What's more fun than a major Capcom Monster Hunter event? Why, an event that stops by several different locations, of course. That's the case with Monster Hunter Festa 08, as the event moved to the capital of Japan as of yesterday. More on the next phase of this venue-hopping endeavor in the full article after the jump.

A long time ago, a famous bard once quipped that joys tend to double when they are shared with others. Perhaps that's the reason why fans of the Monster Hunter series congregate every year to touch base.

For those of you who won't be able to attend Monster Hunter Festa 08, worry not. We've got some news to share with you. Hunt for it in the full article after the jump.

The people have spoken. Capcom's announced that due to popular demand, they'll be re-introducing three PSP titles back into their official store. Monster Hunter Freedom's reappearance should be interesting, given that it's been off the shelves for more than a year. Further details are available in the full article.

Whether you're cooking a monster of a meal, or cooking for someone with the appetite of a monster, it's always nice to dress appropriately - so why not throw away that dinky old apron that grandma used and slip on this comfortably-orange Monster Hunter apron, courtesy of the folks over at the Monster Hunter store in Akihabara, Japan?

Yes, we know, it's a bit of a strange merchandising move, but when you're making stuff for a game that lets you stab gargantuan flying monsters for their skin and meat, culinary items do make sense. And even if you're not one to take helm in the kitchen, there's always the awesome-looking paper files also being sold.

Definitely a great addition (if not a quirky one) to the booty of Monster Hunter goodies available. Updates as we get them, in the meantime enjoy the goodies!

See the rest of the images after the jump!

Not really news, but a little something for those who're loyal to the hit game for the PlayStation Portable. Kotaku's Brian Ashcraft has been going around the fan-pleasing Monster Hunter Festa in Osaka as of late, and he's been taking images, videos and what -not.

His latest revelation to the wide wild world of the interwebs involves several masterful works of Monster Hunter related art. Behold:

    
    
  

Yep, the game's actually big enough for people to care about the concept art. Cool isn't it?

If you're a fan of the Monster Hunter Portable series who only got into the game because of the sequel, then you're in luck because Sony's introducing PSP Best rerelease of the original Monster Hunter Portable video game by Capcom. Well, you would be in luck, if you happened to live in Japan.

According to their website, Sony will be releasing a PSP Best version of the original PSP game this coming April 26. There's no word on whether or not there will be any extra features in this video game, but you have to love the rock bottom pricing they have on this one. You'll be able to purchase a reissued copy of the game for around ¥ 1980 (US$ 17).

In any case, you're a lucky son of a bargain hunter if this little bargain alert fits your needs quite well. As for us English-speaking folk, we'll just have to sign a petition to see a reissue of our own.

Capcom, which created the hit Monster Hunter Freedom on the PSP, was recently interviewed by IGN regarding their game and their outlook on the future of the PSP. With regards to Monster Hunter, it first seemed that Capcom really decided to focus on the graphics of the game. However, after hearing them speak about all of the other features they wished to provide, we realize that the graphics were simply a part of the story.

Monster Hunter is one of the few games that have become popular on the PSP because of it's console-like graphics. Members of the team who were responsible for his game were asked about this phenomenon, and they gave a simple answer: "One of our goals, even on the first Monster Hunter Freedom, was to preserve the console-quality graphics." They later added that "If the visual quality is high, it definitely adds to the game's wow factor. We wanted anyone who happened to see it to be impressed immediately."

They were asked about downloadable content, and its impact on their game development of Monster Hunter. They gave a very strong affirmative response to it, saying that "Without question, downloadable content, and ad-hoc gameplay are very important features in Monster Hunter Freedom 2." They went on to expound on this by stating that they wish to have "a long-term relationship with users by offering new quests and extras via network download." Apparently, they have really considered this and built their game around these principles.

Unlike another company that was interviewed, the folks from Capcom were very reserved when it came to their take on the future of the PSP. They simply said that they "still have a lot to learn about the PSP hardware and its potential", and that the key to it all is "effectively maximizing its capabilities to produce high quality experiences for users."

If you wish to view the full interview, you can find it via the "Read" link below.

Capcom's Monster Hunter Freedom is a complex mix of adventure, hack n' slash, and RPG elements. The game's aim is to complete quests given by various people in the goal of attaining higher and more prestigious hunting ranks. With a lot of missions, quests, characters, weapons and more, the variety you find in this game is virtually limitless. Monster Hunter Freedom features both single player and multiplayer campaigns. By using the PSP's ad hoc mode you can play with up to 3 others to gang up on particularly nasty monsters.

Here's a nifty little tip from Thompson Kelly and Chris Jutras on how you can get some easy cash in Monster Hunter Freedom.

All you need is a friend (who has both a PSP and a copy of the game, of course) and an item that sells for a decent amount of money. The item also has to have a rarity level of 3 or less.And then just follow these simple steps:

1. Save with the item in your possession.
2. Go to the online gathering hall. Your friend should do the same.
3. Give the item to your friend and reset the game without saving.
4. Reboot your game to the save file. You should still have the item in your inventory. Your friend should also have the item that you gave him in his inventory. Now you've duplicated your items!
5. Repeat as many times as possible. When you reckon that you have enough, sell sell sell the items and rake in some easy cash.

Again, kudos to Thompson Kelly and Chris Jutras for the tip.

If you're not happy with a video game, the best thing to do is to air your complaints via phone or mail. That's what Kotaku reader Matt did. He wrote to Capcom customer service about his gripes about the PSP game Monster Hunter Freedom. Though we don't normally expect replies from companies, I'd have to say Matt is one lucky dude. After getting the standard "apology on behalf of the company" spiel, he was offered a small gift as a token of Capcom's sincerity.

A week later, he got a box from UPS. As would any gaming aficionado, he expected a t-shirt, a PSP screensaver or some leftover swag from E3. But lo and behold, the Capcom loot turned out to be a must-have utensil set for a barbecue cookout. It even included the official Monster Hunter Freedom poogie doll given out with pre-orders. Hmm, I smell a barbecued poogie.

This looks like a busy week for the PSP this week as five new games and three new movies are hitting the console. The games coming out this week are FIFA World Cup 2006, Field Commander, Lemmings, Monster Hunter Freedom and Puzzle Challenge: Crosswords & More! The UMD movies that are being released this week are 'Donnie Darko', 'Ikki-Tousen Vol. 1: Legendary Fighter' and 'The Boondock Saints'.

FIFA World Cup 2006 is the update to FIFA 2006, but this time focusing on the World Cup tournament. Field Commander is a turn-based strategy game that features 3D environments and 15 army divisions. Lemmings is the newest version of the popular puzzle strategy franchise. Monster Hunter Freedom is based on the Monster Hunter G game for the PlayStation 2 but made to be portable. Puzzle Challenge: Crosswords & More! is made up of crosswords, code breakers, puzzles with cryptic clues, diamond shaped puzzles, backwards puzzles and word searches all packed up in a UMD disk.

'Donnie Darko' is a story of a average misguided teen who is told one night that the world will end in 28 days and time travel fits in there somewhere as well. 'Ikki-Tousen' is an anime series that tells the story of a war between Fighters, a group of high school students destined to battle until one emerges as the Ikki Tousen. 'The Boondock Saints' is a movie about two Irish brothers who wind up taking out a couple of Boston's mafia members.

So go ahead and check out some of the new releases if you need something new to play on your PSP this week.