Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Review – The Best Yet

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Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection takes the monster-taming series in a slightly more grown-up and occasionally darker direction. However, it still keeps the enjoyable gameplay, lighthearted humor, and sense of adventure that fans loved in earlier games. The result is an experience that could be the best Monster Hunter Stories title so far.

I absolutely loved the first Monster Hunter Stories and Stories 2 was a huge favorite of mine, so I was really excited for Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Honestly? It blew me away. They didn’t just build on what was already great, they made smart improvements to the gameplay, took the series in some cool new directions, and even threw in some awesome nods to the past. It’s everything you want in a sequel!

There’s Always Something To Do In Monster Hunter Stories 3

Tame Monsties, Explore Dens, Develop Habitats

In Monster Hunter Stories 3, you play as a Ranger who explores large areas with a team. You’ll work on improving environments, and a big part of the game is hatching and raising monsters called “Monsties.” You can also send your Monsties on missions to earn rewards and help them gain experience, and by improving the environment, you’ll be able to find and raise even stronger and more unique Monsties.

Each region offers different Monster Dens with varying difficulty and a huge amount of materials to collect. Alongside many side quests, this game introduces Side Stories – opportunities to bond with your Ranger companions. These stories involve short quests, often culminating in a fight, and reward you with valuable upgrades, as well as special armor and weapons.

You’ll never run out of things to do in this game, so boredom isn’t a problem. When you need a change of pace from the main quest, you can explore different areas, complete optional Side Stories, or breed and develop new monsters. Everything you do helps strengthen your team, so even these extra activities feel worthwhile, and they can definitely make challenging battles easier.

Monster Hunter Stories’ Turn-Based Combat Returns

Plenty Of Customization For Battles

Like other games in the series, battles in Monster Hunter Stories 3 use a simple rock-paper-scissors mechanic that you’ll have to learn. You can also stun monsters and break their parts, and you’ll encounter especially tough ‘feral’ monsters that add to the difficulty.

To succeed in battle, you’ll need a variety of weapons and different types of Monsties. Like other games in the genre, careful planning is key. You can also collect parts from monsters to upgrade or create new armor and weapons – a level of customization that sets it apart and could be a great addition to games like Pokémon.

This game offers a surprising level of strategic depth, something rarely seen in monster-taming titles – though Dragon Quest Monsters comes somewhat close. You’ll find it in the detailed weapon and armor upgrades, and especially in the unique ability to influence your Monstie’s evolution through mutations and the Rite of Channeling, allowing you to enhance their genetic traits.

Ultimately, how much you delve into the game’s systems is up to you. You’ll need a basic understanding of them by the middle of Monster Hunter Stories 3, but you don’t need to memorize everything about every Monstie to progress. This creates a challenging experience that isn’t frustratingly difficult—I thought it struck a perfect balance.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 Cast & Monsties Truly Shine

MHS Is Back & Better Than Ever

The characters in Monster Hunter Stories 3 are really charming, and it’s enjoyable to try out different combinations in your team. Each character feels unique, and it’s refreshing to play as a protagonist who feels like a genuine person with a backstory, dreams, and worries – not just a blank slate who gets stronger.

The latest installment, MHS3, is a significant improvement in terms of characters and story. It blends the heartwarming feel of How to Train Your Dragon with elements of political intrigue reminiscent of Game of Thrones and strategic depth like Fire Emblem. Expect conflicts between kingdoms, unexpected betrayals, and surprising plot twists, all while you explore the world and develop your monsters and their habitats.

While the story occasionally felt a bit slow-paced – I sometimes wished things would move along faster in Monster Hunter Stories 3 – it didn’t significantly impact my enjoyment of the game. The visuals are stunning, so even lengthy cutscenes weren’t a major issue.

The best part of the game is exploring the expansive world, and Monster Hunter Stories 3 does this exceptionally well. Unlike earlier games, it doesn’t take long to get started – you begin with a Rathalos and can immediately start flying, climbing, and exploring caves.

Each area in the game feels unique, and while some are simpler to get around than others, it’s difficult to pick a best one. The game includes references to past titles that longtime players will appreciate. Plus, even if this is your first Monster Hunter Stories game, you can still jump in and enjoy it without any prior knowledge.

MHS3 Establishes Itself As A Premier Monster-Taming Game

A Great RPG Experience From Beginning To End

Currently, there aren’t any noticeable problems with Monster Hunter Stories 3. It’s a fantastic improvement over previous games in the series, addressing issues players had with earlier titles. If you felt the first game was too basic or the second one dragged on, those concerns have been resolved in this installment.

I haven’t been so engrossed in a game for years, but Monster Hunter Stories 3 completely captivated me. I played for 30 hours over a single weekend without even noticing how much time had passed. It’s a really addictive RPG that immediately delivers everything you’d want in a monster-taming adventure.

I was already excited about Monster Hunter Stories 3, but it’s exceeded all my expectations. With refinements from previous games and some fantastic new features, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is quickly becoming the best monster-taming RPG out there. I’m still amazed by how good it is!

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2026-03-09 18:28