Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection – Can This Spin-Off Series Stand With The Main Games?

Can the Spin-Off Stand Alone?

Three video games right into a sequence appears like it’s turning into a longtime franchise. And but, for the Monster Hunter Stories sequence, the shadow of the primary video games looms giant. Maybe rightly so, as till now, the Tales sequence hasn’t fairly reached the identical heights. After a number of hours with the brand new sport nevertheless, parity could also be nearer than ever.

Instantly, you’ll be able to see the enhancements. Releasing on all platforms concurrently implies that Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a shocking sport. Lots could be stated for the primary two video games’ cutesy anime type, and that’s nonetheless current, however improved upon immensely. In an age the place graphics are capturing for photo-realism, give a sport a strong engine and an art-style and also you stand out from the group. Monster Hunter Tales 3 stands out.

And what higher option to expertise that than from the again of a flying Rathalos? The primary time you management your character you mount your “Ratha Monstie” and fly it throughout a lake in direction of your central hub space. It’s a shocking second that solely lasts just a few seconds however helps set expectations excessive.

A Darker Narrative of Battle and Household

With all due respect, the Monster Hunter sequence just isn’t finest recognized for its’ plots. However Monster Hunter Tales 3 shortly builds a narrative round you that has a number of promise. There may be the standard environmental hazard, this time known as Crystal Encroachment. Now we have familial points along with your mom, the Queen, disappearing and taking the dual of your Rathalos along with her. And overshadowing all this can be a crumbling truce between two empires. These foundations are laid out virtually immediately, shortly partaking you to find extra.

We even have The Rangers; a group of Riders that you’re a a part of. This time round, you’re already a longtime member of the group, reasonably than a brand new recruit. Different members will be part of you for excursions, and when you unlock the aspect tales for them, you’ll be able to be taught much more about them with some fascinating tales to be informed.

For the primary time within the sequence, your character is voiced, so these relationships with fellow Rangers really feel much more pure. There’s a large purpose, and an excellent change, for why your character is now voiced.

Changing Navirou

Now not is your companion Navirou, the wise-cracking Felyne. He has been changed by one other Felyne named Rudy; a much more stoic and quieter form of companion. It’s a change that helps Monster Hunter Tales break the shackles of being known as a child-friendly model of the primary sequence.

One of many greatest criticisms of the primary two video games was with the battle system, and the way fundamental it was. Monster Hunter Tales 3 doesn’t utterly do away with it, however refines issues, and makes the battles really feel extra like a correct Monster Hunter combat than ever earlier than.

The rock/paper/scissors format stays, however mechanics such because the button-smashing Energy Conflict assault has fortunately been eliminated. And, similar to Monster Hunter Stories 2, selecting the place to assault on bigger enemies, and with the proper weapon kind, returns.

The Wyvernsoul Gauge

Battles have one other layer of tacticality with the introduction of the Wyvernsoul Gauge. That is basically a stagger bar; scale back it to zero and your enemy will topple. Now, you’ve got a alternative: hit the enemy with a Synchro Rush for prime injury but when the enemy survives, they are going to get straight again up, or proceed pummelling away with regular assaults. Generally, it appears like one choice is best than the opposite, so selecting properly is vital.

Additionally price noting is that abilities not take energy away from powering up the Kinship Stone. Your playable character now has a separate talent bar the place completely different assaults could be carried out offering the bar just isn’t depleted.

Battles are nonetheless turn-based, however because of some tweaks to the character of battles, they really feel extra akin to a daily Monster Hunter battle. There are far fewer random encounters out on this planet, and after a whilst you can press each thumbsticks to mow by low stage enemies. As an alternative, there are much more battles with the likes of Feral monsters and Invasive monsters. All of them have their place within the story, however the frequency of those battles makes for a way more entertaining turn-based system.

An Elevating Expertise for the Model

The enhancements made to Monster Hunter Tales 3: Twisted Reflection are obvious from the very second you begin up the sport. From what we’ve got seen thus far, it’s shaping as much as be a incredible RPG and one that may solely elevate the Monster Hunter model additional. 

And there isn’t lengthy left to attend, as Monster Hunter Tales 3: Twisted Reflection releases on Xbox Collection X|S, PS5, Nintendo Change 2 and PC on thirteenth March. Keep tuned for our full assessment ideas, coming quickly.

Large thanks exit to Capcom for offering us early entry to Monster Hunter Tales 3: Twisted Reflection for preview. 

In case you’re within the sport, take a look at the official Xbox Store page. You’ll be able to pre-order proper now.