Back in 2010, Capcom brought its immensely popular action game "Monster Hunter 3 Tri" to the Wii, a decision that was both limiting (in terms of presentation and online strength) and defining (dozens of quests to choose from, customization options galore) yet successful for the company in general. So we knew it was only a matter of time before it would make its return to consoles. We were kind of hoping for a PS3/360 stop-off, because of its larger online audience, but instead we get "Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate" for the Wii U and 3DS. That sounds like a raw deal, but, to be honest, it's not an entirely bad choice.

This review is primarily for the Wii U version, with the 3DS one coming down the road. The game follows a very similar structure to "Tri," featuring missions that may be repeats to some folks, along with some new content to keep events from going too far into familiar territory. And you know what? It still works.

I'm not a die-hard "Monster Hunter" fan (unlike the millions who picked it up the last time around) but I can easily see where many would find its appeal. Being able to go on a number of quests, chasing after beasts clearly two to three times your size (or smaller, if you're lucky) and acquiring new items as a result has "addictive looting" written all over it. Customization plays a huge part as well, as you'll earn new armor types and acquire weapons.

Weapons play a big part in "Ultimate," mainly because you can mix up strategies. A large hammer might be ideal against larger enemies, until you realize it takes longer to execute attacks. And while a distant shooting weapon may sound like a good idea, you'll take longer and eventually have to move in closer to do significant damage. With the hundreds of possibilities available, it'll take you some time to nail down something that works for you.

And even then, curiosity will have you changing up, just to see where things go. "Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate" is one of those creative efforts where you'll want to play around and try missions out, just to see how you fare or what you get out of it. And while some of these might be fun going solo, the real depth comes with multiplayer.

The Wii U version supports both local co-op play (in conjunction with the 3DS version) and online through the Nintendo Network, for up to three players. And while initiating a session takes some sweet time (especially when you disconnect and go back to the start menu), it becomes quite entertaining working with a good battle group (not the ones whiffing into thin air - get outta my party, you!) taking down larger enemies. We can easily see new clans forming because of this game.

The gameplay techniques put into the GamePad are nice, as you can equip easier and work your way around areas for training, partnering and taking on quests. The target camera system is also excellent, giving you lock-on capabilities that provide a world of change when it comes to taking down an enemy. No more dry whiffs into nothingness - you have focus now.

One huge addition to the game is the ability to download extra quests. Capcom is offering these free at no extra charge (bye bye Microtransactions), and there are already a few available with the game's launch, with plenty more to come. These add a lot of replayability to "Monster Hunter," and provide something new for fans that are wondering why they should pick this up when they already own Tri.

The presentation also does a moderately good effort into bringing Monster Hunter into the current generation. Textures look a bit better when it comes to creature animations and stages, though they hardly change over the series' general design ... not that they need to, anyway. The camera can be a pain every once in a while, but not enough to throw you off from your quest. The sound is good, too - hardly changed from the original effort, but the music and effects fit the monster-killing bill.

One note - the game doesn't have off-TV play yet, and some of the worldwide online options need to be smoothed out. However, we'll give Capcom a pass on this at the moment, mainly because it's working on a patch to address both of these. And at no charge, too. Nice.

No, it doesn't advance the series to new heights, but Capcom's "Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate" does it justice on the Wii U, with gameplay tactics that work like a charm, online components and downloads that will keep you busy with the right people, and a presentation that does the system proud. If this is any indication what we're in for with the upcoming "Monster Hunter 4," you better hold onto your sword. Or hammer. Or whatever weapon you have handy. Hunting days ahead ...

Score: 8.5

Playable on: Nintendo Wii U, 3DS (coming later)

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