The slayer-simulator is not far off... for Japan at least.

Capcom's highly anticipated Monster Hunter 3 has become one of the most highly anticipated games in Japan. Attracting 4-hour queues at every event it's showed up at, Japanese gamers will not have to wait much longer before getting their mitts on the game. Capcom have officilly shifted the release window for the title from "TBA" to Summer 2009.

The Monster Hunter series sees players explore a massive, open world completely at their own will. You can traverse through the deepest caves to find hidden treaure, or set out to slay the most exotic creatures to forge new material for equipment. The massive success of the previous, PlayStation-exclusive titles has meant the Monster Hunter is up there with the Dragon Quests and the Pokemons in Japan.

There are no plans to release the Wii-exclusive Monster Hunter 3 in the US or Europe, but Capcom have implored eager western gamers to make their voices heard if they want in on the action.

Is the N-E community still hyped for Monster Hunter 3?