Kotaku: The Monster Hunter series wasn't always the "monster" (heh heh) hit it is currently. Originally released for the PS2, the first game, Monster Hunter, and its sequel, Monster Hunter G, sold less than a million copies each. It wasn't until the game went hand-held to the PSP with Monster Hunter Portable (Monster Hunter Freedom in the west) that Capcom scored their first million seller with the series.
There is, however, something to be said about the fact that the game series helped cement the PSP's popularity in Japan among the previous generation of handhelds (so much so that the PSP continues to outsell the PS Vita) as well as establish the popularity of the 3DS in the current generation of handhelds in Japan. Why does the series garner such popularity mainly in Japan?
Just a heads up, this Monster Hunter image is not a screenshot, it's actually real-life cosplay. Yep, it really does look that good.
cool story but the gamebyte site is riddled with ads and popups, be aware before you click.
"This Heavily Photoshopped Picture of a Monster Hunter Cosplay Looks Like A Screenshot From The Game"
There, fixed it for you.
Cosplay looks cool, picture looks cool. But header is just silly.
But when you take a photo then heavily edit it in Photoshop. Doesn't that take away from the original costume?
Here's how Monster Hunter went from a phenomenon in Japan to Capcom's juggernaut.
Great Sword, Hammer & Lance are the trios that exist since the dawn of the Monster Hunter series. Despite its simple move set (Charge >> Release >> Roll ) Great Sword still manages to get many quality of life updates with each new Monster Hunter title.
Man if they would only release and english version for us i think it would do better then the ps2 one did.
MONSTER HUNTER 3 ULTIMATE!!!!!!!
Me wants NAOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
I believe the MH series is best on handhelds, & since handhelds are so popular in Japan the series is very successful.
It hasn't caught on in other territories cause handhelds aren't as big as the consoles. Most MH games are quick missions that do not take a lot of time, so experiencing them on handhelds feel more full filling.
Why is it so popular in Japan? Because it's awesome.
Why is is not so popular everywhere else? Don't know.
Monter hunter is crazy. I think they never had huge marketing over here, that would be one reason. It definitely has the quality though. Nothing like taking down a gigantic boss for 20 minutes with a few other people.
Having All Boss battles just doesn't do it for me. Boss Battles are usually my least favorite parts of games.
I can see how some people would love this though.