Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin Game Review

As an avid fan of the Monster Hunter series, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. The original game captured my attention with its unique blend of RPG elements and the beloved Monster Hunter universe. With the sequel, I was excited to see how the developers would expand upon the story, gameplay mechanics, and overall experience. In this review, I will delve into the various aspects of the game, including its graphics, gameplay, story, and character development.

Graphics and Art Style

One of the first things that struck me about Monster Hunter Stories 2 was the stunning graphics. The art style is vibrant and colorful, creating a world that feels alive and immersive. The character designs are charming, with each monster and character uniquely crafted to fit within the Monster Hunter aesthetic. The landscapes are beautifully rendered, from lush forests to rocky mountains, and the attention to detail is impressive.

The game runs smoothly on both the Nintendo Switch and PC, ensuring that players can enjoy the visual splendor without any significant performance issues. The animations during battles and cutscenes are fluid, further enhancing the overall experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin introduces a turn-based combat system that differs significantly from the traditional action-oriented gameplay of the main series. While some purists may find this change disconcerting, I found the turn-based mechanics to be engaging and strategic. Players can choose to attack, defend, or use various skills during their turn, which adds depth to the combat system.

One of the standout features is the ability to bond with monsters. Players can hatch, raise, and train various monsters, each with their unique abilities and traits. This bonding system adds a layer of strategy, as choosing the right monster for battles can greatly impact the outcome. The synergy between the player’s character and their monsters is essential, making the relationships feel meaningful.

Story and Characters

The narrative of Monster Hunter Stories 2 revolves around a new protagonist, who embarks on a quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Wings of Ruin. The story is well-crafted, with various twists and turns that kept me engaged throughout my playthrough. The world is rich with lore, and I appreciated the effort put into developing the backstory of each character and monster.

The characters are diverse and memorable, each contributing to the overall narrative in unique ways. The interactions between the protagonist and their companions are heartwarming and add depth to the story. The game also features familiar faces from the original title, which was a nice touch for returning players.

Exploration and Quests

Exploration is a significant aspect of Monster Hunter Stories 2. The game encourages players to venture into various environments, each filled with monsters to battle and resources to collect. The open-world design allows for a sense of freedom, and I enjoyed taking my time to discover hidden areas and complete side quests.

The quests are varied and often involve gathering items, defeating specific monsters, or engaging in battles. While some quests may feel repetitive, the overall pacing of the game kept me motivated to continue exploring. The inclusion of cooperative multiplayer adds another layer of fun, allowing players to team up with friends to tackle challenges together.

Sound Design and Music

The sound design in Monster Hunter Stories 2 is commendable, with each monster having distinct roars and sounds that enhance the immersion. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of upbeat and dramatic themes that complement the gameplay. I found myself enjoying the music during battles as well as during exploration, which added to the overall atmosphere of the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a delightful addition to the Monster Hunter franchise. It successfully blends RPG elements with the beloved monster-catching mechanics, creating a unique experience that appeals to both newcomers and longtime fans. The stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and well-developed story make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to dive into the world of Monster Hunter.

Whether you are a fan of turn-based combat or simply love the Monster Hunter universe, this game offers something for everyone. I highly recommend giving it a try, as it has the potential to provide countless hours of enjoyment.

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