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Monster Hunter Stories for 3DS

A large content demo is already available on the eShop where your save data/progress is transferable to the full game.

No launch trailer yet but here is the official one from Nintendo: https://youtu.be/r46Jbq-ZNok

Metacritic Score: 79

Opencritic Score: 77

Review summaries:

Meristation

8.2/10

Sep 7, 2017

Capcom has created a deep adventure that makes this franchise even more rich and fun. A light RPG approachable to everybody, but at the same time really addictive and rewarding. More than 100 hours of play if you want to achieve everything. Personality is it virtue.

Destructoid

Chris Carter

7.0 / 10.0 (3DS)

I wasn't super impressed by Monster Hunter Stories but I don't think the developers intended for it to be a game-changer. It's an above-average RPG infused with some of the cuteness of the Monster Hunter universe, with portability to boot.

Cubed3

Drew Hurley

8 / 10 (3DS)

The Monster Hunter franchise has a rich and varied universe but outside of a handful of spin-offs; its games have always been limited to their very specific formula. That's a doubled-edged sword, as the fans don't want big changes but those who don't enjoy the series' core mechanics are missing out on a fantastic universe filled with some amazing monster designs and the fabulous Felynes. Monster Hunter Stories breaks the mold and delivers an experience that shows that universe is just waiting for more innovative ideas. Like Final Fantasy Tactics and Dragon Quest Builders, Monster Hunter Stories delivers a wholly new experience that is utterly addictive and absolutely superb. If you enjoy Pokémon, give this a chance!

NintendoWorldReport

Daan Koopman

8.0 / 10.0 (3DS)

Monster Hunter Stories was a very enjoyable adventure, but the battle system let it down. With all the improvements made to make the game pop, the battles feel shallow during the campaign. You are asked to make a boring leap of faith in the hopes of finding rewards. Everything else about the game works. Exploring the world hasn't been better than this and the style just pops on the Nintendo 3DS. Newcomers and veterans alike will find a lot to love, but also need to go in with lowered expectations about the combat.

TheSixthAxis

7/10

Sep 7, 2017

While it’s certainly more approachable than your typical Monster Hunter game, Stories fails to capture what has made the series such a hit over the years. Sure, the setting is evocative but, as many die-hard fans will tell you, it’s the high octane rush of hunting with friends that forms the true backbone of the franchise. That said, Monster Hunter Stories goes beyond your average spin-off and feels like a genuine attempt to expand this universe instead of simply trying to milk it. From the simple yet expanding battle system to its many ties with the core games, there’s plenty here for newcomers and grizzled veterans alike.

Gaming Nexus

Russell Archey

8.5 / 10.0 (3DS)

As someone who is terrible at the main series, I really enjoyed Monster Hunter Stories, even if it is a bit easy early on. The more traditional RPG-style of gameplay is a radical departure from what the core games are like, but that doesn't mean it's not worth your time. If you can put aside the fact that this plays rather differently than the past games, you'll find an enjoyable experience for new and returning fans alike.

Gamer.nl (Dutch)

8.5 / 10

(Translation) "Monster Hunter Stories is both a fantastic side-adventure for fans of the series and a great entry point for newcomers, but also holds its own as a standalone rpg. The story is nice and the gameplay fun, and sometimes that's all it takes to just make a great game."

Game Informer

8/10

Sep 7, 2017

Series fans might be put off by Monster Hunter Stories’ simplified combat, but I enjoyed the opportunity to pilot some of my favorite creatures from the franchise on the other side of the blade. Fans of turn-based JRPG fare, newcomers to the franchise, and younger gamers have more to enjoy here – to explore and engage with the Monster Hunter universe without having to enter through a less accessible door. Monster Hunter Stories is a warm and welcoming trek that’s only brought down by stale and repetitive combat. Despite its shortcomings, there’s still a neat egg to crack here.

M3

Percy Oropeza

5 / 10 (3DS)

Monster Hunter Stories is a descent Pokémon knock off for fans of the genre, but it lacks good story telling and the mechanics is hard to get used to.

Trusted Reviews

7/10

Sep 7, 2017

Monster Hunter Stories is a delightful little JRPG that makes a big splash with its adorable visuals and addictive battle system. Performance problems aside, this is a great introduction to Capcom’s beloved franchise.

 

[Sammy Samusu]

Holy shit it's out tomorrow.

 

[Panthalassic]

I played part of the demo and it just made me want to play regular MH. Had no idea data was transferable though. Still undecided if I should get it or not, but with MHW being far out for PC maybe it'll scratch the itch?

 

[Jhoan]

Solid reviews. I played the demo and enjoyed it. The turn based combat was shallow but I appreciated the fast forward option to make them go by quicker.

I actually bought Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate during the Capcom sale and found it more enjoyable/saw why Stories is more accessible. Will get it during a sale. I think it's going to get eclipsed by Metroid 2 next week.

 

[Lanrutcon]

Picking this up tomorrow to tide me over till D:OS 2.

 

[NeonZ]

Does anyone know if the localized version includes content from the Japanese July update? Anyway, I liked the demo, so I'll be picking it up, but some of the additions of that update are neat, like the visual and voice customization options to play as other characters and the new partner monsters like Rajang.

 

[ggx2ac]

Does anyone know if the localized version includes content from the Japanese July update?

One of the reviewers will have to pop in here and mention what version it says when they played the game.

 

[Mupod]

A little confused by those review quotes...was there some kind of expectation that this was going to play like a normal MH game? From the very start it's been clear that this is a JRPG rather than hunting/action. It sounds like complaining that one of the Mario RPGs isn't a platformer.

The demo was fun, I'll be busy with Yakuza and Metroid for a bit but I see myself picking Stories up down the line. Maybe when MHWorld is getting closer.

 

[Donniewahlberg]

Mine came in the mail today although the window between now and Metroid is so small haha I don't know whether to rush or do the complete opposite

 

[nubbe]

7-8 is what I expected for this 9.5 jrpg

 

[mrjohill]

Wasn't originally gonna get this but the demo convinced me. If you haven't played it and are one the fence check it out!

 

[nubbe]

did anyone try the MH:S amiibos yet?

 

[13ruce]

Holy shit tommorow!? i can play this till Samus Returns got it preordered.

 

[ggx2ac]

A little confused by those review quotes...was there some kind of expectation that this was going to play like a normal MH game? From the very start it's been clear that this is a JRPG rather than hunting/action. It sounds like complaining that one of the Mario RPGs isn't a platformer.

Oh yeah, I can see in one of the reviews that the game is being compared to the main series rather than being reviewed on its own merits.

And of course Monster Hunter Stories is targeted towards kids so it was unlikely that we would get something like a strategy turn based Monster Hunter game with complex mechanics where you attack limbs and not even know how much damage you've done.

 

[depward]

I forgot to cancel my order I made so it's coming to me.

I did have good feels from the demo.... And I'm a big MonHun fan. So I guess it's ok and I'll pay when I have the chance.

 

[Donniewahlberg]

did anyone try the MH:S amiibos yet?

Not yet but I bought my kid the little cat guy, I'll report back on that after we scan it. Very cool amiibo btw it's a shame they didn't bring those over

 

[hutna]

Is there any multiplayer/co-op in this game?

Already going to buy it; just need to know if I need to get my wife her own copy of the game or if we can share a cart.

 

[Impulsor]

Does anyone know if the localized version includes content from the Japanese July update? Anyway, I liked the demo, so I'll be picking it up, but some of the additions of that update are neat, like the visual and voice customization options to play as other characters and the new partner monsters like Rajang.

This is really important. Anybody knows?

 

[Donniewahlberg]

This is really important. Anybody knows?

Mmm is there a quick and easy way to tell? Ive only played the demo before today so I'm not sure what they added

 

[ggx2ac]

Is there any multiplayer/co-op in this game?

Already going to buy it; just need to know if I need to get my wife her own copy of the game or if we can share a cart.

I don't think there's co-op.

You can do local multiplayer or online multiplayer where you battle each other.

Edit: I'm not sure about cart sharing.

Mmm is there a quick and easy way to tell? Ive only played the demo before today so I'm not sure what they added

Is there a version number on the title screen?

 

[kuroneko0509]

those mhs amiibo from japan should work. at least that's what I saw on my twitter this week

 

[Mr-Joker]

did anyone try the MH:S amiibos yet?

They work

 

[Impulsor]

Mmm is there a quick and easy way to tell? Ive only played the demo before today so I'm not sure what they added

Below you can see ddetails on what the patch includes.

he update includes the following new additions:

Newly added Otomon (monsters) – Teostra, Kushala Daora, and Rajang have been added.
Additional parts to customize your appearance and the ability to change your gender – You can change your gender at your house, allowing you to try out each gender’s armor. Customization parts that reflect the appearance of characters that appear in the game, as well as equipment that lets you change completely into them have also been added. Parts have also been added that allow you to change your appearance to look like Hakum Village Riders Jini, Hyoro, and Mil from the TV anime Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On.
Otomon previously only available as downloadable content now obtainable at the “Monster Nest” after clearing the game – Oroshi Kirin, White Monoblos, Glavenus, and Molten Tigrex can be obtained.
Monster Hunter XX Save Data Bonus – If you have save data from Monster Hunter XX on your 3DS, you will get a Barufaruku costume for Nabiru.

Read more at http://gematsu.com/2017/06/monster-...ches-july-26-japan#ItHmZVW6dYR6Vg3b.99Vg3b.99

 

[Donniewahlberg]

Is there a version number on the title screen?

Mmm, not that I can see sorry.

+ already confirmed but yea our amiibo worked fine too, got an amiibo egg

 

[ggx2ac]

Mmm, not that I can see sorry.

+ already confirmed but yea our amiibo worked fine too, got an amiibo egg

Well, the only other way you can check as someone else posted above is that if it's the updated version, you should be able to change gender at your house.

 

[Impulsor]

Cover of the physical release with the included 1.2 patch in Japan:

 

[Donniewahlberg]

Okay if gender changing is in, I'm struggling to find it. In the chest, under appearance there's hairstyle, eye colour, make-up and armor changing but no straight up gender change. If that's a good test then I'm leaning towards it not being the updated version.

 

[nubbe]

They work

wonderful!

got all of them already

 

[ggx2ac]

Okay if gender changing is in, I'm struggling to find it. In appearance there's hairstyle, eye colour, make-up and armor changing but no straight up gender change. If that's a good test then I'm leaning towards it not being the updated version.

Okay, then that most likely confirms the v1.2 patch isn't included in the game card.

It's not a complete deal-breaker since it's still possible to download the patch, the question is when will the patch come out.

 

[CharminUltra]

I'm still busy with Kingdom Battle, which I expect to continue playing til Samus Returns is out, so this will have to wait a while. Good reviews, tho.

 

[Donniewahlberg]

Okay, then that most likely confirms the v1.2 patch isn't included in the game card.

It's not a complete deal-breaker since it's still possible to download the patch, the question is when will the patch come out.

Ah, sorry to be the bearer of bad news guys. I looked up what the other characters from the cartoon look like and there's no hairstyles to match them either, like the dude with goggles or the girl with the sort of bone bow in her hair

 

[Impulsor]

Ah, sorry to be the bearer of bad news guys. I looked up what the other characters from the cartoon look like and there's no hairstyles to match them either, like the dude with goggles or the girl with the sort of bone bow in her hair

It seems kinda stupid to me that Capcom didn't include the latest version of the game in the cartdrige... Strange.

thanks for checking!!

 

[ilium]

I liked the demo, but the battle system seemed a bit too simple to carry me through the game, so I dunno...


But who am I kidding, it's MH and I'm weak...

 

[Ridley327]

Below you can see ddetails on what the patch includes.

And this is the version that was localized, correct? I seem to remember reading that was the case, but you never know.

Because damn, I really want to run around on a Teostra.

EDIT: Damn it, should have read more.

 

[Dandy Crocodile]

They work

LOL, didn't expect to see my tweet in here.

Anyway, I got the game yesterday so feel free to ask me stuff I guess.

 

[Impulsor]

And this is the version that was localized, correct? I seem to remember reading that was the case, but you never know.

Because damn, I really want to run around on a Teostra.

EDIT: Damn it, should have read more.

It's stupid. But oh well, let's hope they release the patch

 

[7Th]

Kinda sad that all of current Capcom's best looking games are on the 3DS.

 

[nubbe]

Kinda sad that all of current Capcom's best looking games are on the 3DS.

best system has the best games
natural logic

 

[ggx2ac]

There haven't been any more reviews so far (17 listed on metacritic), so maybe there'll be more sometime later.

 

[BanjoLayleeYookaKazooie]

Do we have any word at all that Capcom won't be releasing even 1 or 2 of the amiibo oversees like ever? Other than that company being Capcom of course. Glad that the localised game still supports them but it's useless to me unless I can get them for close to MSRP in a shop, don't want the hassle of importing them.

 

[ggx2ac]

Do we have any word at all that Capcom won't be releasing even 1 or 2 of the amiibo oversees like ever? Other than that company being Capcom of course. Glad that the localised game still supports them but it's useless to me unless I can get them for close to MSRP in a shop, don't want the hassle of importing them.

I'm guessing they or Nintendo don't expect the game to be a hit in the west so they didn't want to risk having Amiibo that will sit on shelves.

 

[Dandy Crocodile]

Do we have any word at all that Capcom won't be releasing even 1 or 2 of the amiibo oversees like ever? Other than that company being Capcom of course. Glad that the localised game still supports them but it's useless to me unless I can get them for close to MSRP in a shop, don't want the hassle of importing them.

You can get them all for under $20 on Amazon US which isn't too far off MSRP. And they're on Prime!

 

[Donniewahlberg]

Do we have any word at all that Capcom won't be releasing even 1 or 2 of the amiibo oversees like ever? Other than that company being Capcom of course. Glad that the localised game still supports them but it's useless to me unless I can get them for close to MSRP in a shop, don't want the hassle of importing them.

It is a pain. The Navirou I got off eBay was actually a tad cheaper than amiibo typically are here lol and that was including the delivery so it might be worth having a look, you never know. Only draw back was the wait. (UK here)

 

[etrain911]

Has anyone talked about performance on an OG 3DS XL or 2DS?

 

[MarmiteBadger]

I played part of the demo and it just made me want to play regular MH. Had no idea data was transferable though. Still undecided if I should get it or not, but with MHW being far out for PC maybe it'll scratch the itch?

Same here. I didn't play much into the demo and maybe I should, but I had the same feelings when play MHS.

 

[nubbe]

Same here. I didn't play much into the demo and maybe I should, but I had the same feelings when play MHS.

it's a good game if you like family friendly JRPG's
don't go in expecting MH or dark souls

 

[Zaventem]

I preorder this on a whim without really knowing much about it because it looks cute haha. I'm glad it's getting decent reviews.

 

[Voror]

I still need to play the demo to get a feel for it, but still very interested. Hopefully that patch gets brought over here for everyone as well.

 

[PreyingShark]

Glad it's getting solid reviews. Excited to play the game again tomorrow.

 

[Brandon F]

Could be misremembering, but I thought J-GAF was really down on this one, both fans of MH and jRPG's.