2015/6/4: Wii U: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

[VideoGameCritic]

Let me know what you think about my latest Wii U review.

[Rev]

Nice review. I totally get your opinion on MH Ultimate. I've tried playing two different games in the series and have yet to understand the hype of the games. I know it has a huge learning curve and it's supposed to be rewarding but man... I just can't get into it fast enough and usually give up after a few hours. For me, games have to draw me in quick otherwise I will quickly lose focus and I feel like this series is very unkind to new players. Maybe MH 4...

[DaHeckIzDat]

Ooh, Critic... you might be getting some backlash for this one. I've played a couple of the MH games, and I definitely get their appeal even if they're not for me. I've never played 3 Ultimate, but from the ones I've played, I think you may have been playing with the wrong mindset. This isn't God of War, and isn't mean to be played as such. I have a feeling the "laggy weapons" may have been the heavier ones, but that's intentional. With a short sword or a pair of knives, you get quick but weak attacks. With a huge hammer or a greatsword, you have very powerful hits but they take a long time to happen. The game is all about learning how to use each weapon, and when to attack. As for finding the monsters you're told to hunt, I may be mistaken, but don't they show a quick cutscene when you spot the one(s) you're looking for? Since I haven't played 3U, I can't really comment on the underwater fights. But still, this isn't an action game, it's a fantasy-based hunting simulator. You track the monsters down or lure them to you. You have to fight defensively a lot of the time, because just running in swinging your sword will almost always get you killed. Like I said, it wasn't my cup of tea either, but maybe you could consider rereviewing it with a different mindset? It's a little like Minecraft. You have to be looking for something SPECIFIC if you want to enjoy them.

[ptdebate]

This is one of my favorite games last gen, but I have to admit that if you don't like this one, you probably won't like any of them.

Most of the important mechanics in the game are not stated explicitly. I daresay that they are intentionally secret.

The way the game is played in its natural habitat (Japan) is in local multiplayer on portable systems like the 3DS, PSP, or mobile devices. It's just not a game that you play by yourself for any extended period of time. It's kind of a team-based sandbox RPG/survival game where communication with your fellow players is key. The more I learned from people I played MH3U, the more the game opened up to me and I got to really explore its deeper aspects, such as elemental builds and team dynamics.

MH3U is emphatically not an instant enjoyment kind of game. If you aren't willing to learn a ton of crazy stuff that you've probably never seen or heard of in any other game, it will remain a brick wall to you. The game is pretty unfriendly and unwelcoming like that, but the community has some of the friendliest people I've ever met.

It's very satisfying to finally take down those triple Deviljhos or Black Diablos with your partners. That's the sort of thing that all the hard work is leading up to, and man what a payoff when you make it.

[Splash]

For once VGC, I actually agree with a review you've made. Honestly I was starting to think I was the only one that disliked the Monster Hunter games.

[SigSauerLover]

I get it's not great, but COME ON. An F?

[ActRaiser]

F works for me. I tried the demo and said, ugh, after 10 minutes.

[Vexer6]

I tried the Monster Hunter inspired missions in Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker and could not successfully beat a single one of them as they were ludicrously cheap and frustrating, so there's no way in hell I could possibly enjoy an entire game of that.

[scotland]

Wow. If ever a review matched the grade, this is that review. You savaged it like a velociraptor does to a cow. Don't expect a Christmas card from Capcom this year.

[nesfan]

Don't expect a Christmas card from Capcom this year.

They would only send half of the card and charge you $5 for the rest, anyway.