Post by: the_dan_x on December 15, 2012, 10:03:44 PM
Is this the ultimate version of Monster Hunter 3?
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/32801
Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G HD Version, or Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate as it is known in the West, is the next iteration of Monster Hunter 3 and the series’ first appearance in full HD on a Nintendo platform. Don’t go in expecting a game completely different from last year’s Nintendo 3DS title, though. On the surface, this title is more or less the same game as last year, and is extremely similar to the Wii version as well. However, a few differences set the Wii U version apart from the previous entries in the series.
Data Transfer
One of the best things about 3G HD is the option to continue your quest from the 3DS versions on the big screen. After downloading a transfer application from the 3DS eShop, you can send your data to the Wii U version to play the game in full 1080p. The process is quick and painless, and afterward you’ll be hunting monsters on the big screen in no time. Of course, players can also transfer the data back to their 3DS from the Wii U to continue on playing on the go.
Although the game runs at 1080p, it’s very clear that this a standard definition title running in high definition. The game usually takes place with the camera set a bit away from your main character and other environmental elements, so it usually doesn’t look too bad. When close up, though, textures are blurry and muddy, and the engine just looks dated. In the game’s defense, this is the HD version of the 3DS title. Despite these gripes, the game runs at a pretty constant frame rate. The point of this game isn’t to dazzle players with its visual fidelity, so if you are coming into the experience looking to be blown away, reset those expectations.
Cross-platform and online play are perhaps the biggest draws to this iteration of Monster Hunter. For the first time, players can play simultaneously on both their home console and handheld locally. Up to three people on Nintendo 3DS can join in for the hunt. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anyone to play with for the purpose of these impressions, so I can’t really speak to well it works. I can, however, touch a little bit on the multiplayer mode. While my monster hunting skills are well under average, I still found myself having a great time playing online with some Monster Hunting gods. Connecting to the Internet in the game is quick and easy, and I had absolutely no issues with lag or slowdown when playing. Chatting with friends can either be handled with pre-written messages and actions or through personalized messages you can type on the GamePad. Everything works great!
In terms of control options, there are quite a few different ways you can choose to play through the game. The game supports the Wii Classic Controller Pro, Wii U Pro Controller and of course, the GamePad. In my time with the game, I found the GamePad setup to be the most useful. Having only really played the 3DS version before, having the map and other status updates on the touch screen helped me stay oriented in this complicated world. The touch screen is completely customizable, letting you select where to put the map, shortcuts to items, and more. You can even opt to put additional camera controls on the touch screen (the camera is also assigned to the right analog stick and GamePad D-pad, with a reset option on the L button). Of course, you could also just opt to leave the touch screen a completely blank slate.
Playing online with friends
Monster Hunter 3G HD Ver. is definitely the quintessential version of Monster Hunter 3. I’m not even a superfan of the series, but it’s quite clear this game has a ton to offer. Not only that, but owning the 3DS version in conjunction with the Wii U version looks to enhance the experience by letting you play pretty much play anywhere you go. Players in the West are in for a treat next spring when both titles come out simultaneously on the 3DS and Wii U.
Post by: AV on December 16, 2012, 12:21:11 AM
I'm guessing you don't get both versions for price of one so you have to buy twice so that's like $100 for ability to play either on tv or mobile .
I don't want to seem like a troll or anything I just want to make sure things are clear.
Post by: xcwarrior on December 16, 2012, 01:23:21 AM
I for one can't wait until March. I'll probably pick up both 3DS and Wii U versions, so I can play on my own on the go, come home and hunt online. This might be the last the 3DS or Wii U game I'll need for months, as I sank 260+ hours into Tri on the Wii.
Post by: Oblivion on December 16, 2012, 01:53:47 AM
Post by: NWR_insanolord on December 16, 2012, 02:00:00 AM
Post by: the_dan_x on December 16, 2012, 08:40:03 AM
@Oblivion This would probably not be a bad place to start. Either this or the 3DS version. They are both really well put together games and can last you for several hours.
JP, as far as I can tell (I double checked before posting this, too) there is no way for you to play this in Off TV mode. Even if you aren't using the GamePad, the game is still displaying a lot of stuff on the touch screen. For example, with things like online play, the typing interface takes up the whole touch screen with the soft keyboard making it impossible to play. Sure, they could just limit you to pre-written responses, but that might go against what the devs were doing with this version. In the end, you DO have an Off TV play option and it's called your 3DS. :P:
Post by: ejamer on December 16, 2012, 12:53:59 PM
... They are both really well put together games and can last you for several hours.
...
Surely "several hours" is missing a word. Playing for several hours would barely scratch the surface of a Monster Hunter game - it it makes a scratch at all.
Several dozen hours would get you into the game. Several hundred hours will probably be required if you really want to finish all the quests and master more than one weapon type. If you want to collect and craft everything, well I don't even want to speculate how long that would take...
Post by: Razorkid on December 16, 2012, 12:56:31 PM
I for one can't wait until March. I'll probably pick up both 3DS and Wii U versions, so I can play on my own on the go, come home and hunt online. This might be the last the 3DS or Wii U game I'll need for months...
This is my plan as well. I will build my character offline on 3DS and play online on my WiiU. I heard impressions of this game on the 8-4 Play podcast and between them and what Dan wrote here, a few things I hope they change before releasing this in the west:
-Voice chat: Like, there is no excuse why this cannot be implimented, regardless if this is a port of the 3DS version.
-Make it easier to play with friends online: From what I heard, its a fantastically involved process that should be waaay easier than it is.
-Make this (and the 3DS version) digital releases day and date: Because that's how I'm buying my games for these systems and these games in particular are gonna be played for hundreds of hours.
I also hope they release a black 3DSXL bundle with MH3 installed, but that's reaching a bit I suppose.
Post by: DigitalGreenTea on December 16, 2012, 02:09:42 PM
-Voice chat: Like, there is no excuse why this cannot be implimented, regardless if this is a port of the 3DS version.
It does feature voice chat, the Wii U version. Here's a video showing it, look closely to the health bar. It's a microphone symbol, and I've asked a Japanese player who got the game, he said it works with headsets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL0Sz1olSvI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Post by: Razorkid on December 16, 2012, 02:20:57 PM
Post by: @WingmanPorkins on December 16, 2012, 03:50:49 PM
Post by: Seacor on December 16, 2012, 07:09:22 PM
Post by: Mop it up on December 17, 2012, 05:09:38 PM
The point of this game isn’t to dazzle players with its visual fidelity,Why isn't it, exactly? It has less of a reason to exist if the visuals aren't much better. They should have called it "Online Version" instead of "HD Version" if good visuals aren't one of the points.
Post by: Oblivion on December 17, 2012, 08:40:32 PM
Post by: xcwarrior on December 18, 2012, 06:18:03 PM
I for one can't wait until March. I'll probably pick up both 3DS and Wii U versions, so I can play on my own on the go, come home and hunt online. This might be the last the 3DS or Wii U game I'll need for months...
This is my plan as well. I will build my character offline on 3DS and play online on my WiiU. I heard impressions of this game on the 8-4 Play podcast and between them and what Dan wrote here, a few things I hope they change before releasing this in the west:
-Voice chat: Like, there is no excuse why this cannot be implimented, regardless if this is a port of the 3DS version.
-Make it easier to play with friends online: From what I heard, its a fantastically involved process that should be waaay easier than it is.
-Make this (and the 3DS version) digital releases day and date: Because that's how I'm buying my games for these systems and these games in particular are gonna be played for hundreds of hours.
I also hope they release a black 3DSXL bundle with MH3 installed, but that's reaching a bit I suppose.
Clearly we need to do some group hunting come March! And yeah, the 3DSXL bundle might be a bit much.
My crazy hope is a bundle of MH3U for Wii U, 3DS and you get your choice of the circle pad pro that you need for like $100. I know, I'm dreaming.
