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Is this the ultimate version of Monster Hunter 3?
Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G HD Version, or Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate as it is known in the West, is the next iteration of Monster Hunter 3 and the series’ first appearance in full HD on a Nintendo platform. Don’t go in expecting a game completely different from last year’s Nintendo 3DS title, though. On the surface, this title is more or less the same game as last year, and is extremely similar to the Wii version as well. However, a few differences set the Wii U version apart from the previous entries in the series.
Data Transfer
One of the best things about 3G HD is the option to continue your quest from the 3DS versions on the big screen. After downloading a transfer application from the 3DS eShop, you can send your data to the Wii U version to play the game in full 1080p. The process is quick and painless, and afterward you’ll be hunting monsters on the big screen in no time. Of course, players can also transfer the data back to their 3DS from the Wii U to continue on playing on the go.
Although the game runs at 1080p, it’s very clear that this a standard definition title running in high definition. The game usually takes place with the camera set a bit away from your main character and other environmental elements, so it usually doesn’t look too bad. When close up, though, textures are blurry and muddy, and the engine just looks dated. In the game’s defense, this is the HD version of the 3DS title. Despite these gripes, the game runs at a pretty constant frame rate. The point of this game isn’t to dazzle players with its visual fidelity, so if you are coming into the experience looking to be blown away, reset those expectations.
Cross-platform and online play are perhaps the biggest draws to this iteration of Monster Hunter. For the first time, players can play simultaneously on both their home console and handheld locally. Up to three people on Nintendo 3DS can join in for the hunt. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anyone to play with for the purpose of these impressions, so I can’t really speak to well it works. I can, however, touch a little bit on the multiplayer mode. While my monster hunting skills are well under average, I still found myself having a great time playing online with some Monster Hunting gods. Connecting to the Internet in the game is quick and easy, and I had absolutely no issues with lag or slowdown when playing. Chatting with friends can either be handled with pre-written messages and actions or through personalized messages you can type on the GamePad. Everything works great!
In terms of control options, there are quite a few different ways you can choose to play through the game. The game supports the Wii Classic Controller Pro, Wii U Pro Controller and of course, the GamePad. In my time with the game, I found the GamePad setup to be the most useful. Having only really played the 3DS version before, having the map and other status updates on the touch screen helped me stay oriented in this complicated world. The touch screen is completely customizable, letting you select where to put the map, shortcuts to items, and more. You can even opt to put additional camera controls on the touch screen (the camera is also assigned to the right analog stick and GamePad D-pad, with a reset option on the L button). Of course, you could also just opt to leave the touch screen a completely blank slate.
Playing online with friends
Monster Hunter 3G HD Ver. is definitely the quintessential version of Monster Hunter 3. I’m not even a superfan of the series, but it’s quite clear this game has a ton to offer. Not only that, but owning the 3DS version in conjunction with the Wii U version looks to enhance the experience by letting you play pretty much play anywhere you go. Players in the West are in for a treat next spring when both titles come out simultaneously on the 3DS and Wii U.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
