Monster Hunter 3 (Wii) Catch-All

Played through the first two tutorial "missions" last night and oh yeah; this is what I wanted. The controls are just about perfect; my only tiny complaint is that they kept the silly "stepped zoom" function for moving the camera stick up or down rather than an analog zoom/tilt function. Otherwise the controls are exactly what I've wanted from a Monster Hunter game!

I'm going to love this.

ahrezmendi wrote:

(Questions)

I thought about your Demon's Souls question a while and didn't answer because it seemed like a weird comparison to me. Kind of like asking if a hockey game is the same as a baseball game. There are comparisons to be made, yes, but in general I'd have to say no.

It's similar to Demon's Souls in that you have equipment, and there are things to kill, and it can be very unforgiving. I don't think it's quite as bad as Demon's Souls (where it's unforgiving and it punishes you for lack of forgiveness received, based on how often you have failed to receive forgiveness without redeeming yourself) and it's a lot easier to get where you want to be. There's also a sort of "survival-lite" aspect where you're off gathering resources during a mission, like picking herbs, mining ore, gathering mushrooms, that kind of thing. Those are used to create items and equipment. Then there's the fighting, where you don't really get any direct feedback on how you're doing (no floating numbers). You need to learn to read your target's body language and how it reacts to damage to outsmart it if you can't just smash it to pieces.

So in short, no, it's really not much like Demon's Souls at all.

On controls, I think they tried to make the Wiimote work and it's serviceable, but you really should get the CC. The Wiimote can be awkward and gimmicky. Also keep in mind that large monsters can take a LOT of hits to kill. Even a little bit of waggle adds up.

Thirteen wrote:

The major hunts are an endless series of boss fights.

I think this is misleading. I seem to recall one or two missions in the PSP version where they filled a map with large monsters and told you to kill >X of them, but most major hunts have you killing just one or two "boss" monsters.

Blind_Evil wrote:

Status update: I'm way too far into this game for it to have come out yesterday. Just killed Lagiacrus, now onto the five-star business. I'm telling myself now that tomorrow I will go to get some lunch, do some reading and writing, and hit the gym. BEFORE I PLAY.

Yeah, you are way too far for it to have come out yesterday. Have you slept? Compressed time?

Farscry wrote:

Played through the first two tutorial "missions" last night and oh yeah; this is what I wanted. The controls are just about perfect; my only tiny complaint is that they kept the silly "stepped zoom" function for moving the camera stick up or down rather than an analog zoom/tilt function. Otherwise the controls are exactly what I've wanted from a Monster Hunter game!

I'm going to love this. :D

At first I didn't like the "stepped zoom." Then I got used to it. It automatically adjusts itself a bit in each setting so you can usually set it and then leave it alone.

Farscry wrote:

Played through the first two tutorial "missions" last night and oh yeah; this is what I wanted. The controls are just about perfect; my only tiny complaint is that they kept the silly "stepped zoom" function for moving the camera stick up or down rather than an analog zoom/tilt function. Otherwise the controls are exactly what I've wanted from a Monster Hunter game!

I'm going to love this. :D

The thing that really bothers me about it is that they have an analog version of the camera in the underwater bits. Why not just repurpose that for the whole shebang?

Other random complaint: they do a great job with gear and weapon design, but the logical next step is clearly mixing parts from more than one boss in one piece of equipment. Maybe in MHquat.

Blind_Evil wrote:

The thing that really bothers me about it is that they have an analog version of the camera in the underwater bits. Why not just repurpose that for the whole shebang?

Other random complaint: they do a great job with gear and weapon design, but the logical next step is clearly mixing parts from more than one boss in one piece of equipment. Maybe in MHquat.

I think they use a different camera system because land is a mostly 2D environment whereas water is 3D. You need to be able to look around smoothly because you could be headed in any direction.

As I play I can't help but feel like there's less actual content in this version, compared to the PSP ones. Fewer weapons, fewer armor types, fewer monsters, that kind of thing. I guess that's the price we pay for better graphics. There's still plenty to do and all, I just miss my giant enemy crabs and their associated lobster-based items.

IMAGE(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090225224019/monsterhunter/images/7/7c/LobsterArmorSet-Blade.jpg)

IMAGE(http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080711021117/monsterhunter/images/thumb/7/7f/LBOW56.jpg/250px-LBOW56.jpg)

LobsterMobster wrote:

Demon's Souls comparison...

My question wasn't clear enough then. All your comments gel with what I've read and seen of the game, the comparison I was making was that this is a skill based game. What I loved about Demon's Souls was the fact that it rewarded the same things this game does - preparation, caution, and strategy. Going in sword swinging in Demon's Souls was a recipe for death, and so far everyone has said the same thing about Monster Hunter.

The videos immediately reveal that it's not exactly like Demon's Souls (less punishing, no enemy HP bars), but it is in the ways that I was seeking. I spent well over 200 hours playing Demon's Souls exploring various weapons, combinations of spells, and tactics to take down all the enemies and bosses without dying (much). I foresee a similar amount of time being put into this game.

Thanks to all for the responses to my questions. Monday will be the day!

Someone mentioned killing a monster for a second time. Do monsters respawn in this, even boss ones? Or do you have to start a new character to kill a monster more than once?

LobsterMobster wrote:

As I play I can't help but feel like there's less actual content in this version, compared to the PSP ones. Fewer weapons, fewer armor types, fewer monsters, that kind of thing. I guess that's the price we pay for better graphics. There's still plenty to do and all, I just miss my giant enemy crabs and their associated lobster-based items.

The impression I've been getting from other series veterans is that the PSP games were pretty much built on the back of the previous games. Whereas more than half of the content in MHFU was recycled from MHF2, which was half from MHF, etc., MH3 is 90% new material. I think I read that only Rathian, Rathalos, and Diablos are reused monsters.

Anyway, Online!

It's pretty similar to XBL. You can search for people either by their ID, which you get at the server selection screen after your first login, or by your character name. You can also set status notifications (AFK, LFG, No Keyboard, Playing Solo, etc), choose titles you earn as you rank up, and set a profile.

Lobster, I guess you can run a list of names/IDs in the OP? Or wherever you think is appropriate.

My name is Aerick, my ID is AZKVLL.

1Dgaf wrote:

Someone mentioned killing a monster for a second time. Do monsters respawn in this, even boss ones? Or do you have to start a new character to kill a monster more than once?

It's not "respawn" per se, but you can fight whatever you want as many times as you want by accepting the quest from the Monster Hunters Guild Rep.

1Dgaf wrote:

Someone mentioned killing a monster for a second time. Do monsters respawn in this, even boss ones? Or do you have to start a new character to kill a monster more than once?

You can replay hunts and kill monsters as often as you like. Sometimes you'll even find boss monsters randomly on a map because, well, they live there and have nowhere else to go. Or they're curious to come see who shanked their buddy, as most boss monsters are not explicitly unique creatures. The Great Jaggi is just a fully mature alpha male Jaggi, for instance.

The game even records the size of the boss monster when you kill it, and that size is reflected in their in-game model so you'll know you're after a big one before you get the final measurement.

Or a teeny tiny one. Once in MHFU I came across a Khezu that was just barely taller than my character. I thought it was a baby or something. Turns out it was just a runt.

Blind_Evil wrote:

I think I read that only Rathian, Rathalos, and Diablos are reused monsters.

I think you're correct. I still miss my giant crabs! Kut-Ku, too. He didn't mean any harm. He just gets excited is all...

I'll be happy to run a list of online IDs. Could you let me know how you find your ID? I'm still a bit unclear on that.

EDIT: Just realize that this thread is now a year old. :O

LobsterMobster wrote:
Blind_Evil wrote:

I think I read that only Rathian, Rathalos, and Diablos are reused monsters.

I think you're correct. I still miss my giant crabs! Kut-Ku, too. He didn't mean any harm. He just gets excited is all...

I'll be happy to run a list of online IDs. Could you let me know how you find your ID? I'm still a bit unclear on that.

EDIT: Just realize that this thread is now a year old. :O

Are the larger monsters tougher, have higher health thresholds, that sort of thing? Neat if so.

After you pick City instead of Village, you'll go through some connection screens (note that Cha-cha's staff is Kut-ku topped). Then you'll pick a slot for an online ID. It'll send you to the server select screen. Just pick a server that has open space, enter it, and leave after. When you go to log in again, your ID will be under your character's name.

It's all pretty self-explanatory, except being unable to view your own ID while in the game (not that I could find, anyway).

Also, mini-gripe! The Tundra and Volcanic levels seem awfully under-designed compared to the Island, Desert, and Forest levels. The layouts seem like strictly utilitarian arena styles, with fewer nooks and frills.

It's very hard to determine if larger monsters are stronger since there are so many random elements at work and so little feedback. It's believed that they have slightly more HP, hit harder and move faster. They may also yield better carves. They are definitely physically larger, which can make it harder to hit certain parts of their body.

Thanks for the info on finding IDs.

Giant bomb has a quick look up for this game.

I love those guys. Nice tour though, for those of us who are unsure on a purchase.

Well i picked the game up yesterday, if l4d2 dlc comes out today as planned i probably won't be able to play it until next week sometime.

drdoak wrote:

Giant bomb has a quick look up for this game.

I love those guys. Nice tour though, for those of us who are unsure on a purchase.

I love 'em too, and watched it, and it is full of misinformation.

It's a pretty typical game journalist mistake. They have to play so much stuff that they can't store all the minutia of every game, and I understand that. What I do *not* like, is that whenever someone corrects them, they get labeled as one of those crazies that insist their favorite game is way better than it is. Sometimes on podcasts you can hear people talking down their noses at people that play games for more than two weeks. This game will no doubt fall into that category, and MW2 was my last experience with the matter.

Blind_Evil wrote:

I love 'em too, and watched it, and it is full of misinformation.

I just heard the part where he said you learn more attacks by buying combo books. No part of that is correct. This right after Jeff was like, "hey, aren't you going to collect those shiny things on the ground?" and he says, "you can't."

I love these guys and I love their podcast but really... If you don't know something, say you don't know.

EDIT: "I do have a skinning knife but I can't skin those guys. Too small to skin."

So that's three things in a row he's been totally wrong about. Not opinion things, factual things.

It's here!

And it was shipped in a bubble pouch. Awesome, Best Buy.

LobsterMobster wrote:

It's very hard to determine if larger monsters are stronger since there are so many random elements at work and so little feedback. It's believed that they have slightly more HP, hit harder and move faster. They may also yield better carves. They are definitely physically larger, which can make it harder to hit certain parts of their body.

Thanks for the info on finding IDs.

As I said earlier, the first time I beat Gobul, I was a little shocked at the ease of the process. It was 1800 cm long. I just got my ass thrown all around the flooded forest by another, which was 2000 cm. Anecdotal evidence is the best!

LobsterMobster wrote:
Blind_Evil wrote:

I love 'em too, and watched it, and it is full of misinformation.

I just heard the part where he said you learn more attacks by buying combo books. No part of that is correct. This right after Jeff was like, "hey, aren't you going to collect those shiny things on the ground?" and he says, "you can't."

I love these guys and I love their podcast but really... If you don't know something, say you don't know.

EDIT: "I do have a skinning knife but I can't skin those guys. Too small to skin."

So that's three things in a row he's been totally wrong about. Not opinion things, factual things.

I was about to watch this, but given I haven't played the game I don't think I will now. I would much rather not go in with incorrect preconceptions.

ahrezmendi wrote:

I was about to watch this, but given I haven't played the game I don't think I will now. I would much rather not go in with incorrect preconceptions. ;)

That is wise. They get a lot of really basic stuff just plain wrong.

I tried to add you as a friend, Blind_Evil, but it couldn't find you. I'm guessing we both need to be online at the same time.

Still beats friend codes...

I'll pop on there. Not finding you either, maybe we have be on the same server? Valor 1, etc.? You choose an emptier one, and let me know all the specifics of where you go. This isn't what I'd gathered it to be like, lol.

EDIT: OK, I'll jump online too.

Still not seeing you. I'm on Sincerity4, CityGate18.

LobsterMobster wrote:

EDIT: OK, I'll jump online too.

Still not seeing you.

This is all feeling a little familiar, doesn't it Lobster?

Thirteenth wrote:
LobsterMobster wrote:

EDIT: OK, I'll jump online too.

Still not seeing you.

This is all feeling a little familiar, doesn't it Lobster?

A little. >_<

We got each other added, finally. I don't have time to play right now though. Zombies to kill.

Chicken!

I actually wanted to finish my Gobul set before going online anyway, sick of the murderous eskimo look.

I'm 11 hours in and I still look like a total newbie.

There's also a mining spot in 12, and it's been more productive than the others for me.

Also. F*** Rathalos. He is no joke.

LobsterMobster wrote:

I'm 11 hours in and I still look like a total newbie. :(

I'm too embarassed to reveal my playtime, hah.

LobsterMobster wrote:

I'm on Sincerity4, CityGate18.

So is that the official goodjer home? I just got the first area fully opened to me so it'll be at least late tomorrow until I get online.

It took me too long to figure out the mine area was the smallest place on the map, 4, which I repeatedly overlooked. The underwater controls are thankfully butter. Looking over the weapon progression charts it seems like they've streamlined upgrades. It looks like a big improvement over previous games. Lastly, I have to squint to read the dialogue. Damn 50", damn eyes, and damn game.

cyrax wrote:
LobsterMobster wrote:

I'm on Sincerity4, CityGate18.

So is that the official goodjer home? I just got the first area fully opened to me so it'll be at least late tomorrow until I get online.

I second this question, and follow up with - what was the final verdict on how you add friends? Do you have to both be online and in the same zone?

ahrezmendi wrote:
cyrax wrote:
LobsterMobster wrote:

I'm on Sincerity4, CityGate18.

So is that the official goodjer home? I just got the first area fully opened to me so it'll be at least late tomorrow until I get online.

I second this question, and follow up with - what was the final verdict on how you add friends? Do you have to both be online and in the same zone?

I don't think you need to be in the same zones, but you do seem to have to be online. I think us missing each other a few times was just the player search server interacting slowly with the game servers, or some such techy nonsense.

I'm gonna hop online soon enough. I'm just waiting for my component cables to come. I don't particularly like squinting at the screen to read text.