Previews

Over the past several years, Capcom's Monster Hunter series has become a phenomenon in Japan, with each game resulting in millions of copies sold. If that isn't enough, the franchise became popular in other markets as well, with thousands of players combating beasts big and small, either on their own or with a group of fellow hunters. On February 13th, players will once again enjoy hack-and-slash excitement when Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate releases for both the original 3DS and new Nintendo 3DS systems.

Good will hunting

Similar to other games, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate tasks your character with working through an open-world environment, pursuing specific creatures in the hopes of completing bounties for the local village and acquiring new items, including stronger weapons and armour that you can add to your collection.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate introduces two new weapons that will intrigue new and veteran hunters; The Insect Glaive and the Charge Blade. The Glaive is staff that can inflict a great deal of damage, whilst also allowing the player to pole-vault to get an aerial advantage. It also comes equipped with an insect companion that attacks the enemy and returns with status enhancing objects. The Charge blade, is similar to the Switch Axe, but converts from a huge axe to a sword and shied, allowing a good mix of combat styles.

Like Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, your character can't run unless his or her weapon is put away, forcing your virtual persona to slow down. While sprinting, you must come to a halt before unsheathing your weapon of choice. This will definitely change how some people approach monster battles, or use their dashing ability to get out of harm's way.

That said, the game adds a new degree of verticality not seen in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, as you won't just run across wide open land. Instead you'll ascend cliffs and platforms in the pursuit of different monsters (a list comprised of old favourites like Tigrex and newcomers such as Gore Magala), and dive even deeper into underwater caves, where dangerous fish will attempt to eat you and your mates alive. On top of that, you’re able to perform jump attacks while clinging to walls and ledges. Even cooler, you can leap on top of monsters and pull off devastating moves guaranteed to drain their health.

Capcom and Nintendo universes collide

Along with some of the more customary Monster Hunter types in the game (warriors with dual blades, single-handed weapons and other tools of the trade), Capcom included plenty of fan service, including a number of familiar characters and techniques that will change how you hunt.

A Samus Aran suit from Metroid is unlockable, allowing you to use both her armour and abilities, like a charging pulse cannon and even a few mines that trip up any beast that gets in your way. In addition, Mega Man makes his debut in the franchise, in an odd Super Mario 3D World-esque Palico cat suit that enables him to throw projectiles and climb up walls with ease.

Equipment inspired by combatants from Street Fighter II will also be included, as you can equip your hunter with either the Blanka or Chun-Li Ultimate Felyne Palico outfits. Capcom hasn't specifically stated what players must do to unlock these skins, but chances are they’ll need to go through quite a few hunts before these items become available in the local villages.

Just add friends

Up to four players can take part in missions, either locally through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or online through the Nintendo Network, a first for the series. Sessions seem to run smoothly thus far, although it obviously helps if your group stays together to take down the intended target, rather than wandering apart. Doing the latter is an easy way to get wiped out.

Better still, players who own either the original 3DS or the new Nintendo 3DS can join together in parties, even though players with newer hardware will have access to additional features, such as the C-Stick which makes the camera rotation easier.

Sharpening your blade

As with any Monster Hunter experience, Ultimate will provide players with a plethora of rewards to choose from, including advanced weapons that prove necessary against difficult opponents, better armour types and cool custom skins. The game has more than enough content to unlock, whether you're going solo or having friends tag along.

While the action may not be for everyone's tastes, enthusiasts should welcome the challenge when Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate arrives in Europe on February 13th. Thankfully you have less than a month to wait, and with Capcom likely to release a demo in the meantime, you’ll be able to get a taste of what this ambitious game has to offer.