Nintendo Monster Hunter Tri, Wii

• 9553.

Monster Hunter Tri allows Western Wii owners to join the hunt for the first time, as one of Capcom’s leading franchises makes its debut on the system. Monster Hunter Tri depicts a living, breathing ecosystem where man co-exists with the fantastic beasts that roam both the dry land and the brand new sub-aqua environment - a first for the series. With an expansive story mode, Monster Hunter Tri sees players taking on the role of a hunter, who is tasked by the Village Chief to investigate the constant earthquakes that threaten the everyday life of Moga village. Players will hunt monsters that range from small annoyances to towering terrors in a bid to restore peace and tranquility. A bustling and vibrant town, Moga is home to the hunter and includes a Blacksmith for forging weapons and armor, a shop where items can be purchased and an expanded farm with cat-like Felynes acting as laborers and tending the crops. The incentive to complete quests is now no longer limited to the collection of items and money with which the hunter can create or upgrade armor and weapons. Successful hunts have a real and visible impact on the status of Moga Village as on returning home quest items are used to repair damage caused by the earthquakes resulting in happier and more active villagers. Living the life of a hunter need never be a solitary experience with the option of split-screen mode where two players can hunt co-operatively on select quests or form a team of up to four hunters via the game’s custom online Wi-Fi mode. Even solo players do not have to face Monster Hunter Tri’s challenging quests alone as they will be accompanied by Cha-Cha, an AI computer driven hunting partner whose skills will prove invaluable. Complementing the new creatures and quests that Monster Hunter Tri introduces to the series, hunters will also have the benefit of new weapons, armor sets and items. These include an all new weapon class, the Switch Axe and a Torch that not only illuminates the darkest caves but will fend off certain creatures to assist them as they embark on the most epic Monster Hunter adventure to date.