Capcom’s Monster Hunter series continues to generate strong sales with the company announcing that the second installment — Monster Hunter Freedom 2 — is the first PSP title to sell 1.5 million copies in Japan.

In addition, Monster Hunter Freedom 2 netted the “Excellence Prize” today in the Entertainment Division of the Japan Media Arts Festival. The title was chosen from among 2,091 pieces of media art.

March 13 will see the release of the series’ next title, Monster Hunter Freedom 2G, as Capcom continues to expand on the success of the franchise.

Capcom’s “Monster Hunter Freedom 2” becomes
first 1.5 million-seller in Japan!
– Receives “Excellence Prize” award at the Japan Media Arts Festival –

Capcom is pleased to announce that “Monster Hunter Freedom 2” for the PlayStation Portable (PSP®) has shipped over 1.5 million units domestically, making it the first to do so on the platform in Japan (as of December 4, 2007).

The “Monster Hunter” series is a hunting action game centered on epic battles with giant monsters in the grandeur of the great outdoors. Since the release of the first Monster Hunter title in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, the series has sold a total of 4.8 million units (as of November 30, 2007) and is one of our most valued titles. “Monster Hunter Freedom 2” was released in February, 2007 for the PSP®, with a focus on co-operative play, which has been hardily supported by youths of all ages across the country. Thanks to the favorable response, the title has grown to become the first ever title in Japan to sell over 1.5 million copies on the PSP®.

In addition, Capcom is pleased to announce that “Monster Hunter Freedom 2” was chosen to receive the “Excellence Prize” today in the Entertainment Division of the Japan Media Arts Festival, sponsored by the Japan Media Arts Festival Executive Committee of Agency for Cultural Affairs. It was chosen from among 2,091 pieces, representing 43 different countries and locals in its division, and has demonstrated its merits as a piece of media art.

March 13, 2008 will see the planned release of the series’ next title, “Monster Hunter Freedom 2G” for the PSP®, as we continually strive to expand the series.

We hope to continue meeting and exceeding the expectations of gamers with our dedication to developing solid original titles, as well as expanding our current franchises.

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