Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate's Dual Blades detailed

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate's weapon profiles continue with the rapid but risk hack-and-slash of Dual Blade weapons.

Dual Blade weapons are offensively focused, with swift strikes and high mobility, according to Capcom Unity.

A variant of sword and shield, the dual blades have a short reach. They lack the blocking ability of their progenitor, too, but can access something called Demon Mode, which "drastically increases the power and effectiveness" of attacks.

When using Demon Mode, attacks will fill a gauge, and when filled, the weapon goes into Archdemon Mode, an even more powerful form which stays active for a short time after you deactivate regular Demon Mode.

Players keen to use Dual Blades will chew through stamina, so Capcom advises using an armour set which retains stamina or carrying plenty of consumables to replenish your supply.

Other weapon classes include hammer and light bowgun.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is due in March, for 3DS and Wii U; a demo is expected on February 21.