So far, so much like the Wii version, and the early going may fill some with dread that there isn't much new content to be found. The first half a dozen hours serve as a tutorial of picking mushrooms and wailing on unfortunate herbivores, but the dozens - potentially hundreds - of hours that follow will see you swinging your blades at some fairly horrifying monsters, with the majority being a fantastic challenge. Based within Moga Village, there is a storyline about rescuing the humble community from unexplained earthquakes, but in truth it's merely filler for the gradual monster progression. Based in a mythical, primitive land occupied by hulking leviathans, dragons, bear-type creatures and all-manner of enormous things with sizable teeth and claws, you create and live as a hunter with nothing but an over-sized weapon and some companions to help you. However, if those elements have you rubbing your hands together with glee, then this is a title that delivers in impressive fashion. If that level of immersion and dedication to a game isn't up your alley, then it's not for you - it really is as simple as that.

The challenge isn't unfair if you've put in the required time and effort, but if you try to rush ahead the game will repeatedly thrash you without mercy. It's also, if you skip or get any of these aspects wrong, brutally difficult. Ignoring its many intricacies, it's a title that places its emphasis on preparation, skill and grinding, with gradual progression teasing you along. This is a time-consuming and all-encompassing game that demands your commitment it won't serve occasional dabblers well.

If you're unfamiliar with the Monster Hunter series and haven't experienced it yet, there are some key points to understand right from the start. That description does do this experience a disservice, despite the inevitable overlap between the two versions, as this entry has some clever, thoughtful design choices that make it a different beast altogether. Capcom's latest attempt is Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, an expanded and enhanced re-release of the moderately successful Wii exclusive Monster Hunter Tri. While the arrival of a new Monster Hunter title, particularly of the handheld variety, in Japan can probably cause retailer's systems to crash, it's a franchise that's been unable to capture that same fevered audience in the West.

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