Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Powering beyond 100 hours in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/powering-beyond-one-hundred-hours-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/powering-beyond-one-hundred-hours-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/powering-beyond-one-hundred-hours-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/#commentsIn his weekly column, writer Bob Mackey will alternate between two of his passions: the Japanese RPG genre and classic games. This week, Bob returns to the world of Monster Hunter.

Since I don't play MMOs, it's a rare occasion to see the timer on any of my games roll past that magical 99:59 mark. Still, it's happened more times than I'd like to admit; whenever an especially deep or content-rich RPG hits me during a particularly inactive time in my life, I'll focus on it and it alone. Since I've chosen a career path laden with vast periods of inactivity, RPGs Fallout 3, the Persona and Dragon Quest franchises, and Dark Souls have done a fine job of soaking up free time that would have otherwise gone to waste on frequent power naps or community service.

Chalk it up to fate if you want, but Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate found me in the familiar condition of "nothing better to do," and for the past six weeks, Capcom's hardcore action-RPG has given me a whole new set of complex mechanics and arcana to obsess over with thousands of my fellow monster-hunting fans. Now that I've reached that monumental 100-hour mark, it's time to ask myself one question: Did I invest my time wisely?

Short answer: no, but I'll save regrets over playing too many video games for my death bed.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (1/17/13)

Continue reading Powering beyond 100 hours in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

JoystiqPowering beyond 100 hours in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendoOpinionwii-uWed, 15 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No decision too trivial in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/no-decision-too-trivial-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/no-decision-too-trivial-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/no-decision-too-trivial-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/#commentsIn his weekly column, writer Bob Mackey will alternate between two of his passions: the Japanese RPG genre and classic games. This week Mackey discusses his evolving thoughts on Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

It's only been a few weeks, but I can't help but feel a little ashamed of my last Joystiq post about Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. Reading it from my current, semi-experienced perspective, the piece feels like an excited first-grader telling a long and involved story about learning to tie his shoes. To be fair, my revised take on things comes from a slightly embarrassing wealth of invested time; I've sunk 30 additional hours into the game since my initial column, and when I sat down to write about learning the ropes of MH3U, I'd barely hunted monster one.

Looking back at the knowledge I picked up since then, and the numerous intricacies I've yet to figure out, it dawned on me why Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate has made every other game in my presence go completely neglected. Capcom has refined its specific brand of action-RPG into a trial-by-fire experience that requires constant hypothesizing and experimenting - pure brain candy for us unlucky folks whose minds crave constant stimulation.

Of course, you don't have to take it from me; real academic-type people have picked up on this same value of playing video games - even if said people haven't necessarily jumped on the Monster Hunter train yet. When I taught a college writing course during my grad school days, I used James Paul Gee's What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy (yes, all academic book titles must be this clunky by law) to inform groups of mostly bored 18-year-olds about how gaming can actually increase our problem-solving skills.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2/14/13)

Wii UWii UWii UWii UWii U

Continue reading No decision too trivial in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

JoystiqNo decision too trivial in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uFri, 19 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate off-screen play patch live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-off-screen-play-patch-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-off-screen-play-patch-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-off-screen-play-patch-live/#comments Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate offscreen play patch liveStarting today, those of you in the US can team up with friends in Europe to take down the dreaded Lagiacrus, and you can do so without occupying the television. The update for the Wii U version of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, enabling off-screen play and cross-region multiplayer, went live last night, Capcom reports.

Now you can play all you want without the people you live with noticing how bad you are at, say, trapping live monsters, as you fail that tutorial mission repeatedly. Hypothetically speaking.

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate off-screen play patch live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendooff-screenpatchupdatewii-uTue, 16 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Wii U cross-region, off-TV patch hits April 15 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-wii-u-cross-region-off-tv-patch-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-wii-u-cross-region-off-tv-patch-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-wii-u-cross-region-off-tv-patch-hits/#comments Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is getting patched up as promised next week, with off-TV play and cross-region interaction for transatlantic hunters coming to the Wii U game on April 15. Capcom announced the patch back in February, admitting it was going back on its decision to regionally restrict online play following "community feedback."

Update: Capcom clarified the patch is coming to North America on April 15 at 5PM PT, 8PM ET. The European patch is coming at the same time, but on the continent it will already be April 16 - 1AM in the UK, 2AM CEST.

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate Wii U cross-region, off-TV patch hits April 15 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomeuropemonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendonorth-americarelease-datewii-uWed, 10 Apr 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite clings to top spot in this week's UK Charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-clings-to-top-spot-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-clings-to-top-spot-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-clings-to-top-spot-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments
Like Booker DeWitt on a skyrail, BioShock Infinite hangs high above the rest in this week's UK charts. Despite a 75 percent sales drop after its launch week, Irrational's clouds-based shooter is numero uno for two weeks in a row. Just below it is Tomb Raider, maintaining its own impressive grip on the UK top two; that's five weeks now it's not budged.

Trion's shooter MMO Defiance marks its debut week by notching third place, and is the only new entry in the top 40. Gears of War: Judgment earns a third week appraisal of sixth, falling behind Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon in fifth. Meanwhile, Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel and PGA Tour 14 endure second week drops to 15th and 17th respectively.

After just three weeks, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is nowhere to be seen in the top 40, although there may be more here than meets the eye. After placing seventh in its debut week, MH3U plummeted to a surprising 37th last week. However, Nintendo of Europe chief Satoru Shibata took to Twitter late last week to apologize "for the current stock shortage" of the Wii U and 3DS game "due to high demand." Shibata said new stock will "hopefully be available" this coming week.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite clings to top spot in this week's UK Charts

JoystiqBioShock Infinite clings to top spot in this week's UK Charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games3dsbioshock-infinitechart-trackchart-track-weeklyirrational-gamesmicrosoftmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate before it breaks me]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/breaking-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-before-it-breaks-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/breaking-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-before-it-breaks-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/breaking-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-before-it-breaks-me/#comments In a new weekly column, writer Bob Mackey will alternate between two of his passions: the Japanese RPG genre and classic games. "Before you register any complaints with the management, remember one thing: I'm new here," Mackey says.

Jump onto any video game forum these days, and you'll find no shortage of people willing to teach you the ropes of Monster Hunter. I'm sure a good portion of these devotees have been there for years, but - as with Nintendo's recent Fire Emblem: Awakening - this latest release has brought about a period of relevance for a series that never quite had the same impact on the States as it did in Japan. It's not as if Capcom had to try all that hard; Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate exists as a souped-up version of a three year-old Wii game, dropped into a release period where there might as well be tumbleweeds rolling across my Wii U's home screen. So even if I feel the game isn't all that great - hey, it's something to play.

I've always been a little wary of Monster Hunter, even though some of my favorite series took Capcom's particular ball and ran with it for the sake of grabbing the attention of Monster Hunter's healthy user base. Both Dragon Quest and Metal Gear picked up on Monster Hunter's loot-driven, fun-sized focus, but for the most part, still presented single-player as a viable option. Outside of grappling with the god-awful adhoc party, the only way I'd be able to make the most of Monster Hunter before 3 Ultimate could be found in less than ideal setups, like somehow organizing a group of friends with PSPs - a statistical impossibility - or convincing this same group that their Wiis could indeed be used to play games online - Super Smash Bros. Brawl's multiplayer slide show did a fantastic job of putting this rumor to bed.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2/14/13)

Wii UWii UWii UWii UWii U

Continue reading Breaking in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate before it breaks me

JoystiqBreaking in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate before it breaks me originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendoOpinionwii-uFri, 05 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/deja-review-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/deja-review-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/deja-review-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/#comments Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is the latest revision in the long-running Capcom series, the last of which was seen on Western home consoles in 2010's Monster Hunter Tri. When the developer adds an "Alpha," "Turbo," or in this case "Ultimate," to a game's title, it typically signifies that the core parts of the game are unchanged. With Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, players get the familiarity of Tri with the excitement of more quests, monsters and areas in which to hunt.

Ultimate spans two systems this time around, the Wii U and 3DS. Both versions kick off in Moga Village, putting you through the same tired paces as seen in the previous slow-burn introductions to the universe. Collect some mushrooms, defeat a Great Jaggi, catch three goldenfish, deliver some eggs and so on. Veteran hunters will have plenty of material to re-tread before the game resembles anything different than what they're used to.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate 3DS (2/14/13)

Continue reading Deja Review: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

JoystiqDeja Review: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomdeja-reviewmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uWed, 03 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter save transfer and packet relay tools coming 'by Friday']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/monster-hunter-save-transfer-and-packet-relay-tools-coming-by-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/monster-hunter-save-transfer-and-packet-relay-tools-coming-by-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/monster-hunter-save-transfer-and-packet-relay-tools-coming-by-f/#comments The noticeably absent Packet Relay Tools and Data Transfer Program apps for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate should arrive on Nintendo's eShop by Friday, March 22, Capcom tells Joystiq. The Data Transfer Program will allow players to port their save files between the 3DS and Wii U versions of the game.

"Nintendo is working very closely with us to get these live as soon as possible and we anticipate that they will both be available on the Nintendo eShop by Friday, March 22," Capcom says. The publisher planned to launch both apps along with the game yesterday.

"We sincerely apologize for the delay and appreciate that eager fans are looking forward to the feature set offered by the two apps," Capcom adds.

JoystiqMonster Hunter save transfer and packet relay tools coming 'by Friday' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendosave-transferwii-uWed, 20 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate save transfer utility not available yet [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-save-transfer-utility-not-available-ye/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-save-transfer-utility-not-available-ye/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-save-transfer-utility-not-available-ye/#comments The utility to let you transfer Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate saves between the 3DS and Wii U versions is currently missing in action. It was supposed to have been released on the eShop yesterday on both platforms, concurrent with the game, but neither the 3DS "Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Data Transfer Program" nor the Wii U "Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Packet Relay Tools for Nintendo 3DS" are up on the eShop right now.

Capcom Associate Online/Community Specialist Yuri Araujo posted on the Capcom-Unity thread about the issue, apologizing for the mysterious delay and stating that it would be up late yesterday. As of writing, it is not. We've checked in with Capcom for an updated ETA.

For now, you can play Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on 3DS or Wii U - you just can't play on Wii U if you want your progress from both to carry over.

[Thanks, Joe]

Update: "Capcom is working closely with Nintendo to make these available for download as soon as possible and apologize for the delay," the publisher tells Joystiq.

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate save transfer utility not available yet [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendosave-transferwii-uWed, 20 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate shopping channel vid is gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-shopping-channel-vid-is-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-shopping-channel-vid-is-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-shopping-channel-vid-is-gold/#comments
Do you yearn for the exceptional slaying power of a great sword, but find yourself put off by the high asking price? Well, friend, the Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate shopping network is here to make your day a better, more brutal one. Order now!

Capcom is keen as mustard to get western gamers hooked on Monster Hunter, and this excellently executed video is, for our Zeni, a great way of going about that. Oh, and for those who'd prefer to see the game in action, albeit with people over-animatedly enjoying it, check out the launch trailer after the break. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is out today in North America for 3DS and Wii U, and comes to Europe on Friday, March 22.

Continue reading Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate shopping channel vid is gold

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate shopping channel vid is gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uTue, 19 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom hopes grassroots movement will endear Monster Hunter to the west]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/capcom-hopes-grassroots-movement-will-endear-monster-hunter-to-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/capcom-hopes-grassroots-movement-will-endear-monster-hunter-to-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/capcom-hopes-grassroots-movement-will-endear-monster-hunter-to-t/#comments Despite its unbelievable popularity in Japan, Capcom's Monster Hunter series hasn't taken off to the same degree in western countries. Not to imply that the games don't have a dedicated stateside following - rather, the numbers just can't compare.

With Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate's North American release on the Wii U and 3DS right around the corner, Capcom will be attempting to grow interest in the brand the old fashioned way, by going to shows and talking to people about the game face to face.

"We have a full on booth, a Monster Hunter dedicated booth, at PAX, we have a Monster Hunter dedicated booth at Wondercon, we're also going to be attending C2E2 in Chicago, we have events that we're planning on doing at Capcom's offices in the near future," senior product marketing manager Laili Bosma told us during SXSW Interactive. "We're also looking to hopefully do a summer tour with Monster Hunter across the country."

Bosma gave the off-screen/cross-region post-launch patch announced in February as an example of how Capcom is actively listening and responding to the needs of western audiences. "Capcom is very dedicated to the brand, obviously in Japan being as huge as it is. But, the team is also dedicated to trying to make it work here in the US," Bosma said, though she recognizes that there's no magic fix for transporting popularity overseas.

"It's not magical, it's not going to happen overnight," she added. "My goal here is to try to get as many people to experience it first-hand, and for us to answer those questions as much as we can, and then hopefully grow that audience one person at a time."

JoystiqCapcom hopes grassroots movement will endear Monster Hunter to the west originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcomlaili-bosmamonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendoSXSW-2013wii-uTue, 12 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate trailer shows its angry antagonists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-trailer-shows-its-angry-antagonists/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-trailer-shows-its-angry-antagonists/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-trailer-shows-its-angry-antagonists/#comments

Enter: the majestic creatures of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate who exist purely to be poked with giant sticks, hammers and swords.

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate trailer shows its angry antagonists originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uTue, 12 Mar 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate to get cross-region, off-TV play in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-to-get-cross-region-off-tv-play-in-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-to-get-cross-region-off-tv-play-in-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-to-get-cross-region-off-tv-play-in-ap/#comments Capcom is introducing a patch to Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate in April that brings both cross-region and off-TV functionality to the Wii U game. The introduction of cross-region play, which allows North American and European players to monster-hunt together in battles for up to four players, represents Capcom backtracking on its decision to region-lock the game, and the company says the update is a "response to community feedback."

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate comes to North America in three weeks time on March 19, so it won't have cross-region or off-TV functionality at launch. The game is also set to receive free additional quests on both 3DS and Wii U, with the first of these available at launch.

Continue reading Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate to get cross-region, off-TV play in April

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate to get cross-region, off-TV play in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomDLCmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendopatchwii-uThu, 28 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nintendo eShop releases: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate demos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-demos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-demos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-demos/#comments Today is all about demos. If you've wanted to see what the whole "Monster Hunter" sensation is about, today you can download demos of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on both Wii U and 3DS. There are also demos of Trine 2 on Wii U and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed on 3DS.

Etrian Odyssey 4 will also be released on 3DS eShop on February 26 - between now and the next weekly eShop release list.

Continue reading New Nintendo eShop releases: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate demos

JoystiqNew Nintendo eShop releases: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate demos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdemodemoseshopmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendonintendoware-weeklywii-uThu, 21 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and the power of customization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-and-the-power-of-customization/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-and-the-power-of-customization/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-and-the-power-of-customization/#comments Those who don't own a 3DS or Wii may not be familiar with Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate - it's an updated version of 2010's Monster Hunter Tri, coming to both the Wii U and 3DS in North America.

Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto says the Wii U update is a logical fit based on Wii U's dual-screen setup. "When we decided to make the game on the Wii U, we actually brought out the game on 3DS first - the 3DS version of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate came out in Japan about a year ago, so the game was designed from the very beginning to have that two-screen interaction. So when we made the game - although it was based on Monster Hunter Tri - we felt like we had put so much new content into the game that it deserved the chance to be played by more and more people. The Wii U was a perfect fit because of the fact it has the two screens and you're able to do cross-compatibility between the 3DS and the Wii U. It just made a lot of sense for us to bring that experience into the living room, into the HD realm."

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2/14/13)

Wii UWii UWii UWii UWii U

Continue reading Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and the power of customization

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate and the power of customization originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uTue, 19 Feb 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy both Monster Hunter 3 Ultimates, get $20 off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/buy-both-monster-hunter-3-ultimates-get-20-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/buy-both-monster-hunter-3-ultimates-get-20-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/buy-both-monster-hunter-3-ultimates-get-20-off/#comments Purchasing both the Wii U and 3DS versions of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate would normally set the devoted huntsman back a smooth hundred zingers, but Capcom has announced that purchasing both together through Amazon will result in a $20 discount. Or, in outdated gold-rush vernacular, two sawbucks, which is enough for a new sifting pan and some chew from the General Store.

Both versions of the game must be purchased during the same Amazon transaction for the $20 discount to be applied, so anyone that has already pre-ordered either version of the game needs to first cancel their existing pre-order for everything to work properly.

As we first learned when the North American versions of this game were announced back in September, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is capable of sharing save files between the Wii U and 3DS, allowing for continuous progression across both platforms. Additionally, the 3DS version can be locally linked with the Wii U version for couch multiplayer fun times.

JoystiqBuy both Monster Hunter 3 Ultimates, get $20 off originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAmazonCapcomdiscountmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendopre-orderwii-uFri, 15 Feb 2013 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[MH3 Ultimate, Fire Emblem Awakening EU bundles unveiled, Circle Pad Pro too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/mh3-ultimate-fire-emblem-awakening-eu-bundles-unveiled-circle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/mh3-ultimate-fire-emblem-awakening-eu-bundles-unveiled-circle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/mh3-ultimate-fire-emblem-awakening-eu-bundles-unveiled-circle/#comments Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Fire Emblem Awakening bundles unveiled for EUNintendo revealed European hardware bundles for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Fire Emblem Awakening in this morning's Direct broadcast, along with a release date of April 19 for Awakening.

The Wii U MH3U bundle includes the black Premium edition of the console, a black Pro Controller, and the game. Meanwhile, the 3DS bundle brings the black XL console to the continent for the first time, along with a pre-installed copy of MH3U. The Circle Pad Pro 3DS XL launches in Europe on the same day the game does, which is March 22.

As for Fire Emblem Awakening, it gets a Europe-exclusive blue 3DS XL, as pictured below the break, which includes a pre-installed copy of the game. This morning's Direct presentation also confirmed all of the strategy game's DLC is headed to the continent, but didn't provide any release dates for the add-on content.

Continue reading MH3 Ultimate, Fire Emblem Awakening EU bundles unveiled, Circle Pad Pro too

JoystiqMH3 Ultimate, Fire Emblem Awakening EU bundles unveiled, Circle Pad Pro too originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbundlebundlescapcomeuropefire-emblem-awakeningmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-2013release-datewii-uThu, 14 Feb 2013 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom media drop: RE Revelations, Remember Me, DmC DLC and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/capcom-media-drop-re-revelations-remember-me-dmc-dlc-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/capcom-media-drop-re-revelations-remember-me-dmc-dlc-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/capcom-media-drop-re-revelations-remember-me-dmc-dlc-and-more/#comments
Capcom showed its upcoming lineup to journalists in San Francisco this week, with playable builds of Resident Evil: Revelations, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Remember Me, Darkstalkers Resurrection and the "Vergil's Downfall" DLC for DmC: Devil May Cry.

We'll be posting our thoughts on those later, but in the meantime you can have a look at the new media above (Hunk in a Resident Evil: Revelations trailer) and below.

Gallery: Resident Evil: Revelations (2/14/13)

Continue reading Capcom media drop: RE Revelations, Remember Me, DmC DLC and more

JoystiqCapcom media drop: RE Revelations, Remember Me, DmC DLC and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomcaptivate-2013darkstalkers-resurrectiondmc-devil-may-crymicrosoftmonster-hunter-3monster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendopcplaystationps3remember-meresident-evil-revelationswii-uxboxThu, 14 Feb 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate servers region-locked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-servers-region-locked/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-servers-region-locked/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-servers-region-locked/#comments When Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate comes out in March, you'll have no help online from the Japanese players who will have been practicing for months. The servers for online multiplayer in the Wii U action RPG are region locked, according to a GameReactor interview conducted with producer Ryozo Tsujimoto. "In principle, the online game in Europe is only among Europeans," Tsujimoto said. Capcom clarified to the site that the region lock keeps North America, Europe, and Japan sequestered to their own regions.

Capcom community specialist Yuri Lindbergh responded to US fans, pledging to pass along fans' universal displeasure to Capcom.

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate servers region-locked originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendoregion-lockedwii-uFri, 08 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom sales, income up in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/capcom-sales-income-up-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/capcom-sales-income-up-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/capcom-sales-income-up-in-2012/#comments Capcom continued its recent financial boon with a net income of 6.6 billion yen ($72 million), up 104.9 percent, for the first nine months of its fiscal year, which will end on March 31, 2013. Capcom attributed the success to launches of major games, the growing popularity of its social games in Japan, and its newly introduced Resident Evil 5 slot machine. Sales were up 44 percent during the same period from last year.

While both Resident Evil 6 and DmC: Devil May Cry saw significant reductions to their end-of-fiscal-year projections, Capcom is pleased by the performances of Dragon's Dogma, which exceeded expectations to become a million-seller last year, and Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, which racked up over 600,000 sales during its first month in Japan.

JoystiqCapcom sales, income up in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdmc-devil-may-crydragons-dogmafinancialsfy-2012monster-hunter-3-ultimateq3resident-evil-5resident-evil-6Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DmC: Devil May Cry shipped 1 million in January, forecasts slashed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/dmc-devil-may-cry-shipped-1-million-in-january-forecasts-slash/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/dmc-devil-may-cry-shipped-1-million-in-january-forecasts-slash/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/dmc-devil-may-cry-shipped-1-million-in-january-forecasts-slash/#comments Capcom shipped 1 million units of DmC: Devil May Cry on Xbox 360 and PS3 in January. The company adjusted its sales forecasts for the game to 1.2 million by March 31, down from the 2 million projected back in May 2012.

The figures don't take into account the PC version, released on January 25. Nonetheless, they strongly indicate Ninja Theory's reboot is flagging way behind the last entry in the series, Devil May Cry 4, which shipped 2 million units in its first two weeks at retail.

Capcom also updated sales figures for Resident Evil 6 to 4.8 million; the series' latest outbreak had shipped 4.5 million by the end of September. and was initially projected to reach 7 million sales by March 31. Dragon's Dogma is up to 1.25 million, while Resident Evil: Raccoon City is at a meagre 650,000, including PC sales. Maybe that's why Revelations producer Masachika Kawata feels there've been too many RE games of late.

Capcom didn't release figures for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, released on Wii U in Japan on December 8, 2012, but said the game "became a smash hit." In case you suspect that's just deflective hot air, the action-RPG sold over 600,000 copies by the end of 2012, with the Western launch still to come in March.

JoystiqDmC: Devil May Cry shipped 1 million in January, forecasts slashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdmc-devil-may-crydragons-dogmamicrosoftmonster-hunter-3-ultimateninja-theoryplaystationps3resident-evil-6resident-evil-operation-raccoon-cityxboxMon, 04 Feb 2013 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate lands Mar. 19 in NA, Mar. 22 EU, USB keyboard support, demo dates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-lands-march-19-with-usb-keyboard-suppo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-lands-march-19-with-usb-keyboard-suppo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-lands-march-19-with-usb-keyboard-suppo/#comments
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate arrives on 3DS and Wii U in North America on March 19, and in Europe on March 22, Capcom tells us. Capcom also revealed today on the Unity forums that a day one patch will bring USB keyboard support to the Wii U version.

Free demos are coming to the Wii U and 3DS on February 21.

Continue reading Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate lands Mar. 19 in NA, Mar. 22 EU, USB keyboard support, demo dates

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate lands Mar. 19 in NA, Mar. 22 EU, USB keyboard support, demo dates originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendorelease-datewii-uThu, 17 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plesioth returns in latest Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/plesioth-returns-in-latest-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/plesioth-returns-in-latest-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/plesioth-returns-in-latest-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-screens/#comments Plesioth returns in latest Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate screensCapcom unveiled new Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate screens that feature a familiar face: the Plesioth monster that dates back to the first game in the series, which debuted in 2004 on the PS2.

Since that first game didn't feature any underwater combat, Capcom said Plesioth has "prepared an interesting set of moves" for the underwater battles in the upcoming game. Bring it, Plessy. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is heading to North American 3DS and Wii U consoles in March.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (Plesioth)

JoystiqPlesioth returns in latest Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcommh3umonster-huntermonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendoscreenshotswii-uSun, 13 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate videos show 3 monsters being hunted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-videos-show-3-monsters-being-hunted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-videos-show-3-monsters-being-hunted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-videos-show-3-monsters-being-hunted/#comments
Japanese Wii U owners got Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate at launch last week. For the rest of us, these three videos, depicting battles against Zinogre, Lagombi, and Brachydios, are the best look we're going to get for a while.

Continue reading Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate videos show 3 monsters being hunted

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate videos show 3 monsters being hunted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uFri, 14 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U sold 308,570 units across first two days in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/wii-u-sold-308-570-units-across-first-two-days-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/wii-u-sold-308-570-units-across-first-two-days-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/wii-u-sold-308-570-units-across-first-two-days-in-japan/#comments Wii U sells 308,570 units across first two days in JapanNintendo sold 308,570 Wii U units over the console's opening two days in Japan, according to Enterbrain data. That places the new console 17 percent behind its predecessor, the Wii shifting 371,936 units in its first two days on sale. On the other hand, the Wii U sits comfortably ahead of corresponding launch figures for Xbox 360 (62,135) and PS3 (88,400).

Leading the console's software charts was New Super Mario Bros. U, the platformer selling 170,563 units across the launch weekend. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Nintendo Land clocked in at second and third, racking up figures of 110,159 and 78,461 respectively.

JoystiqWii U sold 308,570 units across first two days in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enterbrainfamitsujapanlaunchmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenew-super-mario-bros-unintendonintendo-landsaleswii-uTue, 11 Dec 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Capturing the grandeur of the hunt in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/capturing-the-grandeur-of-the-hunt-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/capturing-the-grandeur-of-the-hunt-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/capturing-the-grandeur-of-the-hunt-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/#comments Capturing the grandeur of the hunt with Wii U's Monster Hunter 3 UltimateThe sheer scale of Monster Hunter can be overwhelming at times, full of moments spent looking off into what seems like a never-ending horizon while chasing monsters three or four times your size. It's meant to make you feel like one tiny participant in a massive ecosystem - which you are also trying to destroy.

The only window to this massive world over the past few years has been the PSP. In North America, the lone exception has been the Wii's Monster Hunter Tri, while the PlayStation 3 port of Monster Hunter Portable 3rd has remained exclusive to Japan.

But North America will finally be able to explore Monster Hunter's creature-filled worlds in high-definition in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Nintendo's Wii U. Ultimate is an HD update of the aforementioned Monster Hunter Tri that includes a large amount of new content. Playing the upgraded version after spending time with the game on 3DS felt right; it was like suddenly being able to see after being locked in a dark room.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate 3DS - 11/15/12

Continue reading Capturing the grandeur of the hunt in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

JoystiqCapturing the grandeur of the hunt in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uThu, 15 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and the hunting party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-and-the-hunting-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-and-the-hunting-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-and-the-hunting-party/#comments Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate a core gamer call to action on Wii UMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate, an upgraded version of Monster Hunter Tri coming to the Wii U and 3DS, made its American debut at New York Comic-Con.

In my first twenty-minute experience with the Wii U version of the action-RPG, I was able to step into the mind of a true hunter, both through my own travails against the giant Zinogre, and through the crowd of Monster Hunter devotees that surrounded the booth.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (10/11/12)

Continue reading Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and the hunting party

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate and the hunting party originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster-huntermonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendonycc-2012wii-uWed, 31 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate footage and screens captured]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-footage-and-screens-captured/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-footage-and-screens-captured/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-footage-and-screens-captured/#comments
If you're at New York Comic-Con this week, you can try out Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on Wii U at Capcom's booth. Even if you're nowhere near New York, you can see what it looks like in this new media. It looks ... a lot like a port of a Wii game.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (10/11/12)

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate footage and screens captured originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uThu, 11 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate screens and video are a load of shaka-laka]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/new-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-screens-and-video-are-a-load-of-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/new-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-screens-and-video-are-a-load-of-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/new-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-screens-and-video-are-a-load-of-sh/#comments

As if Thursday's screens of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate weren't enough, Capcom is roaring back with more images of the Wii U version.

Additionally, the cute video above explains the differences in the multiplayer offerings between the Wii U and 3DS versions of the game. The trailer also illustrates the game's ability to transfer save data between the two Nintendo consoles, allowing players to hunt enormous beasts on the go.

Both versions of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate are due to arrive in March 2013.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (10/6/12)

JoystiqNew Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate screens and video are a load of shaka-laka originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcommh3umonster-huntermonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendoscreenshotswii-uSat, 06 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Explore Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate's updated world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/explore-monster-hunter-3-ultimates-updated-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/explore-monster-hunter-3-ultimates-updated-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/explore-monster-hunter-3-ultimates-updated-world/#comments Explore Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate's updated worldCapcom has released a flock of images from the updated, Wii U-powered world of the Monster Hunter series. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate launches in 2013, exclusively on Nintendo's coming home console.

Continue reading Explore Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate's updated world

JoystiqExplore Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate's updated world originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uThu, 04 Oct 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New 3DS colors & bundles in Japan, eShop gets digital re-releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/new-3ds-colors-and-bundles-in-japan-eshop-gets-digital-re-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/new-3ds-colors-and-bundles-in-japan-eshop-gets-digital-re-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/new-3ds-colors-and-bundles-in-japan-eshop-gets-digital-re-release/#comments 3DS gets new colors & bundles in Japan, eShop gets digital 3DS rereleasesNintendo announced three new 3DS XL bundles for Japan, with two special case designs for New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Animal Crossing 3DS. The company also announced the upcoming arrival of eight previously released 3DS games on the Japanese eShop.

In an initial Nintendo Direct broadcast, Nintendo showcased 3DS XL bundles for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, NSMB 2, and Animal Crossing 3DS. The Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate bundle comes with an all-black 3DS XL, and launches in Japan on November 1. The NSMB 2 bundle, pictured above, comes with a very flash red design, dotted with light red images from the Mario universe. The Animal Crossing 3DS design is similar, but with polka dot images against a white background, a bit 'Tutti Frutti' if you ask us. The Animal Crossing 3DS bundle arrives in Japan on November 8, with the NSMB 2 one a week after. All three bundles come with digital copies of the game.

That brings us nicely onto the second Nintendo Direct broadcast, which announced eight digital versions of previously released 3DS games for the eShop. Those games don't include the three in the 3DS XL bundles above (cunning, Mr Nintendo), but they do include Ocarina of Time 3D, Pilotwings Resort, Star Fox 64 3D, Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, Mario Tennis Open, Hana to Ikimorio Rittai Zukan (click if you're curious), and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The octet hit the Japanese eShop on November 1.

Gallery: Nintendo 3DS bundles (October 2012)

JoystiqNew 3DS colors & bundles in Japan, eShop gets digital re-releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanimal-crossing-3dscapcomeShopjapanmario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmario-kart-7mario-tennis-openmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenew-super-mario-bros-2nintendoocarina-of-timepilotwings-resortstar-fox-64-3dsuper-mario-3d-landWed, 03 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Can Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate break through in the U.S. and boost the Wii U at the same time?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/can-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-break-through-in-the-u-s-and-boos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/can-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-break-through-in-the-u-s-and-boos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/can-monster-hunter-3-ultimate-break-through-in-the-u-s-and-boos/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
I just finished a viewing of the fabulous Shin Megami Tensei 4 trailer. In a month I'll be playing Pokemon Black 2 & White 2, and Dragon Quest X and Monter Hunter 3 Ultimate are set for the Wii U. Once again I'm reminded that Nintendo's platforms might not have all of the Japanese RPGs, but they have most of the good ones.

On the subject of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate: What does the announcement that it will be released on the Wii U mean for Japan? Is the series finally ready to make the leap in the U.S. now that it's about to released on a (presumably) mainstream console? The answers may not end up deciding the Wii U's ultimate fate, but they should offer some insight into how the system's library will shape up.

Most of you have probably heard about the Monster Hunter frenzy in Japan by now, since it's a good five years old at this points. Thanks to a unique combination of urban density, falling PSP prices and peer pressure, Monster Hunter has become a cultural force in Japan. In the face of this cultural climate, any new Monster Hunter game brings with it a certain amount of pressure to join in with the group.

Monster Hunter has enjoyed niche success in the U.S., but the factors that propelled its meteoric rise in Japan have been largely absent on this side of the Pacific. Put simply, it's tough to find another Monster Hunter fan in the west, which is a problem for a game that puts so much stock in its multiplayer experience. If you're really dedicated, you can attend meetups organized over the internet, but not many gamers seem persistent in that effort. I know I'm not.

Continue reading Can Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate break through in the U.S. and boost the Wii U at the same time?

JoystiqCan Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate break through in the U.S. and boost the Wii U at the same time? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcomCapcom-Production-Studio-1monster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendoOpinionwii-uWed, 19 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate to use Nintendo servers, no bundle planned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-to-use-nintendo-servers-no-bundle-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-to-use-nintendo-servers-no-bundle-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-to-use-nintendo-servers-no-bundle-pla/#comments Christian Svensson, Capcom's Senior VP of planning and business development took to the Capcom Unity forums this week to clear up questions about Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, which was unveiled during a Nintendo Direct presentation this week.

Among the noteworthy clarifications Svensson provided was a confirmation that the 3DS version would not support online play, that there are no current plans to package the 3DS and Wii U versions of the game together in a "hard bundle," and that the Monster Hunter Tri servers will eventually be shut down.

Svensson also mentioned that Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate will use Nintendo's servers for the Wii U version, though the team is "still waiting for Wii U builds in our office to play with and there's still many moving parts that no one except for the team members has first hand experience with at this point."

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate to use Nintendo servers, no bundle planned originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcommonster-huntermonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendowii-uSun, 16 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate announced for Wii U and 3DS, available March 2013 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-announced-for-wii-u-and-3ds-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-announced-for-wii-u-and-3ds-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-announced-for-wii-u-and-3ds-available/#comments Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime announced the return of Capcom's Monster Hunter series in the form of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate during a Nintendo Direct press briefing today.

The game will be available in Europe and North America in March 2013, and features online multiplayer. Fils-Aime highlighted cross-platform multiplayer as a feature for the game, allowing players to progress their characters across Wii U and 3DS versions.

Nintendo's Wii U system was dated and priced at the press briefing today as well.

Update: Capcom sent us a press release with more features for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, including over 200 quests, touch-screen inventory and map functionality, and a "guild card" that can be swapped with other players using the 3DS' Street Pass feature.

Players will also be able to transfer their save data between both systems. The 3DS version supports local four-player multiplayer, with no mention of online play for the portable version.

Update #2: We've added an announcement video above from Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate producer Ryozo Tsujimoto.

Continue reading Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate announced for Wii U and 3DS, available March 2013 [Update]

JoystiqMonster Hunter 3 Ultimate announced for Wii U and 3DS, available March 2013 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcommonster-huntermonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendonintendo-directwii-uThu, 13 Sep 2012 10:44:00 EST