This was my first time playing the Monster Hunter series and I'm pretty impressed! While the game isn't completely well polished as indicated by a confusing control layout (which Im sure I'll eventually get used to) and not-so-well-coordinated combat, I think it's a lot of fun. Lots of weapons to choose from and lots of LARGE BEASTS to fight.

Excited to play this online, hopefully its not a laggy mess.

http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/monst ... omization/

The lack of online sucks SO much in the 3DS version. Either way you slice it, you need a Wii U to play online.

I initially thought that Japan was being stupid as it tends to do on that side of the video game business, killing the game before it started. Turns out- the Japanese version doesn't have online, either. In a recent Direct... there was word of a patch being rolled out to MH3U on the Japanese side of things allowing the 3DS verison to play online, too.

There's a catch. Much like how you can route most any multiplayer game with only local play on a PS3, Nintendo is introducing a way to essentially make your Wii U a wireless access point for your 3DS by using a direct ethernet adapter into the Wii U. While you use this mode, you cannot do anything on the Wii U. You must also have a copy of MH3U on the Wii U apparently(or maybe it's just some download, this is not clear), and you can play your 3DS version on the 3DS online. People are thinking other territories will get this as well, but it kind of defeats the point even if we do, and the current stuff remains true. It would be the cost of $100 for both game versions, and a Wii U and adapter. It's just silly, really- Capcom dropped the ball. It sucks because so many people on the Mag alone are getting the 3DS, and understandably waiting on the Wii U. And Monster Hunter 4(not out yet) does have WiFi on the 3DS version and Wii U version, so I guess I'm lost. Maybe they feel since they're focusing on that it doesn't matter- but it truly doesn't matter to the US since MH3U isn't even out yet.

So it's good news and bad news really. If Nintendo opens this up to any 3DS game with only local multiplayer, this could be potentially as huge as when the PS3 got this feature.

Regardless, MH is a very fun and yet challenging game to play. If you're planning on getting a Wii U later anyways, you can just get the 3DS version now, and though it will be local play only with the 3DS... you can transfer that character later, or take it online anytime with that adapter. And if not, MH4 is in the pipeline, and will abolish this stupid infrastructure.

The absence of online for the 3DS version is indeed a dumb move. In fact, I was quite surprised when I first heard about that and rightfully so. On a bright note...

Capcom heard the fans, now gamers can enjoy slaying beasts on the game pad alone. Also, cross region play!

http://m.gamespot.com/news/monster-hunter-3-ultimate-adding-cross-region-play-off-tv-support-6404627

I saw that! I am so happy for gamepad play. It's cozy.

Nevermind on the region stuff. Should have been US and EU to start! I thought we were getting real worldwide play.

IT'S OUT TODAY

I FINALLY have a working external hard drive for my console. 1TB may be a bit of an overkill, but I was able to get it for a cheap price. Still need a dumb y cable though, so I'm just going to get the physical copy of Monster Hunter. Big hype surrounding this game and some good reviews so far. I am excite.

I GOT THIS TOO. Somehow, I messed up again and got another unexpected 3DS game- the 3DS version of MH. We're sending it back though, cause money is important and stuff. And it can't play online so I can definitely wait for that.

So yeah! I have the Wii U one. Except it sucks that I can only play it on the TV. It's kinda far despite being 32" and so text can be hard to read. And I need to upgrade my glasses direly.

However, in the meantime I think I will be looking up strats and basics for new hunters.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/33866

The update went live today, downloaded, installed it, and sunk a few hours into the Off-Screen play. Its a bit tricky to get used to considering the fact that you're playing a big game on a small screen. It's awesome though, everything runs smooth and you can even play online...all from the comfort of your bed, toilet, whatever. Your preference. I won't juuudge.

Finally! I will actually play it now. Cause I'm lazy like that.

Fa sho, we gotta do some online Hunting