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.

Capcom has announced at their E3 press conference that the addition to the Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP will be released across North America on May 23.

In Monster Hunter Freedom, players will have to take on various quests and fight off monsters either alone or with the aid of friend (via the PSP's ad hoc mode). The quest will start with the players customising their characters by choosing face, voice and hair types, and also the various attributes their monster hunters will possess.

The players and their personalized monster hunters will have to take on different quests in order to receive rewards and upgrade their equipment and arsenal. Players will have to accomplish given tasks such as retrieving a valuable egg from a nest and hunting down mighty creatures. During these quests, players can also scavenge for food, collect weapons and armor (out of monsters' bones), and gather just anything for decoration.

Monster Hunter Freedom will include new quests and additional content and features specifically made for this PSP version. There are enhanced quests made more accessible for either single player experience or multiplayer mode via ad hoc. Players can exchange certain items including guild cards that track the players' points whenever they play together.

There are expanded item shops where players can upgrade their weapons and armor using quest rewards or pillaged items, and where they can also buy items, food and ammunition. Hunters can store and manage items in chests and save their progress while they read magazines or rest in bed while they're in their improved house area. They can also choose to invest in their towns' businesses, buy and sell from village merchants and manage their own farms.

Mini-games such as collecting items, harvesting plants and completing other small tasks are included in the game. As promised, here's a hefty dose of Monster Hunter Screens:

Monster Hunter Freedom was a big hit in Japan. In 13 days, we will see if the game will appeal to Western gamers as well. Building upon the success of PS2 originals Monster Hunter and Monster Hunter G (which was released only in Japan), Monster Hunter Freedom will include new quests, additional features and content that will cater to the PSP system.

Rated “T” by ESRB, this Capcom title lets players experience the thrill of being a hunter. Conquer larger than life beasts in a monster hunter character, which you can customize to suit your own personalized tastes.

Various quests – ranging from retrieving a valuable egg from the nest of an enormous dragon to hunting down powerful creatures – can also be undergone by hunters. Defeated monsters can be scavenged for food and their bones used for weapons, armors, and decorative pieces.

Rewards are given to players upon completion of objectives. These rewards allow the players to upgrade arsenal and equipment to be able to face tougher battles.

The complete list of Monster Hunter Freedom's new features await after the jump!

Monster Hunter Freedom is one of the few PSP titles to actually offer console quality graphics and performance. The game has some of the best visuals to grace the PSP and offers so much in terms of gameplay and length. The game offers Ad-Hoc support and over 200 quests to complete. With this in mind, the game is extremely long and should be fun to out on quests with some buddies.

The preview gives us some nice insight on this upcoming title. While the preview is short, it still answers some lingering questions as well as shed some light on how big the game really is. The preview does a nice job at summing up how the game starts off and what the basic idea behind it is. Anyone with a PSP should keep an eye on this title.

Monster Hunter Freedom is based on the PS2 game with a few new features and mini games. The game is going to feature intense fighting, excellent single player quests and experiences, and even ad hoc multiplayer capabilities. The multiplayer is where the game really excels, taking down huge monsters and loads of various beasts has never been so fun. With the upgrades this game has received from previous titles, I won't be surprised if it becomes a success.

Monster Hunter Freedom takes gamers on various quests on their journey to conquer monster beasts with their party members. Building upon previous iterations in the series, Monster Hunter Freedom features a bunch of new missions and special PSP capabilities. The enhanced single player campaign will allow you to partake in epic battles on the go, while the ad hoc multiplayer mode will allow you and three other friends to team up for some intense fighting. Monster Hunter Freedom is set to be released on  May 23 in the US.

Today, Capcom announced that more than 500,000 copies of Monster Hunter: Freedom for the PSP have been sold, making it the biggest selling PSP title in Japan. This is important because if this game is such a smash-hit in Japan it should be some what of a hit here. Of course, the Japanese have different tastes in games than the majority of Western gamers, but if it sold almost as well as Kingdom Hearts II did then it has to be halfway decent. Congratulations Capcom for your best selling PSP game in Japan! We should expect it to hit the U.S. market on May 30th.