PSP - Monster Hunter Portable 3rd

"A worthy choice for any gamer's library."

Monster Hunter. A game where you hunt monsters. Sounds easy? Think again. So, what makes this game different from the other generic hack and slash games? What makes this so incredibly popular? What makes the average gamer to purchase this product? Well, this review will answer those questions, while explaining, why this game, is truly worthy to be any gamer's library.

Graphics - 10/10
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd pushes the PSP's graphics to its limits. High quality textures, extremely detailed characters and environment. But surely, dedicated gamers do not merely look at a game's graphics to decide whether or not it is worthy to become one of the games in their shelves now? But one would expect that the graphics of a game is not a eyesore or it would be a real turn off.

And as expected, Monster Hunter Portable 3rd graphics will not disappoint any gamer. Equipped with superior lighting, one could almost feel the rays of the flaming sun that shines upon a area. Water looks like water. Yes, for once something so basic actually looks like what it should look like, well at least for PSP standards. Weapons, armors, your hunter, and most importantly, the monsters, are well made. One could definitely tell how much work the developers did on the graphics and the result is pure excellence.

Music - 10/10
With astounding graphics, how could this game not be accompanied with music equivalent to its graphics? Numerous songs, and tracks are played throughout the game. But we all know, we do not play a game, unless it is a rhythm/music game, to listen to its tracks now? But we could no doubt agree that the songs played must be appropriate and does not discourage us?

This game, indeed provides the correct tracks and songs fitting for every atmosphere it creates for you. The village, is tied with a song that gives a tranquil feel to the player, a feel that is important, especially after a long and hard hunt. When you encounter a monster, the song changes immediately giving you a cue to be serious. Every area has its own unique track that actually fits. Beautifully composed, Monster Hunter's music would not discourage the player from playing.

Controls - 10/10
Even if a game's music and graphics are top notch, it all doesn't matter if the controls are horrible right? That is correct, and Monster Hunter Portable 3rd is not a game with said controls. The controls are easy to maneuver and learned, but sure, even if the controls are learn able, this game will be pretty boring if it only had a few controls for me to mash right?

Also correct, that is why Monster Hunter Portable 3rd allows you to master several weapons types, each with its own control style! Every weapon fights differently and are different then the other. And rest assured, the controls are easy to master as well, but would take some real training against a live monster if you would wish to utilize them correctly.

Story - 0/0
Zero! Why Zero!? Why a Zero for a 10/10 game? Why? Because this game has absolutely no story. But don't let that turn you off if you are a gamer who enjoys a decent story, after all don't we all agree that a game should have some kind of plot in order to make a gamer look forward to completing it?

Well, technically there is a plot. But the plot is too miniscule to be considered a story. Nevertheless, what makes Monster Hunter Portable 3rd so captivating is not because its story, but its gameplay.

Gameplay -10/10
Ahh, the gameplay, the prize of the game. A game with superior graphics, music, and controls is nothing without a half decent gameplay. And if you are expecting a half decent gameplay then you are to expect something else. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd's gameplay is nothing less of perfection.

Hack and Slash? What is this, Dynasty Warriors? No, Monster Hunter redefines the said style of gameplay. You risk your life as you challenge massive monsters that is three or more times larger than your size. One slash could send half of your health away. One wrong move and the beast devours your hunter. Every hunt is dangerous. This game forces the player to learn the monsters movement, its habits, its speed, its power, and its control over the elements. Just merely one direct hit from the creature and you would be sent flying back to where you came from. If you think this is hacking and slashing is boring then think again, this game will keep you on your toes, every second while you are fighting a monster.

So what if a monster is tough? Lock On + Health bars + Uber Damage Charged Weapons = BORING! Exactly! That is why Monster Hunter Portable 3rd does not show the monster's health bar, possesses absolutely NO lock on devices, and every weapon will never reach to a point where you could even think of one hitting or beating down a monster blindfolded.

What!? Well at least the monster won't change its cycle of movements... Memorized a beast's movement? Too Bad, since the monster's moveset changes as it gets "enraged", "tired", or even in some cases, become entirely different depending on where you fight it.

Pfft, this game will still suck if there is only a few monsters to hunt... That is also true, but it is unfortunate, that there is a huge roster of diverse monsters each with its own unique moveset depending on situation in this game. Downloadable Content, adds more playability to the game. Finished with the village's quests? The game provides a entire set of quests dedicated for higher level play and of course, ad hoc play, fulfilling the gamer's need to fight in a higher difficulty and those gamers who want to work with other gamers to fight a monster.

Meh, I do not have any friends... So...? Don't worry, if you decide to solo the game, the game is perfectly soloable, but with a twist. You will be aided by 2 of your most trusted felyne AI companions that equip armors and weapons just like a hunter and also possesses abilities that you could customize.

Customizable cats? What about me? Of course you won't be left out in the cold! Monster Hunter Portable 3rd provides a enourmous amount of weapons, and armors that is separated into several parts of the body, spread between rarity and its own specific monster part requirement! Customizable voice, hair, face, gender, and much, much more right from the beginning of the game! No two hunters would look the same, as well as the armors each grants you a specific ability where it is up to you to mix and match to make the perfect set for your hunter.

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd is every bit NOT a boring game. Every part of the game is action packed, even when you hunt with friends. Every hunter possesses the health of a hunter, meaning when a monster gets stronger on higher difficulty quests, your health won't go any higher then it is already is. Even with certain health boosters your health will only go up to a fraction of your original. If you expect to stand there and tank hits, then you will be proven very wrong. Whether you want to hunt alone or with friends, this game will prove nothing less of a perfection.

Overall - 10/10
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd is definitely a game worthy to be in the collection of any gamer. Games that are released these days are easily forgotten and is no doubt boring in its own right. Only Monster Hunter Portable 3rd provides a near infinite amount of replayablity, challenge, customization, adrenaline, and most of all fun. Nothing beats the feeling after conquering a massive monster that could had strike you down in one strike.