For a game that’s primarily Japanese, Monster Hunter Tri displays a shocking impact here in America. April 20 marked the release of an immensely beautiful game by the name of Monster Hunter Tri. The reputation before the game was released, was almost too extreme to live up to. This game, however, lived very much up to the expectations. The vast hunting system allows players to engage in thrilling hunts not only alone, but with friends. Monster Hunter Tri’s system of fighting can be a bit touchy at times, but it adds a layer of difficulty that most games these days are severely lacking.

The game’s single player mode introduces the game at a relatively slow learning pace. However, as the game gets going, it grows to be rather difficult. The weapon types given, all have strengths and weaknesses that make the game all the more team based. Single player is an incredibly difficult mode when you’re alone, unless you’re out gathering resources of course. In a review taken from GameStop.com, Charley Bobert boasts that, “The playabilty of Monster Hunter (Tri) will keep you playing for hours until you finally beat that monster or upgrade your weapon. I couldn't stop playing the night I got the game.”

When the player gets to access the guild quests, they go on quests that range anywhere from gathering commodities to capturing enormous monsters. The difficulty of the quest is shown by a hunter’s rank, ranging from one to five stars. The higher the number of stars, the harder the game is. Dan Ryckert of Game Informer Magazine, says in his review, “I often spent over 30 minutes attempting to take down a massive creature, only to fall at its feet for the second, third, or fourth time. Each time you fall, it’s another chance to more adequately prepare for the battle ahead. It’s smart to head back to the drawing board and put away all the items that didn’t work, only to grab a handful of new toys that might fare better in taking the beast down.” As the player progresses through the game, they unlock two new weapon sets. The switch-axe, an axe that doubles as a sword, and the long sword. Needless to say, the game’s expansive features make it a worthy buy for any RPG fan.

The graphics shown in Monster Hunter Tri are absolutely amazing for a third-party Wii game. The environments and monsters are incredibly detailed. Lifelike creatures make this game all the more worthy of your money. The monsters make somewhat lifelike sounds and put the player into a setting that seems so much like an actual battle, that it adds to the game’s achievements.

            Fans of the series can relate the older features to the new game and can use their knowledge of the previous games to their advantage in the newest installment. Combinations have changed little from what they used to be and many of the people who logged thousands of hours of play time in the first few, love what they did with the new game. One such player, Sr. Dean Windemuller, had this to say about the game, “The game is a refreshing reminder of a series that has always been well done. It was well worth the money.”

            The lasting impact on gamers that the Monster Hunter series has left, has influenced all RPG’s to be the best they can be. Thousands of people in America looked to this game with high hopes and Tri did not disappoint.