Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Review

As a long-time lover of the Monster Hunter universe, I was very excited to pick up Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, which is the next instalment in the Stories franchise. While I definitely enjoy my time running around and slaying monsters with friends and seeing all of the different types of armour they produce, it is very refreshing to get to play a game set in the universe where you get to live alongside so many of the famed monsters you quite often are out hunting. I also definitely feel spoiled that this is the first in the Stories series I have picked up to play, having heard from many that it is a vast improvement of the previous games, which I will definitely be heading back to play to expand my knowledge of the universe I love.

Perks of the game? It’s huge and has so much for you to do and explore, a vibrant and rich story, and an enjoyable combat system that is a challenge but also not to the point where you want to give up. Downside of the game? It’s huge and meant that I sank many hours into the game, to the point I was thinking about it while working. That, I believe, is a positive downside to have.

Most Monster Hunter games have an enjoyable enough story, and they keep you entertained. Twisted Reflection is centred on two kingdoms, Azuria and Vermeil. Upon introduction, you find out that these two kingdoms are being threatened by something called the Crystal Encroachment, which is a strange event that is spreading across the land, crystallising everything in its path. This event is causing catastrophic damage to the local ecosystems and is threatening to topple the kingdom of Vermeil, which has suffered greater losses than Azuria. You play as the prince or princess of Azuria, who is searching for a way to stop the crystal encroachment, following in the footsteps of your mother and working against the clock to prevent a war and save both of the kingdoms. And your best friend and aid in all of this? Your trusty Rathalos.

Throughout the game, as you traverse across the lands, you are able to assist in Habitat Restoration. Due to the Crystal Encroachment, some Monsties are facing population issues, and the game has you releasing healthy Monsties back into the wild to repopulate, improve the ecosystem, and get things back to normal. To reward you for your hard work and efforts, you are rewarded with mutations if you achieve certain conditions. This leads to stronger Monsties being available, with the ultimate goal of finding S-rank Monsties. While this does take some time, it isn’t a major grind and the rewards are well worth it, so I highly recommend taking the time to try this out.

While it is not a completely open-world game, the maps are designed so that you can explore and traverse the landscape alongside your trusted Monsties, who each have skills to assist in your exploration. There are also additional side quests you can partake in, allowing you to learn more about the protagonist you are playing and the rangers that join you on the adventure. These side stories build on each other, and they give good rewards, so they are worth playing through even if you don’t have a particular interest in digging too deep into the lore of the game’s characters.

As someone who has never been a huge fan of turn-based combat systems – ironic, given I am an avid Dungeon’s and Dragon’s enjoyer- the way the combat system in this game is presented doesn’t want to make me immediately shut the game off. I am the type of person to try any game once, and I am very glad that I picked this one up despite the reservations of the combat system. It is relatively easy to pick up and learn, and it only relies on a certain level of strategic thinking to get you through each battle. The main components are focusing on what parts to knock off the monster you battle, matching up what power types can go head to head, keeping in mind weapon types and what side characters to bring along, depending on what you’re going to be facing. I will say the most challenging aspect of combat to learn is the newest element they added, which was the Wyvernsoul Gauge. Each large monster you fight comes with this gauge, and you will need to work to deplete it in order to have the monster expose the Wyvernsoul Stock.

With all of these components in mind, the game forces you to think strategically as some attacks will do more damage to the health of a monster, some will do more damage to monster parts, and others will deplete the Wyvernsoul Gauge faster than others. This means there is a bit to juggle, but the game does well in teaching you the different ways moves and monsters interact with each other for the best outcomes with what you are trying to achieve. It did take me longer than what it would most likely take others, but I put that down to my usual game style being to run in and hack and slash, which you cannot do in a turn-based combat system (unfortunately for me).

Combat and story aside, the visual element of the game is probably my favourite element. I am someone who absolutely loves to be absorbed in the art of games that are done in this style, and the vibrant colours and incredibly designed characters and monsters make for such an immersive and visually stunning experience. It is probably one of my favourite games in terms of appearance that I have played in a long time.

With everything in mind, I do feel that this is one of the strongest games CAPCOM has put out in the last few years. I would even say that I have come to enjoy this series more than the main games, given that it feels a lot less high-stakes and is something that you can easily relax into playing. I am excited to see where they take this section of the franchise, and think it will be difficult for them to top this instalment, but I, of course hope they will.