Monster Hunter Stories is making its way beyond the confines of Nintendo 3DS and mobile platforms with an upcoming remaster slated for release on PS4, Switch, and PC this summer. This development marks an opportune moment to champion this captivating monster-taming RPG, and its appeal goes beyond just revamped graphics and added voiceovers.
Amidst the ongoing fervor surrounding Palworld, a standout title in gaming circles, discussions about the perceived shortcomings of the recent mainline Pokemon RPGs have been reignited. However, for enthusiasts of creature-collecting adventures, there’s promising news.
Whether you’re a fan of Pokemon RPGs or not, Monster Hunter Stories is likely to win you over. It shares a familiar essence with Pokemon RPGs but executes it with superior mechanics, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the Monster Hunter franchise.
Despite garnering enough support to warrant an expanded sequel, Monster Hunter Stories still feels underappreciated. It presents a turn-based RPG experience centered around “Monsties,” endearing counterparts to the formidable creatures found in the Monster Hunter action RPGs.
Instead of engaging in combat with imposing weaponry, players nurture and forge bonds with Monsties, riding them across the expansive world and commanding them in battles. The process includes hatching Monsties from eggs and nurturing them into formidable allies, transforming even intimidating creatures like Tigrex into adorable companions.
The combat system employs a straightforward yet engaging rock-paper-scissors mechanic that adds layers to the traditional elemental weaknesses. Coupled with the active participation of the main character in battles, encounters become surprisingly intricate, especially in group scenarios.
Items and gear management, reminiscent of the core mechanics in Monster Hunter titles, play crucial roles in gameplay, enhancing the depth of progression systems and fostering an immersive experience.
For those seeking meaningful interactions with collectible creatures, the opportunity to explore a vibrant world, and the challenge of optimizing a diverse roster of monsters, Monster Hunter Stories offers a compelling proposition.
With its imminent release on broader platforms, the game stands as a testament to what enthusiasts might have desired from certain Pokemon installments. Even for avid Monster Hunter fans, experiencing familiar monster designs through a fresh lens could prove to be a delightful adventure.
