Key Takeaways
- Franchise Growth: The Monster Hunter Stories series has evolved significantly since its debut on the Nintendo 3DS.
- Engaging Story: Twisted Reflection features the most captivating narrative in the franchise, involving crystallized monsters and a world filled with danger.
- Improved Gameplay: Players can bond with Monsties, which enhances the gameplay experience beyond just combat.
- Visual Excellence: The game boasts impressive graphics, making it the most visually stunning entry in the series.
It’s been pretty remarkable watching the Monster Hunter Stories franchise grow over the past decade. From its rather humble Nintendo 3DS beginnings to the major step up that its sequel, Wings of Ruin, was on Switch, the series has continued to evolve both mechanically and visually. I’ve had the chance to go hands-on with the third entry in the series, called Twisted Reflection, and fans are in for a treat as Monster Hunter Stories 3 is the best game in the franchise yet.
Twisted Reflection has the franchise’s most intriguing story to date. The role-playing game begins with a spectacular view, as you notice two monsters locked in battle for all of eternity, as they’ve been completely crystallized. A crystallized egg is found and rescued, allowing a pair of twin Rathalos to be born despite them being thought extinct, a signal of future catastrophe. With dangerous monsters covered in Blightstone and a truly wondrous world to discover, it’s immediately engaging and gets your attention.
Veterans of the series will recognize the core gameplay loop, as Capcom isn’t reinventing the wheel here. Players get to develop bonds with the world’s monsters rather than hunt them, and the Monsties look more impressive than ever before. They’re also given plenty of use outside of battle, as I used my Rathalos to glide through the air and catch airstreams to easily travel about. Everything is delivered with a new degree of sheen and polish, as well, as this is by and far the most visually impressive game in the series, with both its fun creature art and gorgeous world really impressing.
Combat retains the rock-paper-scissors approach of past titles. Turn-based battles rely on you using power, speed, or technical attacks (power beats technical, technical beats speed, and speed beats power). It’s a fun system, if a bit on the simple side (although staggering foes and using double attacks give it some depth), so the story seems like the real draw. However, thanks to the game’s impressive graphics, boss battles feel truly momentous, and I found myself more engaged in watching the turn-based fights. I’m interested in seeing if the gameplay adds any further wrinkles as the game continues.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Preview: Final Verdict
I’m having a blast with the game through its opening chapters, although you don’t need to take my word for it. A free trial version of the game that allows you to get to level 10 in the game is available now. Progress will carry over to the full game, so there’s no drawback in trying it early. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection will be released on March 13, 2026, and I can’t wait to dive into its captivating story more. It’s my favorite of the spin-off series so far and has really impressed.
ComingSoon received a copy of the game from the publisher for our Monster Hunter Stories 3 preview.
