The Monster Hunter franchise is widely known for its combat style centered around hunting massive monsters in direct battles requiring skill and precise planning. However, the Monster Hunter Stories series has taken a completely different path, offering a traditional role-playing experience based on turn-based systems and a focus on story and relationships with monsters. With Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, this philosophy continues, introducing a modern adventure that combines the charm of the world with gameplay that is radically different from the original series.
A Different Experience from Traditional Monster Hunter
Players familiar with the core Monster Hunter games will immediately notice that Stories 3 offers a fundamentally different experience. Here, you don’t play as a hunter who pursues monsters, but as a Rider, someone who forms a bond with monsters and fights alongside them. This approach brings the game closer to classic JRPGs, with a clear focus on team building, monster development and engaging in battles based on strategic thinking. The shift represents a broadening of the Monster Hunter universe to appeal to a wider range of RPG fans.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Combat System
The game’s battles utilize a turn-based system, but what sets them apart is the encounter system built around the concept of rock-paper-scissors. Attacks fall into three main types:
– Power
– Speed
– Technical
Each type is strong against another and weak against a third, making battles about reading your opponent’s movements and predicting their next attack.
When you correctly anticipate the incoming attack type and counter it with the opposing type, you gain a significant advantage in battle. This system is simple in concept but offers enjoyable tactical depth and makes each encounter unique.
A welcome change from previous installments is the separation of the Kinship meter from the Stamina meter, a significant shift in gameplay. This gives players the freedom to use Skills during battles without worrying about consuming resources dedicated to executing the Ultimate Attack, allowing for more flexible and strategic combat without sacrificing the opportunity to unleash your strongest move.
A Charming World with Vibrant Graphics
One of the game’s strongest points is its beautiful art style. The graphics come with bright colors and a design close to the anime world, making the environment full of life, and detail. Forests, mountains, villages, and plains all look vibrant, giving the world a magical atmosphere befitting the adventurous setting.
The Joy of Exploration
The world in Monster Hunter Stories 3 is vast and encourages exploration. During your journey, you’ll uncover many hidden areas and caves containing monster eggs or rare resources. Navigating the world likewise gives you a sense of constant adventure, as there’s always a new place or secret waiting to be discovered.
A Deep and Moving Story
The story is one of the highlights of the experience. The journey begins when you take on the role of the Prince or Princess, depending on your choice, in a story revolving around political conflicts and events that threaten the balance of the world. As the story progresses, the characters develop and the challenges increase, reaching moments that are capable of stirring emotions.
Fun and Engaging Side Quests
The experience isn’t limited to the main story, as the world is full of side characters who offer additional fun and engaging quests. These quests add depth to the world and give players the opportunity to learn more about the different characters and their problems.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection was reviewed on PlayStation 5 with a copy provided by the publisher prior to release.
