Originally released last year in Japan, Capcom’s Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate has now arrived in the United States. But what are the critics saying about the Capcom role-playing game?

Check out a sampling of review scores and editor opinions below. And for more regarding the game’s critical reception, be sure to read GameSpot sister site Metacritic.

Today also marks the release of the New Nintendo 3DS XL, which is available now for $200. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is playable on the new device, and Capcom has even launched a special edition version of the system based on the role-playing game.

• Game: Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
• Developer: Capcom
• Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
• Release Date: February 13
• Price: $40

GameSpot — 9/10

“Those who become truly invested can expect to find their in-game clock running into the hundreds of hours. Sure, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate isn’t without some of the series’ time-honoured idiosyncrasies, but it’s the most streamlined and accessible game yet, and one that’s hard not to truly obsess over.” – Sean Bell [Full review]

GamesBeat — 68/100

“Monster Hunter 4 has a great game full of options, activities, and a vast world to explore and immerse yourself in living somewhere deep inside of it. And it will even show you these things. But its questionable design and control decisions suck all the fun out of it and make you feel every second of your time in the untamed wild.” – Evan Killham [Full review]

Shacknews — 8/10

“Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is a great addition to the series thanks to its impressive combat mechanics, its highly-detailed and locales, and its ability to be challenging, but not impossible to beat. Even though it still has some aspects I thought could be improved, it’s still a game that I ended up enjoying way more than I initially thought I would.” – Daniel Perez [Full review]

Polygon — 8.5/10

“I’m not going to lie and say that Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is the fully modernized, next-gen experience I’ve always wanted from the series. But it is a much bigger and more self-aware step forward than I expected, and far and away the best Monster Hunter game so far.” – Philip Kollar [Full review]

Game Informer — 8.75/10

“I’ve poured a ton of time into MH4U, but in the context of this series I understand this is only the beginning. Hundreds of solo and multiplayer missions await, along with a staggering number of huge monsters to hunt and lots of gear to craft. Don’t let the early learning hours and initially perplexing systems deter you; this is the best opportunity to find out what keeps fans coming back to Monster Hunter. As an enamored new fan, quitting isn’t an option.” – Tim Turi [Full review]

IGN — 9/10

“Just when you think the fight is over in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, the next challenger steps in and ups the level of competition for another satisfying round of combat and loot. Very few games can hook me in for 100 hours, but this installment adds enough new creatures, weapons, locations, and fighting moves to expand and reinvigorate my lust for the hunt.” – Jose Otero [Full review]

USGamer — 4.5/5

“Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is simply the most approachable and playable version of Capcom’s action-RPG to date–but be warned, it still requires a hefty investment. If you’re willing to take the leap, though, you’ll soon understand why Monster Hunter has become such a phenomenon.” – Bob Mackey [Full review]

Nintendo Enthusiast — 10/10

“At the end of the day, we give Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate our highest recommendation based on our experience, which has been thoroughly outstanding in the short time we’ve played it. Will it be for you? Who knows, it’s a niche game if we’ve ever seen one. But it’s living proof that niche games can be masterpieces when they are unapologetically designed and crafted around their core gameplay, with little regard for attracting others games’ audience.” – Juegos Majicos [Full review]

GamesRadar — 4.5/5

“Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate doesn’t offer much new above and beyond its predecessors, but it perfects so much of what they tried that it becomes undoubtedly the best in the series, and puts itself amongst the best games on 3DS as a result.” – Joe Skrebels [Full review]

Digital Spy — 5/5

“Its high level of difficulty means that this remains a franchise not suited to everyone, but its sheer quality means it’s infinitely deserving of being given a chance. Take the plunge and allow yourself to be absorbed by the ride–it’s well worth it.” – John Robertson [Full review]

Destructoid — 9/10

“Characters are eccentric, the music is epic, and the monster designs are as amazing as ever. One moment players will be laughing at a line of dialogue, only to have their heart pounding moments later as they narrowly escape a Frenzied monster’s devastating blow. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is about mastering a craft and being proud of it. So go ahead, be proud!” – Patrick Hancock [Full review]