Monster Hunter (series)

Monster Hunter
Developer(s)	Capcom
Publisher(s)	Capcom
First Game	Monster Hunter G (2005)
Latest Game	Monster Hunter X (2015)
Genre	Hunting Action

Monster Hunter is a action series developed by Capcom. Originally on PlayStation systems, the series found a home on Nintendo systems starting with Monster Hunter Tri. Nintendo helped promote the game and even helped with publishing the games in PAL regions. The series has a high focus on co-operative play to hunt the monster and gain gear.

Core Elements

The main elements that stay throughout the series are that players, using a certain weapon type, go out and hunt monsters usually in parties of up to 4. The monster species tend to change between entries but they are all usually giant creatures that are deadly. If the player lacks partners, they get animal partners. There is also a constant map for each game. Regardless of the monster, they will spawn somewhere on this map after taking the appropriate quest. This is so players learn the map and use it for their advantage when taking on the tougher monsters.

Games

Main Entries

There are in total 4 main entries plus expansions though only the later 2 and a remake of the first were on Nintendo system. Monster Hunter G is a remake of the first game for the Wii. It included a demo for Tri.

Monster Hunter Tri is the 3rd entry in the series and the first on Nintendo platforms. The 3DS and Wii U got an expanded version called Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

The fourth entry in the series was Monster Hunter 4 on the 3DS. It abandoned the swimming mechanics in favor of more vertical elements and climbing. While only Asia got the original version, the West did eventually get the game as Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. The game was heavily promoted alongside the New 3DS with its enhanced features from the system. This expansion also received free DLC that crossed over with various Nintendo franchises and other Capcom franchises.

Monster Hunter Frontier

The Frontier subseries is a MMO of Monster Hunter. The original was exclusive to the Xbox 360 and PC, but the G series was available on Wii U. It is only available in Asia, but the Wii U has gotten all the G expansions. The series has gotten many collaborations including one with Fire Emblem

Spin-offs

In addition to the Frontier series, Monster Hunter also has a few spin-offs.

Monster Hunter X is pretty similar to the main series in its main mechanics but, its combat is more flashy. It also crosses over the 4 main games into a single world.

Monster Hunter Stories is a role-playing game in the Monster Hunter universe where the player gets the egg instead of hunting monsters. Not much else is known at this time.

Monster Hunter Diary is another side series that focuses on the Felyne species and is developed by FromSoftware. Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airou Village DX is the 3DS remake

External Links

• Feature: The Bloodthirsty History Of Monster Hunter, From PlayStation To Switch at NintendoLife.com