Monster Hunter Tri Hitting North America in 2010

Monster Hunter Tri (also known as Monster Hunter 3), touches on parts of the Wii library that feel quite empty, especially in North America, which is where it is heading in 2010.

What will this game deliver?  As a fantasy action/adventure game, it's already a rare breed on the Wii.  Additionally, it is gorgeous.  The trailer (below) shows the sort of graphical polish that Capcom is known for on the system, and not just in cut-scenes.

The trailer for Monster Hunter Tri seems to scream "open world" louder than any game on the system.  In fact, Capcom's press release says it best, describing the game as "a living, breathing ecosystem where man co-exists with fantastic beasts that roam both the land and the sea."  Not only will players feel the large environment in their travels, but they'll experience the next point that the screens and trailer drive home:

This game is epic.  There clearly aren't enough games with giant dragons and rock minions as your foes on the Wii.  Add in some crazy-looking fantasy weapons, and you've got yourself a sure-fire hit.

It doesn't end there.  Capcom released Monster Hunter Tri on August 1 in Japan with a "Pay & Play" structure, where gamers could pay monthly fees to play the online portion of the game.  While this structure has been successful in the Japanese territory, it has never made its way over to North America.

However, the online mode in the game itself will be coming to North America, and as of now, we have reason to believe that it will be free.  Capcom notes the local and online multiplayer modes in their release:

"Featuring both online and offline cooperative modes, players can join online hunting parties with up to four players or play with two players on a single TV for select quests."

So not only is this the first Monster Hunter game on a Nintendo system, but this is a first for the system itself.  A full-featured fantasy game with beautiful graphics and online co-op?  Sign me up.

Not convinced?  Have a look at the trailer yourself: