Monster Hunter Stories 3 Review – Stunning Must-Play RPG | Invision Game Community

Off the bat of Monster Hunter Tales 3 being introduced, following Monster Hunter Wilds popping out final yr and being an enormous success for this hunter, I used to be eagerly ready to study extra, and after a brief wait, it was revealed to be one other entry within the Tales sub-series which I’ve additionally loved. As a long-time fan of the Monster Hunter sequence and having performed all of the video games accessible to me within the UK, it was secure to say that Tales 3 could be getting performed.

I’ve all the time admired how Capcom has been prepared to experiment with its Monster Hunter sequence, like with Tales and the cell entries like Monster Hunter Now & later Monster Hunter Outlanders. It modifications the system barely whereas nonetheless preserving the identification that made the franchise so beloved.

From the early days of monitoring and looking monsters in sprawling environments to the extra action-refined entries in recent times, the sequence has all the time balanced problem, world-building, and creature design exceptionally nicely. With Monster Hunter Tales 3 Twisted Reflection, that spirit of experimentation reaches what seems like its most refined and assured type but for the tales sequence, and I couldn’t wait to delve into the world and story of Twisted Reflection.

Story & Setting

The monster hunter tales sub sequence as a JRPG, and has a turn-based battle system; the third entry within the sequence additionally follows this system. The story follows two adversarial kingdoms of Azuria and Vermeil as they wrestle to outlive towards an environmental catastrophe known as “Crystal Encroachment”. You play because the inheritor of Azuria as you group up with the princess of Vermail, Eleanor.

You’ll work collectively to assist each fight the risk and enhance relations between kingdoms. Eleanor is motivated to do that resulting from her considerations in regards to the motivations of her sister, the Queen. There’s a enormous story that’s centred across the existence of a Rathalos, which has turn out to be the recurring monster from the Monster Hunter sequence, which was stated to be extinct. Observe the journey of those two characters and watch the story and mysteries unfold.

Core Gameplay & RPG Components

Going into Monster Hunter Tales 3, I already had a powerful appreciation for the Tales sub-series. The concept of taking the long-lasting monsters of Monster Hunter and reimagining them inside a turn-based, monster-collecting RPG framework was an excellent one from the beginning. I grew up enjoying Pokémon, so the truth that I might gather iconic monsters from the Monster Hunter sequence and struggle alongside them was implausible. Whereas Tales one and two have been nice entries and laid the inspiration for Twisted Reflection.

Monster Hunter Tales 3 feels not simply one other iteration within the sequence however an elevation, which I really like, because it reveals that Capcom are prepared to maintain the sub-series going, not for extra money however to maintain growing new methods wherein the Tales sequence can thrive.

Monstie System & Customisation

In case you are new to the Monster Hunter Tales video games, you’ll discover probably the most instantly putting facets of the sport is how snug it feels in its personal identification. Quite than attempting to imitate what occurs within the mainline titles, it totally embraces its hybrid nature, that being it’s JRPG, turn-based battle programs and the Monstie system. I believe because of this the sport genuinely seems like a love letter to each Monster Hunter followers and gamers who take pleasure in creature-collection RPGs.

There’s a really satisfying loop of exploring, discovering monsters, forming bonds with them, and constructing a group that feels uniquely yours it’s only a disgrace which you can solely have a group of six however that’s comprehensible and like most creature-collection events. Straight from the beginning you’ll really feel a way of pleasure and attachment that makes Monster Hunter Tales 3 the perfect recreation within the tales sub-series and one which layers its world with depth and character that you understand and love from the Monster Hunter franchise.

Fight Enhancements

The Monstie system, for me continues to be a spotlight of the Monster Hunter Tales sequence. Getting to boost, customise, and battling alongside iconic Monsters from the franchise by no means loses its enchantment. One factor I did discover is how Twisted Reflection has deepened this technique with out overcomplicating it. There’s much more that goes into constructing efficient group, and with the addition of strategic parts, it makes every determination really feel significant.

I really like this as a result of it permits you to provide you with some nice combos to your group and whether or not you’re rigorously choosing talents, balancing your occasion, or adapting to completely different encounters, you’re feeling rewarded to your planning and thoughtfulness.

Having performed the earlier video games, I’d say that fight has gotten noticeable enhancements. We nonetheless have the acquainted rock-paper-scissors dynamic, however it’s enhanced with new layers that make battles really feel extra participating and fewer predictable. This actually made every struggle really feel completely different moderately than simply the identical battle repeatedly. There’s a stronger emphasis on synergy between you and your Monsties, and the pacing feels excellent and quick sufficient to remain thrilling however deliberate sufficient to encourage technique.

In case you are a newcomer to the sequence or perhaps a seasoned veteran like me, you’ll love the fight system in Twisted Reflection even to the purpose of participating in fights simply to benefit from the thrill of the struggle and naturally the superb visuals. In case you are like me, then watching the kinship assaults is pure anime.

There are mechanics in Monster Hunter Tales 3 the place I really feel like they’re shortly brushed over however truly make a big effect on how robust your group could be or how one thing is completed and I really feel prefer it might need been good to construct on these just a bit as it’s can really feel fairly daunting for brand spanking new gamers. Mechanics just like the Ceremony of Channeling, Ecosystem Rank and Genes and Bingo Bonuses. I’d have preferred to have seen a bit extra depth when explaining these however after you get the dangle of it its to not dangerous.

Visuals & World Design

I do love the change in artwork model that we see in Tales 3, it goes away from the mainline graphics and shines in a stylised trend and its world and presentation are superb. The environments are vibrant, diverse, and lively, making exploration constantly fulfilling and interesting.

Every space feels distinct, and there’s an actual sense of journey as you progress by means of them. This artwork model I really like in video video games the place it leans right into a extra vibrant and expressive course it has all the time suited the tone of the Tales video games completely and I really feel prefer it was among the finest choices they may have made for Tales. It helps create a world that feels welcoming, but nonetheless wealthy with lore and environment that followers anticipate when enjoying by means of a Monster Hunter title.

Story Depth & Characters

I did like that the story in Twisted Reflection took a extra cohesive and emotionally participating facet from its predecessors. Whereas the earlier entries had their attraction I did really feel like among the story parts lacked however that’s made up for in Twisted Reflections. The narrative takes its time to construct stakes and develop its characters, leading to a journey that feels significant moderately than only a backdrop for gameplay.

Every character comes with facet quests that you are able to do alongside the best way to higher perceive the Ranger Staff in addition to unlocking some goodies, like recipes for meals and craftable objects. I preferred that it had a extra mature factor to its story however didn’t lose the sense of marvel and journey however as an alternative enhances it. As a participant, I discovered myself extra invested within the unfolding occasions and the relationships between characters than ever earlier than which helped me get hooked much more and care in regards to the characters.

Nostalgia & Monster Hunter Legacy

For long-time followers like myself, one of many best joys has all the time been seeing acquainted monsters reimagined on this format. There’s one thing extremely satisfying about encountering a creature you’ve hunted numerous instances in the primary sequence and now forming a bond with it as a companion, like who doesn’t wish to type a bond with a Rathalos or any of the numerous different Monsties accessible in Twisted Reflections.

Monster Hunter Tales 3 captures that sense of nostalgia whereas giving it a contemporary perspective, making every encounter really feel each new and acquainted on the identical time. I really feel like because of this it attracts me in simply as a lot because the mainline sequence does. It offers a brand new and thrilling tackle the Monster Hunter sequence and one which when it first got here out has me full of doubt however now, I sit up for the Tales video games simply as a lot because the mainline titles.

Remaining Ideas

What makes Twisted Reflection so nice is that it understands its viewers. It doesn’t attempt to be one thing it’s not, nor does it rely solely on nostalgia. As a substitute, it builds on the strengths of its predecessors and delivers an expertise that’s polished, assured, and genuinely enjoyable. As a participant you’re feeling prefer it respects your time and funding, providing depth with out pointless complexity and problem with out frustration.

Which I believe is an effective factor if you have a look at the state of some video games at this time. In some ways, that is the Tales recreation that has been constructed from over a decade from when the primary recreation got here out again on the Nintendo DS. It takes the whole lot that labored within the first two entries and refines it to a degree the place it feels full. The enhancements to fight, the richer story, the improved customization, and the general sense of cohesion all contribute to an expertise that stands out not simply throughout the spin-off sequence, however throughout the broader Monster Hunter franchise.

Conclusion

I’d say that Monster Hunter Tales 3 Twisted Reflection completely captures the magic of mixing two beloved ideas into one cohesive entire. It delivers the joys of Monster Hunter’s iconic creatures alongside the attraction and strategic depth of a monster-collecting RPG. Because of this you get a recreation that feels each nostalgic and refreshingly new. For me personally, that is simply the perfect entry within the Tales sequence so far and It’s the type of recreation that jogs my memory why I fell in love with Monster Hunter within the first place.

Whereas additionally displaying simply how versatile the franchise could be you’d be mad to overlook out on enjoying this entry into the sequence. Whether or not you’re a long-time fan or somebody who enjoys video games centred round gathering and elevating creatures, that is one which must be in your want checklist or gaming library. Monster Hunter Tales 3 Twisted Reflection isn’t only a nice spin-off it’s a standout title in its personal proper, and one which I’ll be recommending for a very long time to return and for that purpose I’m giving it a well-deserved 9 out of 10.