Deciding which Monster Hunter game is for you

[PalD2]

First of all, there is no cut-and-dry answer to which one you should buy. Instead, I will categorize them to help you choose which one is the best for you.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (MH3U):

Pros:

• In addition to being available for 3ds, this version is also available for Wii U, making this the only monster hunter game on this list that you can (currently) play on a home console.
• You are able to transfer your character between the 3ds and Wii U version.
• Cheap. You can get the 3ds version for $10 (used) and the Wii U version for $15 to $20 (used).

Cons:

• Old. The game is over 4 years old and the online system may not be supported that far into the future.
• You can't play online in the 3ds version. Online is only for Wii U
• Not as many people playing online. Sure, there will be some people, but not as many in comparison.
• You can't mount monsters.
• There is no kinsect in this entry.
• No Hunter arts/styles.

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (MH4U):

Pros:

• Second newest game in the series, although it came out in 2013, (I can't believe that it's that old already >_<).
• Has a some-what large player base still online (a lot of the people on the pedia still play it).
• Is more true* to the original games (aka does not have hunter arts or hunter styles with a more linear single player story line.
• Cheap. You can find it for $15 (used).

Cons:

• Not the newest, so support for online is more likely to end before mhg.
• Does not feature hunter arts (I feel that they are like icing on the cake).

Monster Hunter Generations (MHG):

Pros:

• The only game with hunter arts and hunting styles.
• The newest game in the series.
• More monsters and weapons.
• You can play as a palico.
• The most players online (currently).

Cons:

• Bad framerate at times. Nothing too serious. It only occurs in the hub occasionally if you don't have a n3ds.
• Not as deep of a single player campaign. Some may disagree, but I found the one in mh4u more enthralling.
• Most expensive. Costs $25 to $30 (used)

Conclusion:
In conclusion, here are the main reasons to purchase each game(s).

Reasons to buy Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate:

• You don't care for online play that much, don't care for the kinsect, and you have only a Wii U. Either that or you're completely broke and just want to play Monster Hunter.

Reasons to buy Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate:

• You want a decent single player campaign along with decent online play.

Reasons to buy Monster hunter Generations:

• You want the newest game in the series or you want the implementation of hunter arts/styles.

Monster hunter games don't fall into a one-size-fits-all category, and to put things into perspective, I only named the three newest (English) games, and a new game will come out for the switch eventually (it was seen in the taxi scene of one of the trailers).