Tri fans may have déjà vu, but additional downloadable quests, multiplayer functionality and an HD transfer make this a strong port.
Back in 2010, Capcom brought its immensely popular action game Monster Hunter 3 Tri to the Wii, a decision that was both limiting (in terms of presentation and online strength) and defining (dozens of quests to choose from, customization options galore) yet successful for the company in general. So we knew it was only a matter of time before it would make its return to consoles. We were kind of hoping for a PS3/360 stop-off, because of its larger online audience, but instead we get Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for the Wii U and 3DS. That sounds like a raw deal, but, to be honest, it's not an entirely bad choice.
This review is primarily for the Wii U version, with the 3DS one coming down the road. The game follows a very similar structure to Tri, featuring missions that may be repeats to some folks, along with some new content to keep events from going too far into familiar territory. And you know what? It still works.
I'm not a die-hard Monster Hunter fan (unlike the millions who picked it up the last time around) but I can easily see where many would find its appeal. Being able to go on a number of quests, chasing after beasts clearly two to three times your size (or smaller, if you're lucky) and acquiring new items as a result has "addictive looting" written all over it. Customization plays a huge part as well, as you'll earn new armor types and acquire weapons.
