The PSP has two modes of internet play: Ad Hoc and Infrastructure. Infrastructure mode lets players connect through the internet, but Ad Hoc mode is local only, or at least it was. The PSP adhocParty, launched last year in Japan, allows select games that normally allow for only face-to-face multiplayer connect via the PlayStation Network, using the PlayStation 3 as a bridge.

"The PlayStation brand is synonymous with creating exciting new gameplay experiences that connect and challenge people in ways they never thought possible," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. "AdhocParty for the PSP system creates an avenue for gamers to connect, strategize, and compete with each other – Gran Turismo is a great example of this. Polyphony Digital developed robust Ad Hoc features within the game, which are now even more accessible through adhocParty. We saw this as a tremendous opportunity to enhance the PSP system's online gaming experience and bring the service to our North American consumers."

While it would be nice if the PSP could perform this sort of function on its own instead of requiring a PlayStation 3, the service will definitely be a godsend, especially to those poor, lonely Monster Hunter Freedom Unite players. Look for the feature to go live later this month.

The Capcom booth at the San Diego Comic-Con will feature a download station where players can snag any or all of the eight free quests the company has whipped up for the event. They're just a taste of the missions that Capcom will be offering for download every Friday from now through 2010, adding tons of value to what is already a pretty expansive title.

Capcom does warn that only six quests will fit on a memory stick, so either bring a secondary stick or be prepared to leave two of them forever uncompleted.

Fur will fly, items will be stole, paws will...paw, and yes - there will be belly rubs if I have anything to say about it. A new downloadable quest for Capcom's Monster Hunter Freedom Unite sees players battling their way through a horde of Felynes and Melynx cat creatures.

To the one million Felyne fans out there: At long last we bring you our special challenge! Skillfully clear this and your reward will be a very special ticket!"

That special ticket allows you to create a new armor - the Hunter T-Shirt.

I haven't picked up Monster Hunter Freedom Unite yet, but I didn't know there were kitties in it before. Big fan of kitties. *twitches*

Monster Hunter Unite DLC: 2 Colors of Meow [Capcom Unity]

The box is quite lovely, but what comes inside? Along with the game and the aforementioned Mystic Silver PSP-3000, those picking up the bundle will also receive an ugly gold PSP case, some sort of keychain dragon pendant looking thing, and a sticker to put over said Mystic Silver PSP-3000. I suppose that could be enticing to some Europeans out there, as they are a varied and mysterious people.

Personally I'm a bit wary of purchasing a new PSP-3000 since Sony made the PSPgo official, questioning the logistics of shelling out for a new PSP-3000 with a brand-new unit just around the corner. I suppose you can always trade it in when the time is right.

At least I think he said porcupines. The narrator, assumedly one of the four expert monster hunters from Capcom's Encyclopedia Gigantica website, explains how to get started on the path to becoming a master hunter. Unfortunately the gentleman's accent is a bit hard to get past, and at one point I am pretty sure he said something about spending my porcupines, which is silly. If I had porcupines I certainly wouldn't spend them.

At last week's Captivate 09 event, Capcom handed out sealed packs of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite freebies that included a little Playstation Portable case, a figure, two buttons and a sticker. Pretty cool. What's cooler? The two Monster Hunter 5th Anniversary beer coasters found at the bar the night before? Way cooler.

The PR folks on hand at the giveaway admonished all attendees not to sell them on eBay because they would know where they came from. So go look right now and see how much they're up to. We'll be giving ours away during the annual Child's Play fundraiser.

"Monster Hunter Freedom Unite sold 3 million units in Japan, showing what can happen when you bring a quality product to the Playstation Portable," David Reeves, president and chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe, said. "We feel we can attract this sort of audience elsewhere with this game if we can get them to play it ad-hoc."

So Sony plans to bring a demo of the title to both UMD and for digital distribution sometime before the game hits North America on June 23, he said. He added that Sony will also be releasing a "Monster Hunter bundle" in Europe, but didn't detail what exactly that would entail or if it would be released elsewhere.

The demo for Monster Hunter Freedom Unite will be hitting the PlayStation Store in early June, a bit before the actual game hits store shelves. Players can either take on missions alone with an AI partner, or together with a friend, making the demo the perfect recruiting tool for those tired of playing by themselves. In order to deliver a fuller taste of what Monster Hunter has to offer, the demo will feature higher level characters skilled at each of the major weapon types, allowing players to get up to their armpits in monster innards as soon as possible.

I've never managed to get into the series myself. It just didn't really appeal to me for some reason. Maybe the demo will change my mind.

Announcing the Monster Hunter Freedom Unite Demo!!! [Capcom]