SAN MATEO, Calif — April 20, 2010 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Monster Hunter™ Tri has shipped to North American retailers for Wii™. One of the most strikingly beautiful titles ever developed for Wii, Monster Hunter Tri depicts a living, breathing ecosystem where players hunt fantastic beasts that roam both land and sea for the economic prosperity of their newly adopted village. Featuring visually stunning graphics, an accessible single player mode, and support for Nintendo’s Classic Controller Pro™ accessory, Monster Hunter Tri eases new hunters into the world with simple beginning quests. Online services available at no charge allow aspiring hunters to take the hunt online in groups of up-to four players to obtain additional rare items and upgrades.
“Monster Hunter Tri features outstanding gameplay and graphics that have been at the foundation of this amazing franchise since the beginning,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, President and Chief Operating Officer, Nintendo of America. “The addition of free online capability adds a social dynamic that is new to the franchise and showcases the full potential of the Wii.”
Monster Hunter Tri offers players an array of options to tailor the experience to suit their taste. With the inclusion of Wii Speak™ support, players can communicate online via voice chat or the traditional text based chat. The game’s variety of control schemes allows players to use the Classic Controller Pro, Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™, or Classic Controller™ to slay the majestic beasts. Players who prefer offline gameplay never need to hunt alone with the inclusion of an A.I. partner, Cha-Cha, to aid them along their journey and split-screen arena quests allow players to hunt locally with a friend.
“Capcom is very excited to partner with Nintendo for the simultaneous launch of the Classic Controller Pro with Monster Hunter Tri for the ultimate hunting experience”, said Hiroshi Tobisawa, President, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “The collaboration has also allowed us to offer a bundle of Monster Hunter Tri and Classic Controller Pro in limited quantities at retailers nationwide.
Monster Hunter Tri sees the introduction of an expansive story mode with 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. 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 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 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.
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 as they embark on the most epic Monster Hunter adventure to date.