My opinion of an amazing game
I've played Monster Hunter Freedom before and the controls were the biggest issue for me. Once you start a combo in that game, you can't change directions. In this game, you can attack a monster and when it starts to attack you back, you are able to jump/roll/sidestep away. Attack animations are quick so it is easy to dodge attacks.
Another thing I like about this game is how you're given the freedom to equip any secondary weapon(s) you want. I started to play as an archer and it was such trouble fighting groups of monsters up close, especially fast-moving ones. When I acquired a sword and a shield, I equipped them to give myself some close-range attacks. Secondary weapons also have different effects. 2-handed swords are able to stun enemies, dual daggers decrease their speed, and sword/shield combination knocks some of the enemies down.
Graphics are good. Another reviewer mentioned the short range of vision. Enemies appear when you're a certain distance away, but this isn't much of a problem because enemies are only found in rooms. You are free to run in the hallways because monsters don't appear there. Camera also seems to be a big issue for the PSP. It must be the lack of buttons or the awkward placement of the analog stick. I've found that the best way to control the camera is to face the direction I want to look and hold the right shoulder-button. Using the D-pad to control the camera during battles will only get you killed. Once you get the hang of it, it's not much of a bother.
My only gripe with the game is the lack of synthesis tutorials. You can synthesize items with your weapon which adds some numbers, but you are never told what the numbers represent. It's okay though, monsters are still fun to kill regardless.
Overall, this game is very fun and feels very solid unlike other hack and slash games I've played. I've never had to wonder why I'm lamely killing all these monsters because the battles are always fun. I rate this game a 9 out of 10.