2026 Has Me Way More Excited for This Monster Tamer Than I Am for Pokemon

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As a huge Pokémon fan for years, it’s tough to say this, but I’ve really started to lose interest. Pokémon is a massive franchise – everyone knows the games, the cartoons, the cards – and it’s always overshadowed everything else in the monster-catching world. But lately, the new games just haven’t felt very innovative or like they’re really pushing the series forward. Honestly, I’ve lost faith that The Pokémon Company will deliver a truly great game again, so I’m looking for other games to enjoy now.

Although Pokémon is the most popular monster-collecting game, other developers are also creating their own versions. Palworld has recently been a strong competitor, and DokeV could be another big contender when it’s released. However, I’m particularly excited about Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, created by a well-known and talented developer. It has the potential to be the best monster-catching game of the year, and it appears to offer a lot more than what Pokémon does.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 Takes Creature Collection to New Heights

The Monster Hunter Stories games offer a unique experience compared to the main Monster Hunter series. While most Monster Hunter games are about defeating monsters, Stories focuses on building friendships and teaming up with them. These games share a lot with Pokemon, featuring turn-based battles, a bright and colorful world, and raising creatures. Monster Hunter Stories 3 takes these elements even further with better animations, more complex combat, and a richer world that seamlessly combines exploration and story. It really shows what a modern creature-collecting game should be.

A standout feature of the Monster Hunter Stories series is its unique approach to monster development. Unlike games where monsters simply get stronger by fighting repeatedly, Monster Hunter Stories lets you thoughtfully customize them, which is both satisfying and engaging. Factors like inherited genes, how well your monsters work together as a team, and experimenting with different builds are all important. This encourages you to invest time and effort into each creature, strengthening your connection with them. Capcom plans to expand these personalization options in Monster Hunter Stories 3 while still making the game easy to pick up for new players.

As a long-time fan, what really has me hyped is how beautiful this game looks. The last one already had amazing animations, but this sequel seems to take it to a whole new level. Honestly, after the visual issues with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and even Pokemon Legends: Z-A, it’s so good to see a game in this style that actually looks polished. Beyond just the graphics, everything I’ve seen suggests a lot of love and attention went into making it. When I compare it to what Capcom has done with their third game in the series, and then look at recent Pokemon titles, the difference in quality is just incredible!

Pokemon’s Latest Has Been Disappointing

Pokémon is still a hugely popular game series, but its latest releases haven’t been hitting the mark with players. Many are disappointed with issues like glitches, games feeling unfinished, and a lack of new ideas. When you compare how Pokémon looks to other Nintendo games, like Xenoblade Chronicles, it’s clear the graphics are falling behind. Even looking at a game like Beast of Reincarnation, it’s hard to understand how the same team can make Pokémon games that feel so old-fashioned.

Growing up with Pokemon, it’s been tough to see the games lose what made them special. Recent releases have been plagued with technical problems that other big game series wouldn’t tolerate. This has led many players, myself included, to look for new creature-collecting games with innovative ideas. We want immersive worlds, gameplay that requires thought, and games that are polished and run well. Lately, Pokemon feels like it’s relying too much on its reputation instead of delivering a truly great experience.

The reason Monster Hunter Stories 3 is so noteworthy is because it doesn’t try to be like Pokémon. Instead, it offers a fresh experience tailored for longtime Monster Hunter fans. The monster-taming genre is changing, and players are looking for games that are both creative and well-made, while still delivering what they love. With Pokémon facing some challenges, other franchises have a chance to attract monster-taming fans, and Capcom is taking advantage of that opportunity.

Capcom’s Pokemon Rival Can Make Pokemon Better

Healthy competition benefits the gaming world, and the monster-collecting genre is no different. Capcom has been building a strong reputation with recent popular games, and Monster Hunter Stories 3 could really innovate the genre. Meanwhile, Pokémon has relied heavily on its brand recognition, even when its games haven’t been great. Fans buy Pokémon out of loyalty and nostalgia, but it’s getting harder to support a series that seems unwilling to change and improve.

Capcom is building on its recent success, and Monster Hunter Stories 3 has the potential to be a real standout if it offers a well-developed world, engaging gameplay, and a story that doesn’t waste players’ time. While the previous Monster Hunter Stories games were popular, Capcom isn’t just aiming for minor improvements with this new installment. Monster Hunter Stories 3 is a bold sequel designed to significantly improve every part of the game and add a lot of new features, potentially setting a new standard for monster-taming RPGs and what players expect from games like Pokemon.

I’ve been a Pokemon fan my whole life, and I want to see the series do well. However, right now, Capcom seems to be leading the way in innovation within the creature-collecting genre. If Monster Hunter Stories 3 delivers on its potential, it could really change how these kinds of games are made in the future. Even more importantly, it could show other big game companies that fans want – and deserve – games that are made with quality, imagination, and genuine care. Simply using a well-known name, even one as iconic as Pokemon, isn’t enough anymore.

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2026-02-14 20:13