Monster Hunter, a series that's all about killing monsters and crafting equipment for you character, arrives with its second installment on the Playstation Portable. At first, the game might overwhelm you with its massive areas, huge weapon trees, and the unique fighting controls.

About half the stuff in Monster Hunter Freedom 2 is new in comparison to the previous installment, Monster Hunter Freedom. You will face many wyverns, dragons, and monsters (crabs, monkeys, etc.). With each new monster comes plenty of different weapons and armors for you to create in the game.

Unfortunately, the game is plagued without the inclusion of online multiplayer support. The game does in fact have ad-hoc capabilities. This is not bad if you have friends with this game, but what made the first game so engaging (Monster Hunter for the PS2) has been taken out of both PSP installments. Fortunately, using third-party hardware and software you can play Monster Hunter Freedom 2 online.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 lets you slightly customize your characters appearance in the beginning, but you can change it later. When you hunt monsters, you get the chance to acquire body parts from the creature. The body parts are then used to make weapons and armor. There is a huge selection of weapons and armor, ranging from katanas to bows. Some weapons have different elements that are added to the weapon's raw damage. This game truly has a weapon for everyone.

To begin playing you ask the Village Chief or Guild Counter depending where you are, and select a quest out of all the quests you unlocked. Going through the quests you unlock different tiers of quests which become harder.  Most of the quests require you to hunt a specific type of monster or Wyvern and others require you to gather items.

Combat in Monster Hunter Freedom 2 is totally unique. Depending on your weapon you use “R”, “Triangle”, “Circle”, or “Triangle + Circle” to attack. Each weapon type feels completely different than the other. In this game, you have to use strategy to overcome the harder foes, putting down traps to lure the monster in so you can get a few seconds of attacks without the foe attacking you. The combat is totally unique, and really helps in putting yourself in character.

The graphics in the game are quite stunning. The different areas are massive and beautiful to just sit back and to look at. The weapons are a different story in themselves. The detail in them is amazing, some unique weapons, even make different noises when you swing them. It's always fun to track down the unique weapons and use them for a quick laugh.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 is a must-buy for any PSP owner. It's huge world and massive options for weapons and armor can consume anyone for months.


Monster Hunter Freedom 2 is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB for Use of Alcohol, Blood and Violence.