User blog comment:Lord Loss/Monster Appreciation Week: Great Wroggi/@comment-1758220-20130326033953

 GREAT WROGGI 

Concept: Let's not beat around the bush, something like this probably should have been in MH3 from the get go. The subtropical zones being left without an alpha raptor certainly was peculiar. However, it's what Capcom decided to do with the idea that counts, so let's examine that. Well, we've got a slick, glossy, raptor-like predator that prowls swamps and volcanoes, followed by a pack of lesser minions, all of whom deal poison damage. Now just where have I heard that synopsis before...? I'm not going to sugar coat it, this is literally the Iodrome redone. I mean, there's probably only a few things you can do with a raptor in these environments overall, but really? 3/10

 Design:  Okay, so idea-wise it's identical to the Iodrome, but it's not like they're going to give it a bright orange salamander-like skin, purple undertones on the extremities and bright yellow eyes, right? Yeah. The original bits are actually kind of cool though. I like the poison sac, and the fins that run along the tail. Almost looks like it would be right at home in the water if given the chance. The hands are unusually broad though, and I'm not sure how keen I am on the upturned nose. A largely unoriginal design to match the inspiration. 6/10

 Sound:  Standard alpha raptor theme, which is always pretty nice. The sound department is where Great Wroggi shines, if you ask me. The variety of croaks and howls is interesting to listen to and gives the monster far more character and soul than Iodrome. 8/10

 Gameplay:  Standard alpha raptor fare here for the most part, with no new melee attacks. His poison sac is well implemented, however, creating a cloud that hangs in the air for a while, much more effective than Iodrome's short lived spit. Even when broken, the sac is impressive, spewing poison gas through the holes as it inhales, and still covering a formidable area in front of it when it exhales. Also of note is the incredible speed burst this monster recieves at G-rank, seriously, it's nuts. I really wish they'd done more to make him stand out in combat from his cousins though, since they really had the chance here. 6.5/10

 Equipment:  His armour makes you a cowboy with a poncho. Case closed. Seriously though, awesome armour design on this one, Capcom commendably leaves the old raptor armour design behind in favour of something truly unique. Weapons are some of the best poison-types in the early hours of the game, while packing some inticing green sharpness and decent raw to get you going into the meat of the games content. 8/10

 Overall:  While Great Wroggi is an interesting 3rd gen foray into the subtropical raptor genre, the crippling lack of originality behind it inevitably makes it feel like a lazy filler monster to satisfy a gaping hole in the roster. Though sound design is good, and the equipment is great for late starter quests, Great Wroggi can't help but be a mediocre addition to the second half of 3rd gen. 6.5/10