Book Review: ンスターハンターCGアートワークス〈2〉(Monster Hunter CG Artworks 2)

This is the sequel to Monster Hunter CG Artworks that I've reviewed before. It's in the same paperback format with 312 pages. It's thick.

This book is essentially the computer graphics (CG) version of the book モンスターハンターイラストレーションズ 2 (Monster Hunter Illustrations 2). The pictures here are actually the screenshots and rendered models from the game.

This book features image CG, movie CG, packaging art, designs for the monster, weapons, armour and characters. There's a lot to see and the designs are great. Also included is a 16-page look at how a monster is created using computer graphics software. It's written in Japanese since this is a Japanese artbook. The other sections are pretty much without text. The monster index (Japanese) is at the book's back.

The games featured are Monster Hunter (tri-) 3, Monster Hunter (tri-) 3G, and Monster Hunter Portable 3rd.

Because the designs are actually the 3D models from the game, the visuals isn't as detailed as they possibly can be. They optimised for gameplay. But they are still pretty detail overall. It's just a minor quibble, an observation. The way the characters and monsters appear in 3D are obviously going to be different in style compared to the hand drawn illustrations.

I like both the illustrations and the CG book, but prefer the illustrations one.

It's a good book. However, if you just want one book, get the illustrations artbook.

And also check out the other Monster Hunter books I've reviewed.

Here are direct links to the book:
Amazon.com | Amazon.co.jp | CDJapan.co.jp | YesAsia.com

ンスターハンターCGアートワークス〈2〉(Monster Hunter CG Artworks 2)