Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

The story of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin receives praise for its charm, emotional depth, and accessibility, particularly in its focus on friendship, coexistence, and character growth. Critics like IGN France highlight its engaging narrative that gains momentum after 20 hours, while PC Gamer notes the story-driven experience centered on a rookie Rider investigating ancient prophecies. The game’s lighthearted tone and heartwarming relationships between protagonists and monsters are frequently lauded, with Vandal praising its moral dilemmas and epic finale, and Digitally Downloaded appreciating its Ghibli-esque environmental themes. IGN Japan and Press Start Australia commend the narrative’s emotional resonance, while Cubed3 and Switch Player emphasize its compelling character development and episodic arcs. These elements collectively create a story that feels sincere and endearing, even if it leans on familiar tropes. However, several critics criticize the story for being formulaic, predictable, and lacking originality. BaziCenter and IGN Deutschland argue that the narrative relies on clichéd themes of friendship and perseverance, while Destructoid and RPG Site note its reliance on a "formulaic structure" and disjointed monster treatment. The silent protagonist, a recurring issue, is singled out by Malditos Nerds and Gaming Nexus, who feel it limits emotional engagement. Hobby Consolas and GamingTrend point to slow pacing and repetitive missions, while VGC criticizes excessive cat puns in voice acting. Additionally, GameWatcher and MGG highlight the overuse of familiar Monster Hunter tropes, with Player 2 describing the narrative as "ripped from the core franchise." These critiques suggest a story that prioritizes accessibility over innovation, often feeling derivative or underdeveloped. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced view: while the story is praised for its charm, emotional beats, and character-driven moments, it faces criticism for relying on predictable structures and lack of originality. IGN and Cubed3 acknowledge its engaging narrative despite being "not groundbreaking," while Hey Poor Player notes it’s a step up from its predecessor but still struggles with depth. The game’s strengths lie in its heartwarming themes and accessibility, making it appealing to newcomers and fans alike, though its narrative shortcomings—such as the silent protagonist and repetitive quests—prevent it from being a standout entry. Critics like Vandal and Digitally Downloaded suggest that while the story may not break new ground, it effectively immerses players in the Monster Hunter universe with a blend of humor, adventure, and emotional stakes.

The gameplay of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin receives widespread praise for its accessible turn-based combat system, strategic depth, and engaging monster-collection mechanics. Critics highlight the rock-paper-scissors attack dynamic as a core strength, with PCMag noting its "strategic elements like attack types and monster parts," while IGN Italia praises its "strategic yet accessible" design. The game’s focus on monster taming, customization, and exploration is frequently lauded, with GameSpot appreciating the "simple yet satisfying" battle system and Gaming Nexus acknowledging the "variety and engagement" in exploration. Many reviewers, including RPG Site and VG247, emphasize improvements over the first game, such as expanded weapon options, deeper combat mechanics, and a more immersive world. The ability to bond with monsters and manage their skills adds layers of strategy, as noted by TierraGamer and Universo Nintendo, who highlight its accessibility for newcomers while offering depth for veterans. Despite these positives, several critics point to repetitive elements and pacing issues that detract from the experience. Wccftech and Gaming Nexus criticize the "tedious" rock-paper-scissors mechanic and "lengthy battles," while RPGamer finds the AI "frustrating" and the battle pace "slow." Repetitiveness in fetch quests and exploration is another recurring complaint, with PLAY! Zine and Gaming Nexus noting that "repetitiveness in exploration and battles" can wear thin. Some reviewers, like Hobby Consolas, criticize the "restrictive world design," while PCMag mentions the game’s "minimal grinding" as a double-edged sword. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy observes that the difficulty feels "low compared to traditional Monster Hunter games," and Gamepressure notes that the "deep system for manipulating Monstie genes" requires "grinding." These critiques suggest that while the core gameplay is strong, certain mechanics and design choices can feel monotonous or underdeveloped. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most praising Monster Hunter Stories 2 as a refined and enjoyable entry in the series. The turn-based combat system, though occasionally criticized for repetition, is generally seen as a thoughtful blend of strategy and accessibility, with CGMagazine calling it "rich and requires strategic thinking" and Attack of the Fanboy noting its "deep mechanics." While some reviewers, like Wccftech and RPGamer, highlight specific flaws, these are often framed as minor drawbacks rather than major issues. The game’s emphasis on monster collection, exploration, and customization resonates strongly, with We Got This Covered and Gamer Escape celebrating its unique fusion of Monster Hunter and Pokémon-style mechanics. Ultimately, the majority of critics agree that Wings of Ruin delivers a satisfying, if occasionally repetitive, gameplay experience that builds on the strengths of its predecessor while offering fresh content for both newcomers and series veterans.

The graphics and visual design of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin received widespread praise for their charming, vibrant aesthetic and creative art direction. Critics highlighted the game’s cel-shaded anime style, which evokes a sense of whimsy and immersion. IGN France noted its "charming aesthetic reminiscent of titles like Breath of the Wild," while GamingBolt praised its "gorgeous art style and high production values." The monster designs were frequently lauded for their variety and creativity, with Starbit emphasizing that "the monster designs are varied and well-executed" and XGN noting "diverse environments and detailed monster designs." Additionally, the game’s colorful, cartoony visuals—such as the "adorably cute art style" (GameGrin) and "vibrant anime style" (iMore)—were seen as a strong asset, enhancing the game’s accessibility and charm. Many reviewers also appreciated the improved world design compared to previous entries, with Nintendojo highlighting "higher resolution enhancements" and Pocket Tactics praising "lush and vibrant environments." However, several critics pointed out significant technical shortcomings, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. BaziCenter called the graphics "disappointing," citing "repetitive environments and a lack of detail," while Metro GameCentral compared the visuals to "Pokémon Sword/Shield" and noted "arthritic feel to movement." Performance issues were a recurring theme: IGN France mentioned "performance issues such as low frame rates and clipping," and VG247 observed that the Switch version "struggles with performance" compared to PC. Critics like COGconnected and ZTGD highlighted hardware limitations causing lag, while Vooks and GameGrin criticized generic monster dens and repetitive textures. Even on other platforms, issues persisted—PCMag noted the game was "less detailed than Monster Hunter Rise," and GGRecon mentioned "unstable frame drops" on Switch. These technical flaws often overshadowed the visual strengths, particularly in busy or action-heavy scenes. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a balanced view: while the art style and design are celebrated for their creativity and charm, technical limitations—especially on the Nintendo Switch—diminished the experience. Positive reception was strongest for the game’s unique aesthetic, with IGN (PC) calling it "visually beautiful" and Pocket Tactics noting its "immersive" appeal. However, performance issues like frame rate drops, low detail, and repetitive environments were consistently criticized, particularly by reviewers focused on Switch optimization (e.g., BaziCenter, Metro GameCentral). Despite these flaws, many acknowledged the game’s visual ambition, with GGRecon praising its "significant leap in visual fidelity" and NintendoWorldReport noting that "the visual style is appealing." The divide between artistic merit and technical execution reflects a broader debate about the game’s platform-specific compromises.

The Sound Design and Music of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin received generally positive reception from critics, with many praising its immersive and fitting auditory elements. Several reviewers highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to enhance the game’s adventurous and lighthearted tone, noting memorable battle themes and orchestral pieces that complement the narrative. For instance, The Mako Reactor praised the soundtrack for being “excellent” and harmonizing well with the voice acting, while Vandal emphasized its epic and adventurous tone with “memorable themes.” The game’s music also showcased variety, blending familiar Monster Hunter series motifs with original compositions, as noted by Nintenderos, who highlighted unique area-specific themes. Additionally, IGN Japan acknowledged the sound design’s immersive qualities, citing familiar effects that enrich the gameplay experience. Critics like RPG Fan and GameGrin praised the soundtrack’s emotional depth, with battle music described as “wonderfully high notes” and “captivating,” respectively. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings, particularly in the absence of ambient music during exploration phases. IGN France and Windows Central criticized the lack of atmospheric soundscapes, arguing that it made open-world moments feel dull or underwhelming. This issue was echoed by Merlin'in Kazanı, who called it a “missed opportunity,” while NintendoWorldReport noted the music’s unmemorable nature during gameplay. Voice acting also faced mixed reactions, with TheGamer and VGC criticizing the “grating” voice of a talking cat character and excessive puns that felt overwhelming. GameStar mentioned repetitive music, likening it to “elevator music,” while RPG Fan noted that English voice acting could be “cringe-worthy at times.” These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack and sound design were largely effective, certain aspects—particularly in exploration and vocal performances—fell short of expectations. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for the game’s audio elements. While some issues with ambient music and voice acting were noted, many reviewers emphasized the soundtrack’s quality and its ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere. IGN and CGMagazine praised the musical score for its “quality and variety,” while Nintendo Life highlighted “beautiful music” and copious voice acting that elevated storytelling. The balance between epic battle tracks and serene melodies, as noted by RPGamer and Games.cz, contributed to an immersive experience despite minor flaws. While not without its drawbacks, the Sound Design and Music of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin were largely seen as a strong component of the game, with many critics agreeing that it effectively supported the title’s adventurous spirit.

The voice acting in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is widely praised for its quality and contribution to the game’s storytelling and character engagement. Critics like Areajugones highlight that characters have distinct voices that enhance the narrative, while Atomix and CGMagazine commend the well-executed English and Japanese voice acting, noting how it enriches the experience. Gameblog.fr and GameMAG emphasize that both original and localized audio add depth to interactions, with Gamer.nl and Nintendo Life praising the high-quality performances that bolster emotional impact. The dual-language support is a standout feature, as noted by Everyeye.it, which prefers the Japanese voices for their authenticity, though it acknowledges the English version’s adequacy. Additionally, Impulsegamer and Player 2 laud the voice acting despite occasional cheesy dialogue, while Vandal and TierraGamer highlight its immersive quality in both languages. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks, particularly the silent protagonist and the character Navirou. ComicBook and Comicbook.com criticize the mute protagonist for limiting storytelling, with GameRant and GamingTrend noting that Navirou’s constant puns and over-the-top humor can be grating. Gamepressure and Gamer.no describe Navirou’s voice as annoying, while GAMINGbible and Screen Rant call his dialogue “insufferable.” The silent protagonist is also a recurring issue, with PC Invasion and PC Games arguing that it reduces immersion, making players feel disconnected. While some critics like Cubed3 and GamingBolt acknowledge occasional missteps in voice delivery, the consensus is that Navirou’s role as a comedic but disruptive character is the most divisive element. Overall, the critical reception of the voice acting leans positive, with most reviewers agreeing that it enhances the game’s charm and emotional depth despite its flaws. Nintendojo and RPG Fan note that while Navirou’s performance is polarizing, the overall quality of character voices is strong. The dual-language support and distinct character portrayals are frequently highlighted as strengths, even if some critics like RPG Gamer and XGN find certain aspects—like excessive puns or stiff delivery—annoying. While the silent protagonist and Navirou’s design remain contentious, the majority of reviews, including those from IGN, GameGrin, and Worth Playing, conclude that the voice acting is a significant asset to the game’s narrative and world-building, even if it isn’t without its flaws.

The technical performance of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin varies significantly across platforms, with notable positives for the PC and PlayStation 4/5 versions. On PC, critics like SpazioGames and Attack of the Fanboy highlight a stable frame rate and smoother gameplay compared to the Switch, while VG247 praises its ability to run smoothly on modest hardware. The PS4 version also receives praise for its stability, with GGRecon noting "strong technical performance" and Push Square emphasizing improvements over earlier iterations. On the Nintendo Switch, some reviewers, such as Cubed3 and Metro GameCentral, acknowledge occasional minor glitches or frame rate fluctuations but generally describe the experience as polished and functional, particularly in docked mode. Additionally, IGN Deutschland and TierraGamer commend the PS4 version for its lack of errors after extended playtime, suggesting strong optimization. However, the Nintendo Switch version faces widespread criticism for performance issues that detract from the experience. Multiple reviewers, including Game Rant, Malditos Nerds, and GamingTrend, report significant frame rate drops in hub areas, cutscenes, and battles, with some noting dips below 30 FPS or jarring transitions like the 60fps after-battle screen (PCMag). Critics like Vandal and GAMINGbible highlight low-quality textures, texture pop issues, and awkward controls, while others such as GameOver.gr and COGconnected point to optimization problems in home areas. The PS4 version, though generally praised, has minor drawbacks: GamingTrend mentions long load times and limited use of DualSense features, while RPG Fan notes that loading screens, though not disruptive, are present. On the PC, while most critics praise stability, some (like PCGamesN) mention repetitive battles and animation speed mechanics as potential annoyances. Overall, the consensus among reviewers is that Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin suffers from notable technical shortcomings on the Nintendo Switch, with frame rate instability and graphical hiccups being the most frequently cited issues. In contrast, the PC and PlayStation 4/5 versions are seen as more polished, with smoother performance and fewer disruptions. While some critics (e.g., IGN France, GameRant) emphasize that the Switch’s issues are persistent and impactful, others like Metro GameCentral and Cubed3 acknowledge minor flaws without major consequences. The PS4 version, in particular, is viewed as a strong port with minimal technical problems, while PC owners benefit from superior optimization. Despite these differences, many reviewers agree that the core gameplay remains enjoyable despite its platform-specific limitations, with the PC and PS4 versions offering the most refined experiences.

The overall sentiment toward the replay value of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is largely positive, with many critics highlighting its robust systems and content. Multiple reviewers emphasize the game’s variety of activities, including monster collection, customization, and post-game challenges. For instance, CGMagazine praises the "monster-related challenges and customization options" as key drivers of replayability, while Shacknews notes that collecting rare monsters, hatching eggs, and building a team with unique skills offers substantial long-term engagement. Nintendo Life and GamingTrend also commend multiplayer co-op quests and high-rank monster encounters, which extend the game’s lifespan. Additionally, PC Invasion and IGN highlight the game’s post-story content, such as arena battles, tournaments, and planned updates, suggesting a strong foundation for repeated playthroughs. The inclusion of side quests, multiplayer modes, and endgame activities like Tournaments and Trials is frequently cited as a major strength, with God is a Geek noting that the game could provide up to 50 hours of gameplay before completion. However, several critics point to repetitive mechanics and grind-heavy systems that may limit replay value for some players. GameMAG and Checkpoint Gaming criticize the multiplayer mode’s lack of engagement and the repetitive nature of raising Monsties, respectively. GamingBolt and PC Invasion mention that exploration and side quests can become monotonous, with GamingBolt specifically calling out "bland" side content. MGG Spain and TheGamer suggest that the game’s inability to fully satisfy player expectations—whether due to a lack of innovation or insufficient incentives for online play—may deter repeat engagement. Additionally, WellPlayed and GameWatcher note that while endgame content exists, it is not always elaborated on, leaving some players unimpressed. These critiques often center around the game’s reliance on monotony in combat, quest repetition, and the potential for player burnout despite its extensive systems. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is cautiously optimistic, with many acknowledging that Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers a compelling mix of content and mechanics that justify multiple playthroughs. While some reviewers, like Gaming Nexus and MGG, stress that repetitive quests and battles may limit appeal for certain audiences, others, such as PlaySense and Destructoid, argue that the game’s depth in monster customization, multiplayer options, and post-game activities provides enough variety to warrant replay. The balance between positive aspects (e.g., strategic combat, community-driven features) and negative elements (e.g., grind, repetition) suggests that the game’s replay value is genre-appropriate but not universally transformative. Ultimately, critics agree that while it may not revolutionize the series, Wings of Ruin delivers a satisfying experience for fans seeking extended engagement through its rich systems and collaborative play.