By Matthew Scott Hunter
‘Monster Hunter Tri’ (T)
A worthy hard fought battle
***1/2
Capcom
Wii
The “Monster Hunter” series makes its debut on the Wii with an installment that’s packed with content but still somewhat soul-less. The story is an afterthought, the characters are non-existent and dialogue is merely functional — typically involving straightforward discussions of trade. This is a game about micromanagement. It’s about learning the subtle weaknesses in a vaguely prehistoric beast’s complicated defenses, forging an appropriate weapon to slay it, gradually reaching victory through trial and error and making the best use of your spoils to prepare for the next battle. There’s very little context to lend emotion to each magnificent boss battle, but there’s no denying that every hard-won fight is satisfying.
This time around, there’ll be a few aquatic creatures to conquer, forcing you to consider attacks from above and below as well as each side. The monsters are more numerous than ever, and it’ll take countless hours to collect them all as trophies, even with a hunting party of online friends (which remains the best way to play). “Monster Hunter” has been a phenomenal success overseas, so Capcom’s sticking to what works, but it’d be nice to see this series develop a narrative with some sort of driving purpose other than the “Pokemon”-like “Gotta Kill’em All!”
‘Super Street Fighter IV’ (T)
****1/2
Capcom
Xbox 360
Capcom milks each new installment of “Street Fighter” the way Chun-Li milks a few more reps out of her well-worn Thigh Master, and we now have the first of many expansion packs for “Street Fighter IV.” This iteration comes with more user-friendly online options, a few cool new backdrops and, best of all, a whopping ten new characters on the roster, so the best 2D fighting game on the market just got better. If you don’t already have a copy of “Street Fighter IV,” this is the version to get…at least, until the inevitable release of “Super Street Fighter IV Alpha Turbo.”
‘2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa’ (E)
****
Electronic Arts
Xbox 360
Essentially, this is “FIFA 2010” with a little World Cup pageantry thrown in, but “FIFA 2010” was a technically superb simulation of the world’s favorite sport. Doubtless, this game will be best received overseas, but if you’re a fan of any of the top-tier teams, you’ll find them rendered in loving detail. Lesser known soccer teams are a bit fuzzier, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still lead your favorite underdog to world victory. Just don’t expect any huge technical leaps until “FIFA 2011.”
‘Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love’ (T)
**
NIS America
Wii
Half mech battle RPG and half goofy dating sim, “Sakura Wars” is one of those bizarre genre fusions that could only happen in Japan. As samurai/ladies man Shinjiro, you’re tasked with wooing a harem of quirky women with the use of simplistic mini-games and dull conversation. The more you impress them, the more effective they’ll be when they assist you in battle against evil robots. Unfortunately, the combat is as mundane as the ladies are high maintenance.
