Post by Skarm on Sept 9, 2014 20:03:38 GMT -5
Welcome to the series that has hit Japan similar to that of Pokémon - Monster Hunter!
Developers: Capcom
Publishers: Capcom
Releases: 2004 - Present
Rating: T
What is Monster Hunter?
Monster Hunter is an Overworld, Action-Adventure game that has you hunting Monsters, It's loads of fun.
How many systems has it come out for?
So far, it has been on the PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, Xbox 360 (Japan only), iOS, and PC (Japan, Korea, and Taiwan only) However, the upcoming monster hunter games seem to be staying with Nintendo consoles (especially the 3ds) that is why its in the 3ds board.
How many games are there in the series?
First generation: Monsterhunter . Monsterhunter Freedom
Second generation: Monsterhunter Freedom 2 . Monsterhunter Freedom Unite
Third generation: Monsterhunter 3 . Monsterhunter 3 Ultimate
Fourth generation: Monsterhunter 4 Ultimate
Japan release only.
(<--and its many sequels which we will never get -.-)
Weapon types. (click the spoiler button to get Additional information about the weapons.)
Great sword:
The Great Sword (大剣 Daiken), a classic weapon first introduced into Monster Hunter, is a weapon capable of dealing massive damage, and its way of use has changed since Monster Hunter 2, when it was given a charged attack. The weapon tree for the Great Sword is divided between 2 main branches: the Buster Sword branch and Bone Blade branch. The Buster Sword branch has slightly less overall sharpness than the Bone Blade in exchange for a wider amount of elemental damage up its sleeve, but both sides have generally lower sharpness bars than other weapons, so it's wise to have sharpening tools around.
A weapon which has its own depth of usage and requires a certain amount of training to be able to master and fully use, the Great Sword is not just any big pointy stick. It can also block with the R button, serving as a shield with slightly better protection than the Sword and Shield, as well as a fast-draw shielding ability activated by holding down the R button and then pressing triangle and circle. This shielding ability comes with a downfall, however, as each time you shield an attack the sword will lose sharpness.
A weapon which has its own depth of usage and requires a certain amount of training to be able to master and fully use, the Great Sword is not just any big pointy stick. It can also block with the R button, serving as a shield with slightly better protection than the Sword and Shield, as well as a fast-draw shielding ability activated by holding down the R button and then pressing triangle and circle. This shielding ability comes with a downfall, however, as each time you shield an attack the sword will lose sharpness.
Sword and shield:
Sword and Shield (片手剣 Katatetsurugi), focuses on using a wide variety of elements or statuses to cause considerable damage.
The sword and shield class is the first type of weapon that hunters use in the Monster Hunter series. Also known as the SnS, this type of weapon uses speed and agility to inflict long combinations of status-inflicting attacks quickly. A hunter is able to perform a rolling dodge, is able to run normally with the weapon drawn, and is able to suppress weak attacks with the shield while blocking. The hunter can also use an item while the sword is drawn. While the fastest and most agile kind of weapon, Swords and Shields typically have very weak raw damage. To compensate for this, the SnS attacks quickly and many of the weapons in this category are imbued with powerful elemental properties or cause Poison, Sleep or Paralysis. This makes them one of the best melee weapon to induce Status Effects.
The sword and shield class is the first type of weapon that hunters use in the Monster Hunter series. Also known as the SnS, this type of weapon uses speed and agility to inflict long combinations of status-inflicting attacks quickly. A hunter is able to perform a rolling dodge, is able to run normally with the weapon drawn, and is able to suppress weak attacks with the shield while blocking. The hunter can also use an item while the sword is drawn. While the fastest and most agile kind of weapon, Swords and Shields typically have very weak raw damage. To compensate for this, the SnS attacks quickly and many of the weapons in this category are imbued with powerful elemental properties or cause Poison, Sleep or Paralysis. This makes them one of the best melee weapon to induce Status Effects.
Dual swords:
Dual Blades (双剣 Futaken), or "DB" (formally known as Dual Swords and "DS") are a high speed class of weapon introduced in the western version of Monster Hunter (Japan didn't see the release of Dual Blades until Monster Hunter G). They possess small attack stats and are incapable of blocking; but instead possess a high attacking speed and a large variance in elemental damage and status effects (in some Monster Hunters, Dual Blades may posses 2 different elements or status effects at the same time). DSes also increase their damage output through the "Devil's Dance" skill (akin to the Longsword's "spirit blade"), which increases damage output and does not cancel or overlap the effects of buff items such as "Demondrug".
Dual Blades are most notable for their "chain-attack" method of dealing large amounts of damage over time. This differs from SnS methods by creating grandiose combos or infinite strikes (as opposed to short combos which move the player dramatically).( these also happen to be my personal favorite weapon.)
Dual Blades are most notable for their "chain-attack" method of dealing large amounts of damage over time. This differs from SnS methods by creating grandiose combos or infinite strikes (as opposed to short combos which move the player dramatically).( these also happen to be my personal favorite weapon.)
Long Sword:
The Long Sword (太刀 Tachi) (weapon class) is a relatively fresh addition to the roster of weapons available in the Monster Hunter series of games. Originally, Long Swords (Also called tachi blades) were Great Swords that resembled katanas, becoming an independent weapon class in Monster Hunter Freedom 2. Since then, they have become a very popular choice amongst the player base, having comparatively swift attacks, fluid controls, and relatively high damage potential with the addition of the Spirit combo.
Having moderately high attack power combined with mobility means having some drawbacks, however. Since its departure from the Great Sword family, the Long Sword has no ability to guard against attacks by any means, aside from the standard dodge rolls. Thus, the hunter must be aggressive enough to know when and where to attack, while being cautious enough to know when to cease attacks and dodge. The Long Sword has a short delay after most attacks, but balances this with a back-hop/wide swing attack (known officially as the "Fade Slash") which can be performed after any attack, allowing fluidity. The hunter must take some risks, in order to fill up his Spirit Gauge, which, once full, increases damage dealt and enables the sword to unleash a powerful Spirit Combo, a fast combo with 5 attacks that can be extended for up to 7 hits, and can be canceled out or finished at any time with a Fade Slash.
Having moderately high attack power combined with mobility means having some drawbacks, however. Since its departure from the Great Sword family, the Long Sword has no ability to guard against attacks by any means, aside from the standard dodge rolls. Thus, the hunter must be aggressive enough to know when and where to attack, while being cautious enough to know when to cease attacks and dodge. The Long Sword has a short delay after most attacks, but balances this with a back-hop/wide swing attack (known officially as the "Fade Slash") which can be performed after any attack, allowing fluidity. The hunter must take some risks, in order to fill up his Spirit Gauge, which, once full, increases damage dealt and enables the sword to unleash a powerful Spirit Combo, a fast combo with 5 attacks that can be extended for up to 7 hits, and can be canceled out or finished at any time with a Fade Slash.
Hammer:
The Hammer (ハンマー Hanmā) weapon class is a fairly common weapon type able to be used by players since the first Monster Hunter game. Staunch and resilient, the hammer is perhaps the first representative weapon-of-choice to dictate pure, unadulterated damage directly to the target. In this field, the weapon's typical attributes allow a hunter to run openly with the weapon drawn, perform short-range, almost "bunting" and swing attacks with their initial attack buttons, and the ability to charge up different types of swings while moving. As the hammer class has immense damage potential, and indeed, some of the outright highest raw damage in the game, the weapon boasts no defensive or evasive capabilities aside from the standard rolling dodge maneuver. A sense of timing is needed to master the weapon's true damaging traits: releasing charged swings while timing and aiming diligently against the foe's movements. No easy task. Further, hammers have a decent variance of elemental attributes, and are useful for racking up elemental damage. It's not possible to cut tails with a hammer, but it is easy to break heads and other body parts.Typically of moderate sharpness, the hammer is able to supplant high damage through its shoulder-button charged moves. These include a single swift swing, a one-two "golf swing," and, depending on if the hunter is moving or not, a whirling attack or a heavy bash onto the ground.
Stun damage to a large monster can be visually noted when yellow streaks or "stars" are seen to appear at its head. The Monster will fall down and have stars circling its head when it receives enough stun damage and is "Knocked Out". This is the perfect time to launch a few combos while the monster is vulnerable.
Stun damage to a large monster can be visually noted when yellow streaks or "stars" are seen to appear at its head. The Monster will fall down and have stars circling its head when it receives enough stun damage and is "Knocked Out". This is the perfect time to launch a few combos while the monster is vulnerable.
Hunting Horn:
initially, the Hunting Horns were far weaker than the Hammer, as per the damage formula, even on those attacks which the two appear to share, such as the Superpound (Triangle+Circle) on the Hunting Horn. What makes the Horn different from the hammer is the Recital ability which is triggered by pressing the "R" button.
As of Portable 3rd, the damage formulas have been changed and the Hunting Horn actually puts out more sustained damage than the hammer. The hammer still does more burst damage and more KO damage but the HH's sustained is far superior. Also in 3rd the forward stab (done by pressing Select) can actually cut a tail; as seen in this video.
Each Horn has a different set of three color specific notes.These notes can be combined in various ways to create various effects, which mimic items such as Demondrug and Psychoserum, among others.
As of Portable 3rd, the damage formulas have been changed and the Hunting Horn actually puts out more sustained damage than the hammer. The hammer still does more burst damage and more KO damage but the HH's sustained is far superior. Also in 3rd the forward stab (done by pressing Select) can actually cut a tail; as seen in this video.
Each Horn has a different set of three color specific notes.These notes can be combined in various ways to create various effects, which mimic items such as Demondrug and Psychoserum, among others.
lance:
Lances (ランス Ransu) are long weapons that can strike from a distance. The lance is always accompanied by a large shield which generally grants a powerful defense against most attacks. Although slow and difficult to travel with, the weapon's damage output can be impressive. Lances have different moves, such as the upstab, forward stab, and charging attack.
Lances are one of the only weapons that can attack and block at the same time. They have a sub-category of weapons known as the Gunlance.
Lances are one of the only weapons that can attack and block at the same time. They have a sub-category of weapons known as the Gunlance.
Gunlance:
Gunlances (ガンランス Ganransu), also known as GL, are long, piercing weapons with a mechanism inside which can fire a blank round. Unlike Bowguns, the Gunlance cannot fire over distances; the Shelling ability can only be used from close range and reduces the weapon's sharpness for every use. The use of the weapon is largely similar to the original Lance. Like ranged weapons, Gunlances take ammo. They are able to charge up, indicated by the radiating energy at the tip of the lance, and dish out a strong explosive attack referred to as Wyvern's Fire.
Gunlances first appeared in Monster Hunter 2. Gunlances, along with other weapon types were removed in Monster Hunter 3, but returns in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, Monster Hunter 3 G, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Monster Hunter 4.
Gunlances first appeared in Monster Hunter 2. Gunlances, along with other weapon types were removed in Monster Hunter 3, but returns in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, Monster Hunter 3 G, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Monster Hunter 4.
Switchaxe:
The Switch Axe (スラッシュアックス Surasshuakkusu) is a Blademaster weapon class first introduced in Monster Hunter Tri, and is present in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Monster Hunter 4.
Official description : A powerful melee weapon, capable of such momentum that the hunter swinging it is dragged around by the momentum of each swing. Described as a marvel of technology capable of phantasmagoric might.
The weapon shows transformation capabilities, one blade shifting while being sheathed as well as sliding to a different position to change its attack style. In its secondary form, the weapon behaves far differently than its standard variation, using a phial of specialized coating to add certain effects to the weapon. The weapon is also able to overload this phial, ending in a concentrated burst.The true power of the weapon is its versatility, with the 2 different forms and the combos to link the two types together. Rather than dodge rolling, the Switch Axe has a quick step to the side, allowing the user to keep focused on his attack while keeping out of harm's reach.
It consists of two forms : Axe and Sword. The axe possesses a great range and can hit difficult-to-reach parts of the monsters very easily, especially with the rising slash which can even hit a Rath's wing while it is flying. It also has an infinite combo (however limited by stamina) that consists of swinging the axe very quickly from left to right and right to left after a rising slash. Apart from that, its power and mobility are similar to Long Sword's without spirit bar effects.
The Sword mode, which uses the phial, looks similar to Great Sword in form, but is a much faster weapon with less powerful attacks if compared to GS. The player can simply hit with vertical or horizontal combos to benefit from the phial effect, but can also make a concentration burst (or discharge): after a forward slash, the weapon will rise while dealing damage, then produce a powerful explosion which produces recoil and makes the weapon revert to axe mode. Of course, this move will still benefit from the phial effect.
The time spent in Sword mode is limited to an energy meter found under the Sharpness indicator. The bar only decreases when the weapon is swung while in Sword mode, though naturally, standing around and looking at your marvelous Switch Axe in Sword mode does little to slay your target. Once this energy bar is depleted, the weapon will change back into Axe form and will need to be reloaded before going back into Sword form. The energy meter automatically recovers over time, but can be "reloaded" by attempting to switch to sword mode.
Official description : A powerful melee weapon, capable of such momentum that the hunter swinging it is dragged around by the momentum of each swing. Described as a marvel of technology capable of phantasmagoric might.
The weapon shows transformation capabilities, one blade shifting while being sheathed as well as sliding to a different position to change its attack style. In its secondary form, the weapon behaves far differently than its standard variation, using a phial of specialized coating to add certain effects to the weapon. The weapon is also able to overload this phial, ending in a concentrated burst.The true power of the weapon is its versatility, with the 2 different forms and the combos to link the two types together. Rather than dodge rolling, the Switch Axe has a quick step to the side, allowing the user to keep focused on his attack while keeping out of harm's reach.
It consists of two forms : Axe and Sword. The axe possesses a great range and can hit difficult-to-reach parts of the monsters very easily, especially with the rising slash which can even hit a Rath's wing while it is flying. It also has an infinite combo (however limited by stamina) that consists of swinging the axe very quickly from left to right and right to left after a rising slash. Apart from that, its power and mobility are similar to Long Sword's without spirit bar effects.
The Sword mode, which uses the phial, looks similar to Great Sword in form, but is a much faster weapon with less powerful attacks if compared to GS. The player can simply hit with vertical or horizontal combos to benefit from the phial effect, but can also make a concentration burst (or discharge): after a forward slash, the weapon will rise while dealing damage, then produce a powerful explosion which produces recoil and makes the weapon revert to axe mode. Of course, this move will still benefit from the phial effect.
The time spent in Sword mode is limited to an energy meter found under the Sharpness indicator. The bar only decreases when the weapon is swung while in Sword mode, though naturally, standing around and looking at your marvelous Switch Axe in Sword mode does little to slay your target. Once this energy bar is depleted, the weapon will change back into Axe form and will need to be reloaded before going back into Sword form. The energy meter automatically recovers over time, but can be "reloaded" by attempting to switch to sword mode.
Charge blade:
Charge Blade (チャージアックス Chājiakkusu) is a new weapon first introduced in MH4. This weapon is very similar to the Switch Axe with its ability to switch between two different weapon modes; the Sword Mode and the Axe Mode. Both modes are capable of unleashing powerful charge attacks after the hunter scores enough hits. A phial located on the hilt will glow yellow after the minimum requirement of attacks has been met, when it starts glowing yellow the user can perform a charged attack. This can be taken to a higher level by attacking more to change it to a red glow, for a maximum damage charge attack. Without sword energy, it will simply overheat and your charge attacks will have a chance of not hitting.
Insect glaive:
Insect Glaive (操虫棍 Sōchūkon: also known as "Insect Taming Staff", "Insect Operating Rod", and "Insect Rod") is a new weapon introduced in Monster Hunter 4. This double-ended rod is capable of quick, fluid attacks (similar to the the Long Sword) and allows the hunter to jump at any time in a pole vaulting fashion. The rod is also capable of summoning a Neopteron to attack monsters. The hunter can either freely send out the Neopteron in a direct flight, or first shoot out a pheromone bullet on the target that would work as a "lock on", which allows the insect to homes in. When the Neopteron successfully hits an enemy, it will drain out an "essence" which varies in color and atrribute, depending on which part of the monster it hits, which can be used to power up the hunter when the Neopteron is called back. The Neopteron is always found clinging on the right arm of the hunter when it's not attacking
Light bowgun:
he Light Bowgun (ライトボウガン Raitobōgan) is a bowgun that allows you to move around at a normal running speed. You can un/sheathe it faster than a heavy bowgun due to the clear weight difference. Due to its compact size, it doesn't come with as much firepower as its larger counterpart, most hunters prefer light bowguns because of the movement and reloading speed. Light bowguns are usually easily made and mastered.
Heavy Bowgun:
The Heavy Bowgun (ヘビィボウガン Hebyibōgan) is the ranged weapon of choice for those who wish to have as much firepower as they can, while still maintaining some distance. While much slower than their Light Bowgun cousins, they're the only ranged weapon that allows a shield to be attached, giving them guard capabilities. However, for an experienced gunner, this is more of a restraint since you can only attach a power barrel OR a shield. In games before MH3U, Heavy Bowguns usually do not support elemental shots unlike their cousin, the Light Bowgun. Like the Great Sword, they mainly support raw damage shots (such as Crag or Pierce).
Bow:
he Bow (弓 Yumi) is one of the most tactical weapons in the Monster Hunter series. Although it is very versatile and has a wide range of options, it's not the weapon of choice for an amateur but rather a weapon of choice for a skilled hunter.
The Bow is a naturally fast weapon to use. Being able to attack and run is a common tactic when using a bow. Also, using the bow requires the knowledge of the monster's weakpoints and elemental weaknesses in order to ease the work of the bow wielding hunter taking it down. This is, of course, not a problem -- as there are a large number of elemental types at the hunter's disposal.
Last but not least, the use of charges and coatings allow a large set of options to use. A hunters choice of what charges and coatings he or she is going to use is very important.
Not only are the coatings important, but your armor skills as well. If you are using a bow, you don't want a bowgun skill, you want a bow skill. Some skills are an exception, like auto re-load. You don't have to put on your bow coatings. Just have them in your inventory. Another good skill is hunger halved. It decreases the time it takes for your stamina to deplete. If you are charging your bows, you want time to aim and predict your monster's movement.
Another good skill for those who go on the elemental side is "Elemental Atk Up", and its effect is to boost fire, ice, dragon, water, and thunder elemental attacks. If you are in support and your buddies need the monster to stay still, you'll get a bow with Paralysis Coating. You can get "Abn. Status Atk Up", and it boosts Poison, Paralysis, and Sleep.
The Bow is a naturally fast weapon to use. Being able to attack and run is a common tactic when using a bow. Also, using the bow requires the knowledge of the monster's weakpoints and elemental weaknesses in order to ease the work of the bow wielding hunter taking it down. This is, of course, not a problem -- as there are a large number of elemental types at the hunter's disposal.
Last but not least, the use of charges and coatings allow a large set of options to use. A hunters choice of what charges and coatings he or she is going to use is very important.
Not only are the coatings important, but your armor skills as well. If you are using a bow, you don't want a bowgun skill, you want a bow skill. Some skills are an exception, like auto re-load. You don't have to put on your bow coatings. Just have them in your inventory. Another good skill is hunger halved. It decreases the time it takes for your stamina to deplete. If you are charging your bows, you want time to aim and predict your monster's movement.
Another good skill for those who go on the elemental side is "Elemental Atk Up", and its effect is to boost fire, ice, dragon, water, and thunder elemental attacks. If you are in support and your buddies need the monster to stay still, you'll get a bow with Paralysis Coating. You can get "Abn. Status Atk Up", and it boosts Poison, Paralysis, and Sleep.
Suggested youtubers:
if you wish to play this game/ watch people play it I suggest these youtubers.
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