While the Wii is normally home to monkeys shaking maracas, cheesy zombie shooting and apes driving go-carts, Monster Hunter Tri is a deep, geeky and distinctly Japanese experience that requires 100 per cent dedication to uncover its treasures.
 
Like the classic edition on the beleaguered PSP, Monster Hunter Tri sees players stepping into a fantasy world where mythical beasts roam free, and capturing them is your route to fame and fortune.

But while most similar Japanese role-players see your hero becoming stronger and more confident as they gain experience, the difference in Monster Hunter is that defeating creatures allows you to harvest the materials you need to create ever-stronger weapons and armour, in turn giving your puny human the tools he needs to tackle the biggest challenges and become a legend.
 
What this means, though, is hard work – and lots of it. Unlike most Wii games, success in Monster Hunter comes from knuckling down and fighting monster after monster, slowly transforming your avatar’s arsenal and giving them the resources they need to become a world-class slayer.

And while this long, slow and at times tedious routine may sound like hell to Wii gamers seduced by the quick thrills in House Of The Dead: Overkill or Mario Kart, the deep sense of satisfaction you get from defeating the game’s biggest monsters is incredible and almost impossible to express, and worth the price of admission alone.
 
A niche game, beautifully executed, Monster Hunter Tri is one of the Wii’s nerdiest experiences, but a game hardcore players won’t be able to put down for months.

Out now

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