Monster Hunter Freedom (PSP)

Initially fairly baffling - I'm travelling right now and I didn't bring the manual - but talking to people and trying different menus and buttons sorted me out. I've now done the first four missions and I'm really enjoying it.

I only stopped because - yes - the PSP's battery died. It has a nasty habit of doing that.

However, I've not been in any danger yet. I might start to hate the game once I start to die.

And why can't I pick up meat that I drop?