Okay, so by now you all probably know that Monster Hunter is Japan's religion, but not so much in the US of A. And, as you can see by my review score, it deserves to be just as popular here.
First, I'm going to talk about the game's cons. First off, as you all know, the camera control is very clunky and has been since its debut on the PS2. This was to be expected in Unite, and yes, I admit that it is a major flaw. One minor flaw that everyone seems to be pissed off at is the learning curve. Yeah, it can be difficult as each button takes on a hella lot of responsibilities. But once you get used to it, the controls become an instinct.
Now, one thing that I am pissed off at, personally. So, I occasionally check out GameSpot for reviews and things of the sort, and I saw that they had a review for Unite. I read through the pros and cons, and HOLY SHIT. That guy was bitching about there not being a lock on mechanic? Are you kidding? Just because the game is a bit too hard for you, you mark down the score for it? You've got to be kidding me. But I'm getting off topic.
Okay, so now it is time for the many pros of the game. First off, the plethora of weapons and armor in the game. There are over fourteen hundred weapons and armor sets. Wow.
Next, also regarding the weapons, each weapon can be upgraded using materials that you harvest from monsters and field gathering. Each upgraded weapon looks; to steal a phrase, "bigger, better, and more badass".
The armor can also be upgraded using armor spheres and jewels, though it is not nearly as compelling as the weapon upgrade system.
Next, another incredibly awesome feature, there are over four hundred or so different quests to engage in, and most will have to be completed more than once in order to get the materials you need for weapons and armor.
Regarding the monsters, this game is a beast of a RPG. There are over seventy-five different monsters in the game. Right when you think that you have seen all there is to see, it throws a new monster at you that looks even more great than the last.
So now, there is another awesome feature, and the most obvious, the visuals. For a PSP title, damn does this game look good. The environments are very in depth and have some great geological features, though they do get a little tiring after seeing them over and over again. The monsters are very well designed and are truly breathtaking when you see them in action, and have a lot of different attacks.
Now lets talk about additions. There aren't many, but they are definitely welcome. First, you have the ability to take a felyne comrade into battle with you. He is actually a great help towards the ending quests of the game, as he can distract the bosses and give you some precious time to sharpen your weapon, reload your gun, or heal. Also, new monsters are in the game. Five of them. Not much, but welcome, especially the Nargacuga (that badass beast on the box art.).
One improvement in the game is the data install feature, which cuts down the load times that plagued the predecessor.
So, in the end, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is a beast of a game, if you can get past the camera controls and the steep learning curve.