at 1:47, we get to see just how annoying this mating dance can truly be! When teamed with the Rathian, the little green beast uses this singing attack to heal not only itself, but also the Rathian as it charges the hunter.

  Likely, the nimble dragon is a living flute. Using not only the ability to heal, but also potentially increasing the defense and damage of other dragons and beasts within the area effect. This makes the dragon something a new and unique addition, giving your prey more an unexpected edge in combat.

  After more impressive displays of a much larger version of the rock dragon, we are introduced to some of the new weapon attacks we'll see in this game. At 1:51 we can see that the Sword and Shield will be able to utilize the shield as more of a weapon. Here, the hunter jumps in with both sword and shield out to inflict damage. Other videos will show the shield being used to jab and crush, expanding the options greatly to hunters of that class. A more powerful uppercut is displayed with the hammer, sending a beast flying into the air. Following this is a massive blast on a light bow gun no less.

  1:99 reveals the Rathian now has a taste for human blood.

    The Fatalis model has been utilized nicely to create the new, fearsome water dragon. This will give more of an epic sense to players earlier in the game I imagine, since beasts like Fatalis are often seen as End Game material. Here we watch the slippery serpent of a beast display its ability to utilize electricity. This is truly a strange ability, but potentially lethal as it will likely use something familiar to the Khezu's a lethal electro barrier. This dragon being far larger and more agile, can make him even more of a threat. Fighting him under water may be more problematic that fighting him on land, but at least you have the option to fight him in both conditions in one single battle.

    Some interesting Rathalos eye candy follows the blade spinning fights with the water dragon, only to eventually lead into some shots of a new swamp setting, complete with muddy waters.

  At around 2:25 we get to see how they've expanded on the cave settings. Allowing hunters to wield torches now to light the way, offering some interesting new elements with some deep potential there. Perhaps the water may have all the hype at the moment, but there is something very interesting about a dark cave that hasn't been fully explored in Monster Hunter before. Previous, all caves have been rich with light, but what if you face off against a dragon in the dark? Perhaps fighting a Khezu within its true home, pitch blackness. Now that sounds like a fun, and interesting challenge to me!

  2:28 reveals a new Felyne Companion, and heck, it even suggests that the Felyne Companion system will be introduced in the game. So far the PSP has been home to these little AI critters, allowing you to customize them and train them on your own. They've mainly been aggressive, but it looks as though this new addition which looks like that of a tribal dancer or shaman, buffs and heals you with his dance. They show him in action in the next few frames, throwing a strength buff on itself an the gunner standing next to it.

  Certainly this trailer reveals a lot in a short amount of time, most of which is the display of new action packed battles and elements. But perhaps it's those little things I find the most interesting. From this small segment alone we have seen a lot of new stuff, allow me to make a summarize:

Monster Hunter 3 Trailer Reveals:

New Underwater settings
Several New Maps
Several New Monsters
A Fearsome Water Dragon that looks like Fatalis.
A highly aggressive rocky, earth bound Dragon.
A nimble, green Bird-Like Dragon that can heal other Dragons.
Possible out-door Guild Hall and expansive online town.
New attacks for likely all weapon classes.
Dragons need to eat to fight, and will eat you if they can.
The Water Dragon is fast and uses electricity.
There are pitch black caves which require a torch.
Felyne Companion Systems seems to included in the game.
New Felyne Companion type which dances and buffs your stats on the battlefield.