Anecdote that I didn't really have time/room to fit into the review - my first time hunting a Qurupeco (with woefully inadequate gear) resulted in about 20 minutes of potions and attempted attacks. Thought I was finally weakening the fool when it starts calling for other monsters. Having already fought off loads of Jaggis and Melynxes at that point, I ignored it and just tried to straight out attack.
Imagine my surprise when a massive Rathian appears out of nowhere and starts tag-teaming with it. Freaked me right out!
first time i played MH3 i got my ass kicked by a Great Jaggi lol now i can bust a 40 hit combos to it without missing a beat, it gets exponentially fun when you get the hang of it