76
MONSTER
Monster Hunter Stories is a role-playing game spin-off of the popular Monster Hunter franchise, but features a drastically different gameplay focus. Unlike previous titles in the franchise, Monster Hunter Stories lets players take on the role of a Rider instead of a Hunter, and are able to take part in a traditional turn-based battle system. Major changes and additions featured in this title include hatching eggs and befriending monsters, battling alongside them, executing special kinship techniques, and customizing monsters' abilities and appearance
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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78
Critics generally praise Monster Hunter Stories for its engaging storytelling, unique take on the Monster Hunter universe, and character development. Some point out concerns about lack of originality and reliance on typical JRPG tropes. Overall, the game offers a heartwarming story appealing to a wide audience, especially younger players, with themes of companionship and growth. Despite some criticisms, most reviewers find it a worthwhile addition to the franchise.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
78
Positive (80-100)
64%
Mixed (50-79)
36%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics generally praise Monster Hunter Stories for its engaging storytelling, unique take on the Monster Hunter universe, and character development. Some point out concerns about lack of originality and reliance on typical JRPG tropes. Overall, the game offers a heartwarming story appealing to a wide audience, especially younger players, with themes of companionship and growth. Despite some criticisms, most reviewers find it a worthwhile addition to the franchise.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
78
Critics praise Monster Hunter Stories for its engaging gameplay with unique features like turn-based combat and monster abilities, blending Pokemon mechanics with Monster Hunter elements. Some critics note weaknesses in combat, citing low difficulty and repetitiveness. Overall, the game offers a compelling experience with engaging combat, monster customization, and addictive exploration, though concerns about repetitive gameplay have been raised. Despite criticisms, most critics find Monster Hunter Stories a worthwhile experience for genre fans.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
78
Positive (80-100)
50%
Mixed (50-79)
50%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics praise Monster Hunter Stories for its engaging gameplay with unique features like turn-based combat and monster abilities, blending Pokemon mechanics with Monster Hunter elements. Some critics note weaknesses in combat, citing low difficulty and repetitiveness. Overall, the game offers a compelling experience with engaging combat, monster customization, and addictive exploration, though concerns about repetitive gameplay have been raised. Despite criticisms, most critics find Monster Hunter Stories a worthwhile experience for genre fans.
Graphics and Visual Design
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70
Critics praised Monster Hunter Stories for enhanced graphics and vibrant visuals, including reworked character models and colorful environments. However, some highlighted graphical inconsistencies and outdated appearances, especially on more powerful platforms like the Nintendo Switch. Overall, while the game received solid improvements, there were mixed feedback on certain aspects of its visual design.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
70
Positive (80-100)
23%
Mixed (50-79)
69%
Negative (0-49)
8%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics praised Monster Hunter Stories for enhanced graphics and vibrant visuals, including reworked character models and colorful environments. However, some highlighted graphical inconsistencies and outdated appearances, especially on more powerful platforms like the Nintendo Switch. Overall, while the game received solid improvements, there were mixed feedback on certain aspects of its visual design.
Music and Sound Design
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81
Critics mostly praise Monster Hunter Stories for its strong sound design and music, especially the addition of fully voiced dialogue and immersive sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience. However, some critics note drawbacks like inconsistent audio mixing and repetitive sound effects. Overall, while there are minor issues, the game's sound design succeeds in creating an engaging and immersive world for players, catering well to fans of the Monster Hunter series.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
81
Positive (80-100)
83%
Mixed (50-79)
17%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics mostly praise Monster Hunter Stories for its strong sound design and music, especially the addition of fully voiced dialogue and immersive sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience. However, some critics note drawbacks like inconsistent audio mixing and repetitive sound effects. Overall, while there are minor issues, the game's sound design succeeds in creating an engaging and immersive world for players, catering well to fans of the Monster Hunter series.
Voice Acting
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75
Critics praise Monster Hunter Stories' voice acting for its immersive dual-language approach, deep character connections, and consistent performances. Despite some audio mixing issues noted by RPG Fan, the voice acting enhances the game's charm and narrative depth, appealing to both fans and newcomers alike. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting enriches the storytelling experience in Monster Hunter Stories.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
75
Positive (80-100)
31%
Mixed (50-79)
69%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics praise Monster Hunter Stories' voice acting for its immersive dual-language approach, deep character connections, and consistent performances. Despite some audio mixing issues noted by RPG Fan, the voice acting enhances the game's charm and narrative depth, appealing to both fans and newcomers alike. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting enriches the storytelling experience in Monster Hunter Stories.
Technical Performance
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73
Critics generally praise Monster Hunter Stories for strong technical performance on PS4 and PS5, with improved visuals and smooth gameplay. On Nintendo Switch, opinions vary with some praising smooth performance while others criticize long loading times and outdated graphics. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience on all platforms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
73
Positive (80-100)
43%
Mixed (50-79)
57%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics generally praise Monster Hunter Stories for strong technical performance on PS4 and PS5, with improved visuals and smooth gameplay. On Nintendo Switch, opinions vary with some praising smooth performance while others criticize long loading times and outdated graphics. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience on all platforms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Replay Value
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74
Monster Hunter Stories impresses with its replay value, featuring engaging gameplay, rare Monsties, and extensive campaign that keeps players coming back for more. While some critics mention a middling narrative and lack of challenge as potential downsides, the game's immersive world, unique monsters, and additional content ensure a satisfying replay experience overall. Recommended for fans of Monster Hunter and RPGs seeking lasting entertainment.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
74
Positive (80-100)
31%
Mixed (50-79)
69%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Monster Hunter Stories impresses with its replay value, featuring engaging gameplay, rare Monsties, and extensive campaign that keeps players coming back for more. While some critics mention a middling narrative and lack of challenge as potential downsides, the game's immersive world, unique monsters, and additional content ensure a satisfying replay experience overall. Recommended for fans of Monster Hunter and RPGs seeking lasting entertainment.
Overall Verdict
76
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
76
Positive (80-100)
61%
Mixed (50-79)
39%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Monster Hunter Stories: Critics praise engaging gameplay, charming characters, and enhanced presentation, though some point out flaws in story depth and graphics. Overall, a fun experience offering a unique spinoff within the franchise.
76
MONSTER
Reviews
98 reviews found90
COGconnected
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Monster Hunter Stories is an epic re-release with beautiful visuals, fun characters, and engaging gameplay, despite some plain story elements and boring side quests.
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88
RPG Fan
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Monster Hunter Stories is praised for its dynamic gameplay, engaging combat, and colorful environments, but criticized for its traditional and uninspired story. The addition of voice acting and replay value contribute to its overall appeal.
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85
GameGrin
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Monster Hunter Stories is described as a charming and adorable monster-catching experience with great characters, a wholesome world, and addictive gameplay, recommended for both newcomers and mainline fans of the series.
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85
God is a Geek
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Monster Hunter Stories Remastered is a great game with solid combat, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a modern feel, recommended for fans of the franchise.
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80
GAMES.CH
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A solid port with improvements, especially in character models and textures, engaging gameplay, and atmospheric sound design. The addition of voice acting enhances the experience.
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80
ZTGD
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Monster Hunter Stories Collection provides an excellent glow-up with enhanced graphics and voice overs. While combat may be too easy for hardcore fans, it offers a low barrier entry into the Monster Hunter Universe, especially appealing to younger audiences.
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80
Noisy Pixel
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Monster Hunter Stories is described as an addictive comfort game with engaging gameplay and charming characters, benefiting from the enhanced presentation and voice acting. While it may lack in narrative depth and challenge, it offers a unique spinoff experience worth trying, especially for fans of turn-based adventures.
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80
CGMagazine
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Monster Hunter Stories is an excellent RPG based in the Monster Hunter universe that deserves a second life on the Switch. It offers a ton of charm, heart, and a well-tailored handheld experience. Fans of the series or Wings of Ruin will find something to enjoy in this title.
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80
RPG Site
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Monster Hunter Stories is a decent RPG suitable for both Monster Hunter fans and newcomers to the series. It offers a charming experience for those interested in monster taming and traditional RPG gameplay, serving as a relaxing option between bigger titles.
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75
PlayStation Universe
Jun 13, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Monster Hunter Stories is a fun departure from the main series, offering an enjoyable monster-collecting experience with engaging combat mechanics.
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