A huge problem with previous Monster Hunter games was the long loading times between areas. This throws you off the game’s fast-paced gameplay and makes multiplayer a huge headache. To solve the problem without sacrificing the great graphics, Monster Hunter Freedom 2 has a “background loading system” that cuts load times between areas in half. Alas, it also cuts your battery’s lifespan in half - and the game is a merciless battery-sucking whore even without the option activated.

Technical difficulties aside, it’s a shame that Monster Hunter G never made it to the US, and an even bigger shame that American gamers can’t seem to cash in on multiplayer, unless a game is totally online. This cultural nuance might send Monster Hunter Freedom 2 right under the radar for most RPG fans, but for true Monster Hunters, this is everything you could have hoped for in a PSP version – minus the “portable” part. Keep your fingers crossed for a PS3 follow-up sometime in the near future.