Monster Hunter Freedom

I want it bad, but doesn't 2 not have online play? That's pretty lame if true.

First one didn't have infrastructure either though. There's an Xlink Kai workaround if you're really serious about online play. I just go it alone.

Some impressions from me:

-the art style is unique, not something I'd except out of a j developer, seems like a setting I'd see from a western dev
-speaking of the settting, it's pretty neat. the primal/eskimo/native feel is a nice diversion from your typical jrpg craps
-reminds me a bit of a cross between diablo 2 and phantasy star online
-this game is difficult, but I don't know if it's unfair, it just has a really high learning curve
-feylines are pretty dang cute
-I love fishing in games, this sits at about the middle of the pack compared to other games
-lots of stuff to keep you occupied: fishing, cooking item creation
-a bunch of different weapons that all play totally different, that is neat
-daunting to the new player due to all the different gameplay systems, weapon/item upgrades/purchases, etc

Overall it's pretty neat, but man does playing it on the psp jack up my hands after a while.

I'm still working through the rank * missions, and just went to the jungle stage for the first time. I think I'll take the tigerex mission today.

Also, longswords are my fave so far I think. Bows seem neat too.

Longswords are nice, but the all-powerful battle horn is the only weapon to use. Speed up status effects alone make it the best weapon ever.

James

I am working through the ** missions now.

I died fighting a huge boss Congala, it was pretty disappointing 'cause he was nearly dead.

Still sticking with my longsword (upgraded iron longsword 'grace' btw).

The pacing for the combat on this is really unique and refreshing, it's not easy by any stretch of the imagination though.

DIE KHEZU!

Rank *** missions here I come. :D

I think the reason this game doesn't get more recognition is that it is really difficult, with tons of stuff to do in the beginning, and the learning curve (even though from what I've read it's better in this game) is pretty brutal.

I'm still sticking with the longsword, though I was thinking about making building up a nice hammer or maybe a bow. We shall see what we can see.

Seriously, do a few re-run missions experimenting with the stat effects from playing the hunting horn. No fatigue loss and faster running alone means you'll probably never switch back.

James

The long sword looks cooler though. :/

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 is my personal liquid crack.
I logged in 790hrs on MHF1 and im up to 200 on MHF2.
The game is very unforgiving at time. Some of the beasties can feel cheap. But once you really learn their pattern. There favorite attacks. And most of all Weaknesses, you really start pwning them.

As for the Gathering complaint.
Yeah. it can be annoying at times. But that i what the Pokke farm is for. Its starts out basic but you get upgrades for better stuff. There is a mining spot,bug catching spot,and a fishing spot. You can get the common to rare stuff from the farm with relative ease.And the higher up you get in quests and Hunter Rank the more upgrades you get.Which of course give you better stuffs.

The game honestly takes time to really get into the meat and potato's of the game.Which is why alot of reviewers dont realy give it a good score.They usually have no idea how to play, and get killed by the easiest of mobs. They get frustrated and give it bad scores.I think alot of reviewers go into it with a "ill hack and slash and win" attitude. Which will get you K.O'ed quick.It honestly does take some strategy to kill some of the wyverns. Especially in the G Rank level of quests. Were no matter how much Def you have you can still get 2 shotted.

Weapons?
The Dragonwood Horn is my favorite. Attack up x2,mega juice,and health+50.
Bows although are kind of slow to kill some wyverns, Destroy stuff with relative ease.

All in all i love this game. I completed all the Villiage Elder quests and i am Hunter Rank 5 working on getting to 6. Any questions you can throw my way and i will gladly assist.


JBNagis

My only real complaint with the game is the controls. Camera stick and lock-on and I'll have no complaints, and in fact might as well surgically implant the game into whatever system it comes out for. I'm still waiting for Monster Hunter 360 with full Live play.

James