Monster Hunter Freedom unveiled

Capcom has announced its forthcoming PSP title Monster Hunter Freedom. The title, continuing the series originating on the PS2, is based on Monster Hunter and Monster Hunter G, with Freedom adding new missions and additional features. The game features both single player and ad hoc multiplayer modes for up to four players. Monster Hunter Freedom has an expected release date of Q1 2006 — further pricing and release information was not available.

From the announcement:

In Monster Hunter Freedom, challengers take on a variety of quests and conquer larger than life beasts either alone or with the aid of others. Players start by customizing their own character, choosing the type of hair, face, voice and other various attributes their personalized monster hunter will possess. They can explore a hub village where they can sign up for various challenges ranging from retrieving a valuable egg from the nest of a menacing dragon to hunting down powerful creatures and much more. Hunters can scavenge defeated monsters for food, collect bones for weapons and armor, and even use pieces for decorative accessories. In addition, by completing objectives, players receive an array of rewards that allows them to upgrade their arsenal and equipment, readying them for even tougher battles.

Monster Hunter Freedom boasts an array of exciting new features for the PSP system:
+ Breathtaking graphics – lush environments and detailed monsters are beautifully represented on the PSP system

+ Modified quests enhance offline gameplay – whereas the previous titles emphasized online gameplay, missions have been adjusted to offer more accessible single player experiences

+ Ad hoc multiplayer
- Up to four can team up in cooperative multiplayer missions via the PSP system’s ad hoc mode
- Players can also exchange certain items as well as guild cards which track points that are awarded when friends play together

+ Enhanced village hub features a new look and includes various upgraded areas
- Expanded item shop – players can use quest rewards or pillaged items to upgrade more weapons and armor than before, as well as purchase items, ammo and food
- House area – hunters now have an improved home where they can store and manage items in a chest, save their progress by resting in bed, read magazines that provide useful game tips and access the new Felyne Kitchen area
- Farm – a brand new location where players can fish, garden, scavenge for items and more
By investing with the town’s representatives and dealing with the businesses, players contribute to the growth and development of the area which creates additional options

+ New Felyne Kitchen – hire these feisty creatures to create various culinary delights in their extraordinary kitchen
- Experience different effects from eating the specially prepared food such as increased attack power, defense and more
- Benefits from the food continue until a quest is cleared once
- The more these chefs are used, the higher their levels become, improving their cooking skills to produce even more helpful entrées
- Each cat has their own unique “special” ingredient which can produce different results that aid players in combat

+ New “treasure hunters” two player co-op game
- Collect and deliver treasures in a specific time to achieve high scores and earn various items
- High value prizes are added to a collection list on a guild card which can be traded with friends
- Exciting mini games – collect items, harvest plants and complete other small tasks to obtain all kinds of useful items
- Brand new weapons and equipment provide even more options