Monster Hunter Update

Capcom appears to be kicking into high gear with Monster Hunter over in Japan -- not surprisingly, since Monster Hunter 2nd G was last year's biggest game over there. Today, we managed to get new details and screenshots for two Monster Hunter games, both of which are set for the Wii.

Most notably is an update on Monster Hunter 3. Most of the information was previously revealed (we did play the game at the Tokyo Game Show, after all), but today Capcom shared specifics on a newcomer creature and on a new gameplay system.

The new creature is Ragiacrus. First shown at Tokyo Game Show, this long reptile can survive both on land and underwater. It attacks by emitting electricity from its body and by shooting electric breath, but it can also go the more traditional route and swipe you with its tail or ram you with its impressive weight. When you're exploring the shoreline, Ragiacrus may stick its head out from the water for an unexpected attack.

Also detailed today is the game's pop-icon system. This is basically a context-sensitive action system where icons pop up over your character's head when you reach hot spots in the world. Press A, and you'll be able to perform an action, such as catching bugs with your net, picking at rocks with your pick (assuming you've acquired these items), digging the ground beneath you, and climbing up to higher ground.

Be sure and check out our media gallery below for shots of Ragiacrus and of the pop-icon system in action.

Our Monster Hunter G update has a bit less in the way of new information -- most likely because this is just a slightly updated PS2 to Wii port. Previously, Capcom revealed that the game would offer players a more convenient means of dealing with items and equipment. Today, it got a bit more specific.

Players can now make use of a "My Set Registration" system when equipping their characters. This system lets you register groupings of weapons and equipment. Once registered, you can switch your entire equipment set quickly prior to battle, something that should be a lot less time consuming.

New screenshots of MHG offer a look at the updated item systems and Kokoto Village, the area that serves as your base of operation during single player mode. Browse on over here to see the new shots.

http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/942/942786p1.html