Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. for PS3

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Just a disclaimer: I am a huge Monster Hunter fan, so there may be some bias in this review.

I started playing Monster Hunter on the PS2 8 years ago, then moved through the various PSP ports before stopping before the Wii and Wii U ones (I wasn't going to switch platforms for a MH game that has less content). So when I found out there was another MH game on the PS3, I was ecstatic.. Until I found out it was only in Japanese. I don't speak a bit of Japanese, however I do understand the concepts of MH very well, which is one thing that will help you greatly if you plan on purchasing this game.

Through the help of a couple wikis and some YouTube videos, I can manage to make out 95% of what is going on with the game and navigate it no problem, even with complete Japanese text and voices. The game is an absolute blast in single player and multiplayer, even if it feels a bit easier than previous MH games (Maybe that's just me though. At 3 hours into the game I already have a weapon that can kill the first "boss" monster in about 20 hits). I would definitely recommend it if A: You speak Japanese and understand Monster Hunter. B: You don't understand Japanese, but understand Monster Hunter and don't mind using the internet to help you with it. I would not recommend this if A: It's your first MH game or B: You don't speak Japanese and don't like using the internet to help. The final thing to mention is that this game IS upscaled PSP game for the PS3, so don't expect terrific graphics (that being said, the graphics are surprisingly good).

This game is very grind based in terms of gear and there is no leveling, just like all the other MH games. Meaning, there is no actual XP related leveling for your character, stats are based purely off gear (armor, weapons, charms) and buffs from items. This can turn a lot of people away from the game, but I personally love it. It adds a certain level of skill to the game (think Dark Souls type weapon upgrading, without the leveling) that others don't have.

The combat is phenomenal, there's all the same weapons plus a new one (Switch Axe), and they all flow just as well as always. I personally use the Long Sword (very long Katana/sword. Think Washing Pole from Dark Souls), and it is fantastic. The game uses the same controls as the PSP games, except you can use the right analog stick to turn the camera, which is a Godsend.

Lastly, they added some new monsters and area (such as a giant blue bear type creature you encounter in an ancient Japanese forest), which help greatly mix up the game's variety and style. This game has a much great Ancient Japanese Mountains feel, and less of a run down village feel like the previous games.

So, to sum up:

Pros:

Wicked fun.

Upscaled PSP graphics look surprisingly good.

Smooth combat.

Easy to get into if you have experience with MH.

New monsters.

New areas.

Refreshing new village.

Cons:

Language barrier is huge if you don't speak Japanese.

Not a good idea if it's your first MH game.

As said above, graphics ARE decent, but they are also upscaled PSP ones, so that can lead to some rather "blah" textures.

Game price. I paid around $50 shipped for a new copy of this game, and it's been out for years.

Difficult to find a group to play with online unless friends have the game.

All that being said, I love the game. I can see myself putting many, many hours into it.

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The first thing I must say about the game is how awesome it is! For sure, the game is in japanese and for new players it might be really really frustrating not knowing what to do since it's a complex game... but if you played others Monster Hunter you wont have that much trouble! The graphics are pretty impressive for an HD port of the psp game! The controls are a lot better than PSP (for those who have problem with "The claw" camera control) ! The game includes Ad-hoc party(jp) and you can play online with other hunter (which is a nice feature but required a wired connection not Wi-Fi or else you won't be able to play online). There is a 3D feature(I don't own a 3d television so haven't tried it) and being able to hunt epic monster in 3D must be awesome :)! These days, most game have only few hours of gameplay but this one like other monster hunter you can spend lot lot lot and (did I said lot?) lot of hours playing this game hunting and grinding items alone or with friend ! If you have a PSP save of MHP3rd you can transfer it on your ps3! In conclusion... A must-buy for MH Fans! :D

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I love the MH series. I was so happy when I purchased this game. If you've played other MH titles before then you won't have a problem knowing what to do. If you haven't ever played MH then leave this one alone. Everything is in Japanese. Unless of course you ARE Japanese. Great game.

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At first you think how the heck am I going to understand this game with crazy moon symbols but then you realize you just need to know how to swing the big stick. I love monster hunter.

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Having spent around 1300 hours in all Monster Hunter games, I knew what I was getting into when I got this game, so I wouldn't be absolutely lost playing a confusing Japanese game. Because Monster Hunter is hard enough to get into without being Japanese, If you want to get into this series I would highly recommend Getting 3 Ultimate before even thinking of trying this game. For those who have played Monster Hunter before, this game is basically where alot of the new stuff in 3U came from. Having new monsters, bringing back all 12 weapon types back, deleting water combat-and Gobul and Lagiacrus, And being able to have 2 kitty companions with customizable weapons and armor, this game does a lot that Tri didn't do. (Though Tri had a complete online which is why I personally had more fun with that game). Having spent around 300 hours in this game (PS3 and PSP version) this game is probably my second favorite in the series next to Tri (And second favorite game of all time next to Tri)