The "Monster Hunter" franchise's reach has always been limited in the United States. The series is a Pokémon-level phenomenon in its native Japan, but has only recently been upgraded from "obscure curio" to "cult hit" on this side of the Pacific. The real barrier between "MoHun" and Western success has been its lack of online play. Though every "Monster Hunter" can be played solo, it's impossible to access the game's best bits without other human players. Hardcore, grind-intensive, multiplayer action RPGs plain need an online option to find an audience in the United States.