Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

 3DS
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. Cubed3
    May 9, 2013
    90
    Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is one of the largest Monster Hunter games to have been released and perhaps one of the largest 3DS games.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    Apr 3, 2013
    90
    As everything Tri was and more, Ultimate in its portable form is a must-have, at least for Monster Hunter fans. Being able to bring the game’s immersive world with you where ever you go is a truly incredible experience.
  3. 3DJuegos
    Mar 18, 2013
    90
    A very deep and engaging action adventure experience plenty of monsters to kill, objects to collect and characters to customize. A must have for Nintendo 3DS owners.
  5. Pelit (Finland)
    Apr 15, 2013
    88
    Too bad the 3DS version suffers from horrible underwater controls, since the XL version of Circle Pad Pro isn't out in the west. [Apr 2013]
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  6. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Mar 19, 2013
    88
    Expanded and miniaturised, Ultimate finds its natural home on 3DS. Only the lack of online and faffy controls prevent must-buy status.
  7. IGN
    Mar 17, 2013
    88
    On 3DS, even without the Circle Pad Pro attachment, controlling the camera using the touchscreen works surprisingly well. It’s not quite perfect, but it’s certainly a lot better than it ever was on the PSP; it’s only noticeably slow when you’re fighting underwater.
  8. GameTrailers
    Mar 20, 2013
    85
    Review forthcoming.
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  9. Multiplayer.it
    Mar 18, 2013
    85
    No easy-going online multiplayer and the same old routine makes this new installment hardly mandatory for Tri veterans, except it's the best portable Monster Hunter to date and there's a ton of addictive content.
  10. Nintendojo
    Apr 15, 2013
    83
    The game makes great technical use of the 3DS horsepower, and its environments benefit from the added depth. Then again, you could always buy both versions because there is the option to transfer your character back and forth so you can enjoy each system’s unique features.
  11. DarkStation
    Apr 29, 2013
    80
    It is a shame that Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on 3DS is let down so badly by the lack of online capability. However, if you have friends with the title or have prior experience with the series and can deal with the challenge of fighting alone, then 3 Ultimate is worth picking up. Just make sure you play with the Circle Pad Pro.
  12. IGN Italia
    Apr 21, 2013
    80
    Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is another very good reason to own a 3DS. It's the same huge game you can play on Wii U, and local coop is a blast. Online support is laughable, but the game is still a wonder. Having to choose, though, the Wii U version is superior.
  13. Vandal
    Mar 22, 2013
    80
    There are some issues, but its gameplay is as good as always and there's content enough to keep us playing for months. Keep in mind, though, you'll need a Wii U to play online.
  14. Everyeye.it
    Mar 18, 2013
    80
    The debut of Monster Hunter on 3DS is absolutely successful. Once again you will be dealing with a chapter that does not upset the basic formula, but rather enriches it, proposing new monsters, weapons, items and crafting systems.
  15. Nintendo Life
    Mar 18, 2013
    80
    It's an accomplished effort, though, and a must for fans of the franchise that can't access the new home console version, or those that simply want to always be able to slay an almighty monster when on the move.
  16. ZTGD
    Apr 2, 2013
    78
    It may be difficult to get into, but if the game clicks, it becomes rather addicting. Even with a challenging control scheme, I always seemed to work my way through. If you are looking to try your very first Monster Hunter, this is a great place to start. If Tri fans are looking for a portable version, this is the ticket. With some patience and a Circle Pad Pro, you will be gathering items and killing monsters in no time, and even having a good time while doing it.
  17. SpazioGames
    Mar 22, 2013
    75
    The absence of the online multiplayer and the need for a Circle Pad Pro represent two big stains on the blanket of this edition of Monster Hunter. Only half a Nintendo fan will rejoice for this.
  18. EGM
    Mar 18, 2013
    75
    Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is a tough sell for newcomers, but if you’re patient, it’ll make a believer out of you with lots of freedom afforded to your playstyle, even if the controls sometimes make the experience more cumbersome than needed. Hardcore series fans, of course, will need no convincing here.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best 3DS Game of 2013
9
#9 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2013
15
#15 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 257 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 195 out of 257
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 257
  3. Negative: 32 out of 257
  1. RidleyKRO
    Mar 19, 2013
    9
    Certainly not perfect, but still an amazing game. The graphics on the 3DS are outstanding, gameplay is fun and strategic, and there is anCertainly not perfect, but still an amazing game. The graphics on the 3DS are outstanding, gameplay is fun and strategic, and there is an insane amount of content in this game. Crafting armor-pieces and weapons based on monsters is really fun, and I've never had this much fun grinding in a game. The grinding isn't even necessary, but it sure makes things easier. Monsters and equipment looks really cool, and they are both very unique design-wise. Bonus-features such as Streetpass also works well, and multiplayer is really enjoyable if you have some friends you can play local with.

    My only complaints about the game is the lack of online, though the game was intended for the Japanese, where online isn't necessary, text being a bit hard to read on the 3DS though it looks good on the XL and the start, which is a bit slow. But don't let these things stop you, since the game is still excellent, and you'll have a lot of fun with it.

    I recommend buying a Circle Pad Pro along with the game. You won't need it, but the controls becomes much better, and the Circle Pad Pro is still compatible with other software such as Resident Evil Revelations.    … Full Review »
  2. Legojon
    Apr 21, 2013
    0
    My advice for this is to play the demo before buying it. Then play the demo again. Then again... then again. Because that's basically whatMy advice for this is to play the demo before buying it. Then play the demo again. Then again... then again. Because that's basically what the game is. Go out and kill a monster. Repeat. Ok, so that's the title of the game. It wouldn't be so bad if the monster hunting was fun. It is at first. But the controls are just too unresponsive even with the circle pad. I ended up going for sword and shield. I swing my sword but notice the monster is about to charge. I can block right? Well, not if the previous animation is still going. Need to roll out of danger? Not if the previous animation is still going. I can't understand why a game that requires you to watch for tells in a monsters attacks forces you to complete whatever action you started before allowing another. Try this with the bigger weapons that have longer animation frames for some real frustration. The underwater parts are more frustrating and lets just add a time limit on top so after nearly an hour of 4 players fighting a creature that keeps running off every 2 minutes and hiding randomly in one of the tiny linked arenas, and you lose anyway. Bought it, sold it.… Full Review »
  3. JalenTheEpic
    Mar 20, 2013
    10
    This game is loads of fun. I've already put more hours into it on the first day than it takes to complete certain games. Every weapon(ThereThis game is loads of fun. I've already put more hours into it on the first day than it takes to complete certain games. Every weapon(There are 12 weapon types) feels like a completely different game, and each is fun. To add each fight feels different, even if it is the same monster 6 times in a row. This game is the most fun thing I've ever played.… Full Review »
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