Monster Hunter!!

If you are an obsessive gamer, like RPG elements (elements not a proper RPG!), epic boss battles, co-op gaming or just a really big challenge then I suggest you try this series of games!

Well maybe not just yet. But soon! You see the series has not taken off much outside Japan but the two newest games coming over here as well I urge gamers to give it a go and enjoy this alone or preferably with friends! Co-op gaming is something that is hugely rewarding and fun but it is being spread thin across games nowadays. This game focuses on co-op gaming and there is no versus gameplay here.

If you don't want to be bored skip ahead to....

Let me explain the history of the series.
First off the original Monster Hunter! It was released here and it focused on multiplayer. This was solely online multiplayer gameplay. Unfortunately it was on the PS2 which had rubbish online gaming. This left the solo campaign which was not outfitted with enough quests to get you really going. This game flopped in the UK and US.
Monster Hunter 2 quite wisely stayed in Japan. But Monster Hunter Freedom and Freedom 2 came here on the PSP. They had plenty to do in the form of solid solo missions if at first you had to learn a lot of stuff. Also they connected wirelessly to give an accessible multiplayer which is amazing! But unfortunately this was not accessible online and this is the games only downfall.
There is however Monster Hunter Frontier online in the form of a MMO game. But ONLY in Japan.

NOW there are two new Monster Hunter games coming here and the US. Both of them have online and offline multiplayer. First off the PSP one. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. If you played Freedom 2 then you can transfer over all you equipment etc. to this one. This connects through a PS3 to go online so you need one of these (which I do so I am happy).
Your other option is Monster Hunter 3 (or Tri) on the Wii. No friend codes in this game! And two player split screen to boot.

...HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now you may be thinking "Woah, woah wait a minute! What is this game all about?"
Well Monster Hunter, as the title implies, puts you in the shoes of a hunter...of monsters. You customise your person an then set off. The game is in third person and you use a wide array of weapons, armours and items. You are pitted against behemoths and the aim is usually to take down the beast. Easy? No! You have to track it first. Then keep track of it. Learn its behaviour and attack patterns because the battle isn't gonna be a short one. You can apply all sorts of strategies to getting the job done. And you will need to apply loads of strategies for different weapons. Smallswords, great swords, katanas, hammers, horns, light guns, heavy guns, bows, lances and even gunlances! There is also a bunch of traps and items and potions to help you out.

Now I guess you can buy all these things but why when you can make EVERYTHING from scratch. Bones, horns, leathers, hides, ores, woods and all sorts make armours and plants,herbs and bugs make potions and items. All taken out the huge field.

Other essential gameplay elements such as well... elements (fire, water, lightning etc.) where you hit your opponent and other ingenious things. This game has every element of hunting covered! You fight dragons, dinosaurs, giant birds, crabs, gorillas and just wierd Japanese things! It is awesome and when the new games arrive... BUY THEM!!! Seriously, do it!