Hunting Monsters

I've been busy plugging away at Monster Hunter Tri while simultaneously preparing our new house for move-in. It's a pretty pleasing experience so far. Clearing the "tutorial" section takes a couple of hours (at most) but does not involve intense text, mostly gameplay (killing a relatively harmless monster for meat, going on a multiple-monster hunt, mining for ore in a cave, and learning to swim and harpooning fish). Overall, pretty fun for a tutorial.

I have no complaints thus far, save one. Monster Hunter is supposed to be the next great epic on Wii. A sprawling epic adventure with dangerous creatures, intense fights, and superb graphics. The game is mission based, and upon completion of the tutorial missions, a "mission shop" opens to give you assignments. The first of which: collect mushrooms. Way to capture my attention early, Capcom.

And still, I have faith that this will be one to remember. Look for a more detailed thoughts (that may or may not take the form of a review) after the weekend.

If you have not yet joined the debate on the artistic legitimacy of games, check out Roger Ebert's latest comments here. The main problem with the debate is that there is no clear, universally accepted definition of "art". To me, that renders almost every argument mute.

But, I'll throw in my two cents on the debate soon. Now, I am collecting my thoughts on the matter and trying to present them in the most clear, concise method possible.

But, I'd like to end with something a bit more lighthearted.

Found this little bit of awesomeness as well. If anyone has this game, or can find it at a garage sale somewhere, I will accept any challenge!