8Bit/Digi

A Look at Monster Hunter Stories

Fans of the Monster Hunter series are in for a treat this summer as the Stories games are getting a remaster for consoles and the PC. Monster Hunter Stories and Monster Hunter Stories 2 present a different perspective on the acclaimed series while also keeping its core defining elements. 

This is a look at my experience of playing Monster Hunter Stories for the PC. Please note that this is not a review as there are elements that will only be available in the final game. This preview is based on me playing the game for an hour. I should also point out that the only game in the series I’ve played is Monster Hunter: World. 

The World of Monster Hunter Stories

Monster Hunter Stories is a spin-off to the main series that was first released for the Nintendo DS. It was launched in Japan back in 2016 followed by a global release in 2017. It was also a major departure from past titles in that it featured a turn-based combat system while players took on the role of a rider. 

Playing Monster Hunter Stories 

The game begins with the Protagonist looking for monster eggs with their, Cheval and Lilia. They find one and it hatches into a Rathalos that bonds with the Protagonist. They return to their village only for it to be attacked by a Nargacuga controlled by the Black Blight. During the ordeal, the Rathalos along with Cheval’s family are killed in the attack.

One year later, the Protagonist begins the test to become a rider. They are first presented with a Kinship Stone and must hatch a Velocidrome egg with it to complete the first part. When completed they go out to the world in search of the Sacred Spring to activate the Kinship Stone. Guiding me on this journey is Navirou, who provides advice and some comic relief. We arrive at the Sacred Spring only to be ambushed by a Nargacuga. With the help of my Velocidrome, we defeat the monster and return to the village. 

Now that the Protagonist is a rider, I set out to find my first monster egg. I arrive at the designated laire, collect the egg, and return to the village. I hatch the egg and now I have an Aptonoth in my party. After completing this task, I decided to better explore the world and grind a little to boost my stats. 

Final Thoughts on the Game

Compared to the main series, Monster Hunter Stories feels more like a laid-back experience. I’m not playing this for the intensity or exploring a massive world, I want to sit back and relax while playing a Monster Hunter game. At no point did I feel stressed out or have an intense moment. From its music to the artistic design choices, it’s a game you want to play just to relax while having some fun. 

I have to commend the game for its seamless transition from the Nintendo DS to the PC. The quality of the gameplay and the world has been flawlessly adapted, making it hard to believe it was originally a game for handheld consoles.

Monster Hunter Stories is set to launch for the PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch on Jun 13th. 

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.