2026 is shaping up to be an amazing year for Japanese role-playing games, with a lot of new titles already confirmed and even more likely on the horizon. While it might overwhelm our game lists, after the huge success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, fans are eager for another massive, immersive RPG to play while waiting for the next Final Fantasy or, hopefully, a new Xenoblade Chronicles game.
With so many games coming out every year – and constant announcements at events like Nintendo Direct and PlayStation State of Play – it can be hard to know what’s worth playing. But JRPG fans should definitely keep an eye on Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, which is scheduled for release in 2026. Based on what we’ve seen so far, it looks like a fantastic adventure that could really raise the bar for the genre. It seems like everything JRPG fans could ask for!
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Could Be 2026’s Best JRPG
The Monster Hunter Stories series isn’t always top-of-mind for JRPG fans, likely because it’s connected to the Monster Hunter franchise. While Monster Hunter is a popular action series, it doesn’t typically focus on strong stories like most JRPGs do. Because of this, you might have missed the first two Monster Hunter Stories games – or not even known they existed! Luckily, you don’t need to have played them to enjoy the newest installment, as it’s a fresh start to this turn-based RPG series.
The Monster Hunter Stories games are among the best alternatives to Pokémon, featuring more dragon-inspired creatures. They combine Pokémon’s turn-based battles with the storytelling of games like Xenoblade Chronicles, and the world and monsters of Monster Hunter – including the collecting of materials to craft powerful armor. This creates a truly original experience. Monster Hunter Stories 3 stays true to the core gameplay the series is known for, but offers a brand new story with fresh characters and a host of exciting new features, gameplay mechanics, and a distinctive visual style.
Okay, so 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for RPGs – it’s going to be tough for any one game to stand out. I mean, comparing Monster Hunter Stories 3 to something like GTA VI is just not realistic! We’ve got the new Fire Emblem coming, and Dragon Quest VII Reimagined looks amazing, and honestly, everyone needs to keep an eye on Edge of Memories. But honestly? Monster Hunter Stories 3 seems really ambitious, and I’m getting the feeling it might just end up being the best of the bunch.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Is More Ambitious Than Its Predecessors
The Monster Hunter Stories games have consistently gotten better with each release, featuring more ambitious stories, improved graphics (especially since moving beyond the 3DS), and deeper gameplay. The newest installment, Twisted Reflection, looks to take things even further with enhanced cutscenes, more complex gameplay features, and a more refined battle system. As a fan, it’s really exciting to see the series focusing even more on the narrative and storytelling elements – the ‘Stories’ part – that make it special.
These changes will likely make the game more appealing to new players. While it still retains the core elements of the Monster Hunterinspired series, it’s moving closer to a traditional JRPG experience. Letting go of some of its original features isn’t necessarily a negative, even if it means the game feels a little different. Although it’s too early to say for sure, Twisted Reflection* has the potential to make this series truly stand out as one of the best JRPGs available.
Soaring through beautiful environments on a Rathalos, enjoying a fantastic soundtrack, getting to know new characters, discovering diverse areas, and battling in the fast-paced, turn-based combat the series is known for – these features alone should make Monster Hunter Stories a top RPG to watch in 2026. While the original Monster Hunter Stories wasn’t for everyone, Twisted Reflections seems to be aiming for a wider audience, which has always been the goal of this spin-off series. Hopefully, Capcom can deliver and make this the best JRPG of 2026.
Are you planning to play Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-01-28 23:44