Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Challenging RPG with some fantasy violence and alcohol use.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Monster Hunter Tri
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say this game is highly challenging and addictive, offering stunning graphics and an engaging gameplay experience, especially when played online with friends. However, many reviewers recommend opting for the Ultimate version for a more comprehensive experience, noting some violence and blood, though it can be moderated through settings, suggesting it could be suitable for experienced gamers aged 10 and up.
- challenging gameplay
- stunning graphics
- multiplayer fun
- violence moderation
- age appropriate
- strategic depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
You probably haven't heard of Capcom's 10 million unit-selling Monster Hunter game series, but the Japanese publisher is hoping to change all that with MONSTER HUNTER TRI, a Nintendo Wii exclusive now available in the west. Not much has changed in the gameplay department since the franchise debuted on the PlayStation 2 in 2004, but the single-player story in this sequel begins with your village chief asking you, a monster hunter, to investigate disruptive earthquakes. For the uninitiated, these action role-playing games have players running around expansive environments from a third-person perspective and slaying fantastic beasts -- and now in underwater areas, too. Much of the fun is hunting online cooperatively with up to three other gamers (or two players via split-screen view on the same TV).
Is It Any Good?
This game is quite good, but it's not a cakewalk. Completing quests takes time, patience, and, in some cases, repetition, as you'll face many of the same boss creatures multiple times. As a result, even though the multiplayer -- with voice chat support -- is a more rewarding experience, those new to the series should tackle the single-player campaign first to learn their weapons, how to increase health (which can be done by eating defeated creatures), figure out how to upgrade equipment, and analyze creature behaviors so you know how to defeat them. Thankfully, you'll get some help from an AI companion called Cha-Cha. Plus, you can choose between three different control configurations and support for optional gamepads (including a game bundle with Nintendo's new Classic Controller Pro, which costs $59.99). Visually speaking, the graphics are impressive for the Nintendo Wii, but certainly not on par with recent releases for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
In summary, fans of the series won't be disappointed with the latest -- and most ambitious -- Monster Hunter adventure yet. However, first-time players will need to get over the learning curve to appreciate this on- and off-line game.
Online interaction: We tested the online component and it worked quite well. Players can choose to play the game cooperatively with up to 3 other people and chat at the same time to discuss tactics, direction, and such. The WiFi connection was quite smooth and reliable. Parents should note that online communication via Wii Peak could result in hearing inappropriate language. To reduce the chances of interactiving with strangers, however, playing online with friends requires the exchange of 12-digit Wii codes (on the phone or via email with friends).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether or not it's fair this game is a Nintendo Wii exclusive. On one hand, shouldn't PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 gamers be able to take advantage of this much-hyped action role-playing game? Or is it better for a publisher to pick a platform the game makes best sense on and stick with it? Do you find exclusives frustrating?
Families can also discuss the difference between fantasy violence, which involves the slaying of inhuman creatures, and realistic violence, which involves people. How do the two compare? Is one less alarming? Why or why not?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo Wii
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Capcom
- Release date : April 20, 2010
- Genre : Role-Playing
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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