Freedom Rings Twice
Capcom gives its runaway hit in Japan a second go here in the states with Monster Hunter Freedom 2.
Published: February 28, 2007
As symmetrical as the Japanese game market and that of our own can seem at times, it never fails to surprise us how a single console or game launch can bring to light the stark differences between the two. For one, the Xbox brand has had lukewarm reception out West for years, while the Madden NFL games continue to top annual sales charts in the U.S. Or take Capcom’s beastly portable romp, Monster Hunter Freedom, which stirred mixed reception in the states but is the best-selling game in Japan to date (something like 2.4 units worldwide, with one copy sold for every five PSPs in the home country).
With the anticipated sequel, Monster Hunter Freedom 2, hitting Japanese retail just this week (and off to a remarkable start, we’re told), Capcom once again trying its luck with the franchise overseas. Hot off the heals of a confirmed European release, the company has gone ahead and green lighted Freedom 2 for North America as well.
“Monster Hunter Freedom’s incredible graphics, deep gameplay and addictive multiplayer quests represent the very best that the PSP system has to offer,” rattles off Charles Bellfield, vice president, marketing, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “In Japan, we’ve seen the Monster Hunter phenomenon take off based on players coming together for face-to-face multiplayer ‘hunting parties,’ which we will foster with our own community here in North America.”
Packing in an impressive 50% more content that the original (er, on the PSP, not the original original Monster Hunter), Freedom 2 plans to attack on both the offline and online grounds. Sure, you can undertake many a quest, scrolling through astounding environment whilst slaying the ruthless beasts that stand in your way, but the real experience lies in teaming up with others, battling cooperative (and wirelessly!) with four of your pals, beefing up character skills and abilities in the ongoing war of man vs. beast, or even pulling down some additional quests and content via infrastructure. With all that online potential, no wonder it was such a hit out West.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 ventures to North American retail in September, but for now, be sure to peep the first screenshots as linked above. Here’s to hoping the MH craze catches on elsewhere!
With the anticipated sequel, Monster Hunter Freedom 2, hitting Japanese retail just this week (and off to a remarkable start, we’re told), Capcom once again trying its luck with the franchise overseas. Hot off the heals of a confirmed European release, the company has gone ahead and green lighted Freedom 2 for North America as well.
“Monster Hunter Freedom’s incredible graphics, deep gameplay and addictive multiplayer quests represent the very best that the PSP system has to offer,” rattles off Charles Bellfield, vice president, marketing, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “In Japan, we’ve seen the Monster Hunter phenomenon take off based on players coming together for face-to-face multiplayer ‘hunting parties,’ which we will foster with our own community here in North America.”
Packing in an impressive 50% more content that the original (er, on the PSP, not the original original Monster Hunter), Freedom 2 plans to attack on both the offline and online grounds. Sure, you can undertake many a quest, scrolling through astounding environment whilst slaying the ruthless beasts that stand in your way, but the real experience lies in teaming up with others, battling cooperative (and wirelessly!) with four of your pals, beefing up character skills and abilities in the ongoing war of man vs. beast, or even pulling down some additional quests and content via infrastructure. With all that online potential, no wonder it was such a hit out West.
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 ventures to North American retail in September, but for now, be sure to peep the first screenshots as linked above. Here’s to hoping the MH craze catches on elsewhere!