Tri-ed and True: Monster Hunter Tri Review

Despite the evangelicalism of SeanNOLA and the enthusiasm of a million Japanese gamers, I’ve been consistently perplexed by the Monster Hunter series. Two fleeting forays on the PSP, revealed a stubborn indifference to players- as shown by the series’ deficient storyline, protracted text-based tutorials, and confusing combat system. After the umpteenth knockdown by a charging beast, I had nearly written off the franchise for good.

Wondrously, the recent release of Monster Hunter Tri reveals a miraculous advancement for the series, making the title an ideal entry point for players bewildered by past forays into the series’ inhospitable realms. Monster Hunter’s conventional learning curve has been tempered, offer players a compassionate gateway as they gradually master each of the game’s seven weapon sets, and conquer the game’s multitude of details.

An interactive tutelage commences as soon as gamers arrive at Moga Village, a community ravished by a sea creature named the Legiacrus. Unable to slaughter the nefarious creature with their introductory loadout, players must begin a massive series of quests that will not only fabricate a capable toolset, but also restore the splintered settlement. Preliminary villager requests and guild missions begin opening up new avenues for exploration, from gather supplies for village restoration to forging armor and weaponry. A few hours in, Monster Hunter Tri’s appeal becomes painfully apparent; Studio 1 has generated an intriguing, MMO-like world for players to lose themselves in.

As the game’s moniker suggests, the most compelling element of Monster Hunter isn’t delegating orders to a fishing fleet nor gathering bugs, but rather the deliberate elimination of roving beasts. While skirmishes with diminutive faunae or pacifistic herbivores are straightforward juke and jab affairs, larger monsters require a much more tactical confrontation. Successful players are compelled to become animal anthropologists- dutifully studying the behaviors and attacks patterns for each threatening creature. As such, hunters that approach Tri with a Dynasty Warriors-esque mentality will find themselves tossed across Moga Woods like helpless ragdolls. This Monster Hunter mainstay may frustrate impetuous players, especially after being ensnared by the title’s relaxed introduction.

Since victory is also influenced by the quality as well of proficiency of each weapon, hunters will also need to familiarize themselves with each faucet of the title’s arsenal. Great swords offer a powerful strike, but are antagonizing heavy, requiring player to anticipate enemy movement. The three classes of bowguns (light, medium, and heavy) permit ranged combat, but are reliant on restrained ammo supplies. Although each armament requires a devoted amount of practice, the variety also embeds Monster Hunter with depth, as players can effortlessly switch attack styles. Forgoing the archetypal strengthening of the main character, a hunter’s strength is measured by the quality of his/her hardware, turning the typical adventuring convention on its head.

While the game’s solitary component is strong, many may prefer the Monster Hunter’s robust online element, which offers one the best multiplayer experiences found on the console. Fortunately, players yearning for a four player excursion will find the matchmaking process relatively effortless- Capcom has circumvented the distinctive friend code system that complicates many titles. Once participants have created a lobby by deciding on eligibility (with options for rookie, experienced, mixed and even apprenticeship types), players file in, before necessary adventuring preparations are made.

Monster Hunter Tri ranks among one of the best-looking title in the Wii’s library thanks to its skillful creature animation and solid texture quality. Each environment is meticulously crafted, from shadowy caverns, bright grassy plains, and massive oceans- each evoking a sense of bucolic wonder. Except for the title’s loads between sections of the environment, Monster Hunter Tri presents a remarkably immersive environment that nearly rivals the world displayed on more powerful consoles.

Players are presented with a number of navigation options, ranging from the standard Wiimote and nunchuck control scheme (with requisite waggle) to a much more instinctual method using with the Classic Controller pads. I recommend players spend the extra ten dollars on the Classic Controller Pro bundle; once player grow accustomed to the title’s button mapping quirks, the method allows for an intuitive play experience. Additionally, participants can communicate with other hunters through the WiiSpeak peripheral, or with a USB keyboard; surprisingly typing appeared to be a burgeoning method of communication with Tri’s fanbase. 

In an effort to appeal to a wider audience, Monster Hunter Tri has made a number of concessions that should allow most Wii owners to embrace the game. Those seeking a deliciously deep world, will revel in the title’s numerous virtues. Between the game’s single and multiplayer modes, Tri has the ability to hold a player’s attention for weeks. Alternatively, those seeking immediate and uncomplicated gratification may find the title is still prohibitively dense, especially when the larger beasts need to be dropped.