8Bit/Digi

A Cozy Monster Hunter Adventure

Fans of the Monster Hunter series have plenty to be excited about after getting a first look at the latest game. Even though Monster Hunter Wilds looks stunning, it won’t be released until sometime in 2025. Thankfully, Capcom has prepared an appetizer for hungry fans as they wait: a remaster of Monster Hunter Stories.

Monster Hunter Stories is a remaster of the Nintendo DS game for the PC and home consoles. Although it’s a radical departure from the main series, it retains the core elements that define the franchise. For fans who missed out on the original game, this is an opportunity to experience it for the first time. Plus it should satisfy that craving until Monster Hunter Wilds launches.

Becoming a Rider

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

The game begins with the Protagonist looking for monster eggs with their friends, 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. After completing this task, they set out to learn more about the Blight that attacked the village. At the same time they purify monsters who have fallen under its wrath. Along the way, they will have to learn about the many monsters that populate the world while completing a variety of tasks.

Players will not be limited to the main quest or finding monsters. There will be side quests that need to be completed and they range from hunting troublesome monsters to exploring an area. These side quests allow players to build up their character and provide additional reasons to explore every corner of the game world. This ensures that players have plenty to do beyond the main storyline, enriching the overall experience​.

A Different World

Compared to the titles in the main series, Monster Hunter Stories offers a more laid-back experience. I’m not playing this for the intensity of the combat or exploring a massive world. It creates a calming atmosphere that encourages players to sit back and enjoy the journey. At no point did the game feel stressful or intense. Instead, it provides a relaxing and fun experience, making it a perfect choice for those looking to unwind while still enjoying the Monster Hunter experience.

Helping to create this relaxing atmosphere in Monster Hunter Stories are its visual and artistic design choices. The character designs are reminiscent of a Nintendo Wii game. I say this as positive in regards to the design choice and how it evokes a sense of nostalgia. The world itself is whimsical and detailed in a minimalist fashion, contributing to the game’s calming tone. These design aesthetics, combined with the colorful and vibrant environments, help establish an ideal atmosphere for a laid-back gaming experience.

Finally, 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, which is no small feat. The development team did an excellent job, and it’s one of the best remasters of a handheld game I’ve played on PC or a console. Their success in maintaining the integrity and charm of the original game while enhancing it for a new platform deserves to be recognized.

Fear the Black Blight

Monster Hunter Stories has several issues and it’s rooted in bringing a handheld console game to home consoles and the PC. To its credit, Capcom leveraged PC hardware to enhance the game’s world and deliver a solid experience for fans. However, the game’s handheld origins are evident in certain areas. For example, the vast open world can feel a bit plain, and the dungeons often lack variety. While these shortcomings don’t break immersion or significantly hamper the overall experience, they are noticeable.

Like I said before, I have to commend the devs for successfully remastering a Nintendo DS game for the PC. However, some of the issues that come with such a venture will always be obvious and Monster Hunter Stories is no exception.

An Adventure Awaits

Monster Hunter Stories is a radical departure from the main series, offering a more laid-back experience. This remaster of the classic Nintendo DS game has made its way to consoles and PCs with few issues. Fans of the series will particularly enjoy this entry, especially as they await the launch of Monster Hunter Wilds. The seamless transition and enhanced visuals ensure that both newcomers and long-time fans can appreciate the charm.

Disclaimer: The publisher provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

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

Monster Hunter Stories (PC)

8

Excellent

8.0/10

Pros

• Easy to learn gameplay while different from the main series.
• A more laid-back experience.
• Colorful design aesthetics reminiscent of a Nintendo Wii game.
• A solid remaster of a handheld game for the PC and console.

Cons

• Several issues that's rooted in bringing a handheld console game to the home consoles or PC.