Nintendo 3DS Series Just Returned With One of the Best Games of 2026

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The latest installment in a series that began on the Nintendo 3DS is receiving rave reviews and is currently one of the highest-rated games of 2026, according to Metacritic. With a score of 85, it’s among the top 10 games of the year and represents a new high for the series, surpassing its previous peak of 82. This makes it arguably the best game in the series, which has been running since 2016.

Ten years ago, in 2016, Capcom and Marvelous launched Monster Hunter Stories, a new branch of the popular Monster Hunter franchise. While still an action RPG like the main Monster Hunter games, Stories offers a different experience. You play as a Rider instead of a Hunter, and battles take place using a turn-based system. Although not as widely known as the core Monster Hunter series, Stories has been successful enough to see three games released in a decade, and each new installment has received better reviews than the last.

From 70s to Mid 80s

I first jumped into the Monster Hunter Stories world on the 3DS, and it was a pretty solid game – critics gave it a 79 on Metacritic. Then Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin came out in 2021 and was even better, scoring an 82. That one I could play on my Switch and PC, which was awesome. Now, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is here, and it’s available on PC, Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X! If you’re like me and want to play the whole series, the first two games are also available on all these newer platforms now, either directly or through backwards compatibility.

While Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection currently has a respectable score of 85 on Metacritic, it’s unlikely to stay among the top 10 games of 2026 for very long – it might not even crack the top 20 by year’s end. Still, it’s a good accomplishment for Capcom and Marvelous, especially since Capcom also has another highly-rated game, Resident Evil Requiem, currently ranked second for the year. Interestingly, the highest-rated game of 2026 so far is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive developed by Nintendo.

Okay, so Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a bit different from the main Monster Hunter games, but don’t expect a cheaper price tag! It’s still a full $70. But honestly, you get a lot of gameplay for your money – I’m talking easily 30+ hours of action RPG goodness.

Hey, after checking this out, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment and let me know what you think, or come chat about it with other gamers on the ComicBook Forum.

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2026-03-15 16:42