Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

When people will look back on 2026 many will fondly remember Capcom as they released stellar smash hit after smash hit. From Onimusha to Pragmata and of course Resident Evil 9, it seems Capcom could do no wrong. However, many either forget or simply did not play the other incredible game that Capcom released this year, that being Monster Hunter Stories 3. Whilst we don't know the exact reasons for it's slow sales, MH:S 3 has now been killed by Capcom as they announced no more updates. It may have been the more expensive price, the lack of deep endgame which caused hardcore MH:S 2 enjoyers to drop the game or simply poor timing when releasing next to other games. We may never know, and whilst yes the 2nd game did have a much better endgame, this doesn't stop this entry from being a fantastic Jrpg, sporting the best music, gameplay, story and graphics with QoL that makes playing the previous entries hard, MH3 is a game worth your time and one of my favourite games this year. Let's talk story, it's both a significant improvement over the other two games whilst also simultaneously being junk. You now play as an adult who's fully voiced, the game takes place 200 years after MHS2 so no more Navirou thank god and the tone is certainly a bit more mature, it starts strong and has an interesting premise but quickly devolves back in contrivance with tropey characters. It's the same thing again in that monsters are going crazy due to a thing, you're a badass and then you have to save the world from a god monster. It's just this time there is some politics interjected this time. Also man whilst Navirou is annoying Rudy is worse, ♥♥♥♥ that guy. Gameplay is the best it's ever been. You get a Rathalos from the off and all winged monster can fly, ok maybe not fly but they can all glide which whilst not as good as flying from previous games it fits this game. Player movement feels much better and the world spaces are much more open and complex, it's a genuine fun world to navigate and the levels are filled with plenty of secret areas and collectibles. It makes going back to the other games very difficult because the world is literally so much better. Combat is the same but refined to it's absolute peak, ai companions can be swapped out and can be upgraded via side quests, the rock paper scissors system feels it's most fair, hearts and health refresh after every encounter and moves look so good! Also the long sword is very sick, oh and the gunlance is pretty cool. Monster gathering is also much better with channeling being simple but satisfying and Monster dens no longer being mini labyrinths, this is an incredibly fun game but it has a massive problem. There is no end game. Or rather, there is very little to do after the credits roll, those who loved the replayability of MHS2 will find this incredibly disappointing. With all the new bells and whistles this new entry adds, the fact we are not getting anymore content is a crime and I feel stroies is on ice until further notice. But with that said if you're just looking for a solid jrpg or creature collecter then this is a good one, the music and graphics are so good that going back to wilds is painful due to how drab and Brown that game is. This is a beautiful game with wonderfully expensive characters and the monsters have never looked better. So yes, a step down but by no means a bad game. I absolutely adored my time with this and think this is one of my favourite games of this year, just don't expect to play this for 100's of hours like the previous games.

Fun. This was my first Stories game. The combat loop is enjoyable and the story was better than I expected. I went in thinking this would be the Monster Hunter version of "Baby's First Turn Based RPG" and ended up appreciating it a lot. Some of the optional fights are pretty mean spirited though. Also, Khezu worst monster.