The 2014 release of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite for iOS did the nigh impossible when it adapted precision-based gameplay for greasy touch screens. It wasn't perfect, but hey, it was fantastic. The release of iOS 9 about a year later made Freedom Unite unplayable, so Capcom pulled it from the store. Sad face. It took some time, but the game has finally returned, just in time to compete with Monster Hunter Generations!
Just about a month ago, we told you guys that Monster Hunter Freedom Unite would be coming to iOS in North America. We were a bit surprised, but it was of the pleasant variety. Color us a bit surprised again, because we didn't know that "coming soon" meant early July - as in late last week. MHFU is now available on iPad and iPhone.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is releasing on iOS in North America. When you first hear the news you're probably like "What? Seriously?". When you watch the video showing some of the touch controls you'll just sort of nod to yourself, quietly thinking that it makes sense, but virtual controls for Monster Hunter? What? Seriously? The shock soon wears off and you're left with a curious, somewhat pleasant sensation akin to eating just the right amount of blueberry pie.
The Monster Hunter franchise is massive. It may not have sold by the bucket load in the West, but in Japan it is one of those games you have to play. Owners of a PlayStation Vita and a PS Plus Membership can now recreate a day on the Bullet Train by downloading Monster Hunter Freedom Unite for free.
It's looking like HD is going the way of handheld gaming, only not exactly. Sony is launching a campaign for popular PSP games to be remastered in HD on the PS3. The first game to be remastered from PSP to PS3 is Monster Hunter Portable 3rd- in Japan. We're not sure what games will be released from PSP to PS3 in North America or Europe, but we can think of a few great co-op games that would look really great all dressed up in HD.
