Monster Hunter Critic Reviews

Whilst certainly not free of issues, Monster Hunter is equal measures out-and-out fun and out-and-out terror, delivered fantastically well in both online and offline modes. The game provides a PSO-style game for the PS2, and offering pick-up-and-play online gaming without the need to commit to hours at a time.

The quests quickly repeat themselves and some of the larger creatures are nigh impossible to take down alone. Even so, it's a remarkably unique and thorough title and if you're online with your PS2, there's no reason for you not to get a taste for cold blood and take the hunt online. There really is nothing else quite like it.

8 / 8 / 8 / 8 - 32 gold

If you're able to accept the unorthodox control scheme, the mediocre single-player game (at least it has one), a troublesome camera, and the lack of an effective lock-on mechanism, then you're tough enough to reap Monster Hunter's unique benefits.

Problems with the camera and controls hold it back from mass appeal, and unless you have the broadband adapter, you're missing out on a large chunk of the experience. With that said, there's definitely enough here to for serious players to enjoy if they're willing to devote the time necessary to really dive into the game.

For scratching that online teamplay itch though, not much else around satisfies quite like this.

A must have for those with an interest in online gaming, especially the type of gamers who simply do not have the time to spend hours upon hours finding a party in an MMORPG. The pick-up-and-play formula works very well here and will no doubt keep you addicted for many months.

Highly amusing, fun combat system but a bit dragged down by the sometimes hard to get used to controls. Online play is great, but lag is sometimes a painful factor against small enemies.

You can see the potential here the instant you set foot in town, but the real fun is found only online. The rest of the elements are merely so-so.

With more true role-playing elements to balance out the sheer kill-and-collect MO of tis debut, this franchise, ripe with much potential, could grow serious legs.

The game’s major achievement is an emphasis less on personal advancement, but rather on working as a cohesive unit to achieve your collective goal – the hunting of monsters, truly absurdly monstrous monsters... It’s an excellent exercise in humility and cooperation, and one that should not be passed by.

With friends, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork is fantastic. Working together luring monsters into traps is hugely satisfying.

Offline it’s a hollow shell of an action/adventure game, but online it’s a fun, addictive, and worthwhile entry – a game that’s based on teamwork rather than endless deathmatches.

Those who "get" Monster Hunter will find hundreds of hours of entertainment both online and off. But whatever the case, Capcom should be commended for taking such an original, offbeat and ultimately rewarding approach to the genre.

Lack of a lock on system can make the game frustrating, and I did suffer from a couple connection dropouts that weren't on my end. Still, to anyone looking for a new MORPG to play with their friends, try this out.

The game holds about 40-60 hours just playing the single player campaign, and if Capcom could (or even would) go through and solidfy the gameplay elements and features they’ve instilled, Monster Hunter could really be a killer franchise. Until then, rent it first.

The kind of game you’ll either love or hate right off the bat.

It's interesting, and a bit frustrating, to see a game with such a unique devotion to a single type of play.

The only thing you need to know about Monster Hunter is that offline it's about as fun as an allnight marathon of infomercials. Online is a different story entirely. If you don't have a PS2 network adapter then don't even waste your time.

The missions are short and to the point, which works out nicely but if you’re use to exploration EverQuest style, then you’re in for a disappointment.