This is possibly going to be a small evaluation of the latest mh games.. as A it helps me get used to writing analytical reports considering I'm going to hopefully leave college with a degree and get into programming. That and help's maybe establish writing skills for when I start in the industry most likely as a tester. First up:

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

The graphics of the game, bring out the power of the psp and show how the PS2's power and the engine used to create the game really can look like in the hands of skilled graphic teams. The graphics are high tier, and shows that the Playstation 2 still has a lot to explore in terms of power. As well as its handheld version. Camera issues still a problem though a little more tolerable. Controls of the game are solidly done, though again camera can be an issue with how one must hold their fingers on the d-pad. In terms of interface and controls for it, the process if very smooth and fluid. Getting items at last second is very ease, the menu itself is easily navagated.

Battle controls themselves are very well done, though I still find myself rapidly tapping them out of habit from previous games especially the original Monster Hunter, where the right joy stick got a lot of abuse. Sound on the game is very crisp and sharp, loading times are even better. Granted while working on the first PSP system load times are far from speedy. Later models do show drastic improvement of loading times. Multiplayer, though not true online is easily done through different methods. Ease of use and communication is just as easily accomplished as there is a plethora of information on how to connect.

The game's challenge level in the beginning feels as it should. Good tutorial, and shows the basics of everything. The ability to redo said quests makes it so that very inexperienced players and those who have little skill can learn at their own pace. Should they stick with the game and not allow fustration to set in. Later on the quests grow progressivly with a few jumps in difficulty. AI of the monsters is solid enough to give varying playing experiences. No two hunts go exactly alike even if doing the same quest repeatedly.Overall arch is very friendly and tedium does not set in with certain quests such as the old gathering quests. Training quests helps more advanced players push themselves, and better their skill and times. While also getting materials for decent to good and perhaps even excellent armor and weapons. The training quests also gives new hunters to learn the moves and hunt freely without buying supplies. Also it forces them to rely more on the environment and learn to gather and go at a safe pace until they are ready to push themselves.

The game overall is an excellently made game, and had brought the series, and the PSP into a stronger light and brought many new fans into the series. Biggest problems include: difficulty of monsters, how to hold the system itself as it becomes awkward, camera problems persist but are improving greatly, and poor reviews from reviewers who have zero time and or skill to get the most out of a demo for the game itself.

Monster Hunter Tri- first impressions:

Upon first sight of screen shots, and then trailers of cinematics it is clear that the game brings out the full power or close too full power of the Nintendo Wii system. Granted the Playstation 3 could give even more powerful, but the severe price and difficulty of working with the software to make it. The Wii was a much safer and wiser choice financially. First are the cut scenes themselves, very sharp, very clear definitely high definition worthy, and shows that the Wii can have very high end graphic games and still look good. Sound quality even from the net and on my own speakers, the quality is incredible. The orchestration does not fail at all in the delivery. Smooth transitions between scenes and terrain showing viewers a small taste of what one is to expect.

While having not been able to touch the game and play I cannot say how well it works. From what I have heard it's a very strong setup and easy to handle. With options of the wiimotes, or the classic controllers and then two options on the classic controller itself. The game offers something for all playstyles. While watching gameplay footage the most striking feature is the water combat. Before one had to focus solely on ground combat. With little else involved, ledges for those with guns was useful. But now with water combat, one must change all tactics and think in a full 360 type of thinking. All directions all angles it changes how one fights, and then the weapons change attacks accordingly for water combat. Caves and torches specifically add another level of combat and make things very interesting.

Again having not been able to play the game fully, I am solely going by first impressions alone. The game looks very solid and despite previous thoughts, I am currently waiting news for a possible Monster Hunter 3 bundle with a black wii with all goods with it. Thankfully it is not until march of next year, however this gives plenty of time to save up and look further into it.

Where have I been.. not like any one really cares but meh. I've been in college for the first semester of going for my degree. That being an Associates degree in computer science, with a core focus of video game programming. It's consumed 99% of my time, that and playing other games. depending on when tri comes out, and how well I do after finals will probably dictate if I'll get a wii after this semester or next. I'm leaning towards next.