PlayStation 2 Critic Reviews

Whilst certainly not free of issues, Monster Hunter is equal measures out-and-out fun and out-and-out terror, delivered fantastically well in both online and offline modes. The game provides a PSO-style game for the PS2, and offering pick-up-and-play online gaming without the need to commit to hours at a time.

The quests quickly repeat themselves and some of the larger creatures are nigh impossible to take down alone. Even so, it's a remarkably unique and thorough title and if you're online with your PS2, there's no reason for you not to get a taste for cold blood and take the hunt online. There really is nothing else quite like it.

8 / 8 / 8 / 8 - 32 gold [Vol 796; 19 Mar 2004]

Problems with the camera and controls hold it back from mass appeal, and unless you have the broadband adapter, you're missing out on a large chunk of the experience. With that said, there's definitely enough here to for serious players to enjoy if they're willing to devote the time necessary to really dive into the game.

If you're able to accept the unorthodox control scheme, the mediocre single-player game (at least it has one), a troublesome camera, and the lack of an effective lock-on mechanism, then you're tough enough to reap Monster Hunter's unique benefits. [Dec 2004, p.162]

With more true role-playing elements to balance out the sheer kill-and-collect MO of tis debut, this franchise, ripe with much potential, could grow serious legs. [Nov 2004, p.138]

A must have for those with an interest in online gaming, especially the type of gamers who simply do not have the time to spend hours upon hours finding a party in an MMORPG. The pick-up-and-play formula works very well here and will no doubt keep you addicted for many months. [JPN Import]

You can see the potential here the instant you set foot in town, but the real fun is found only online. The rest of the elements are merely so-so. [Nov 2004, p.134]

For scratching that online teamplay itch though, not much else around satisfies quite like this. [Dec 2004, p.82]

Highly amusing, fun combat system but a bit dragged down by the sometimes hard to get used to controls. Online play is great, but lag is sometimes a painful factor against small enemies.