Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Preview
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted ReflectionMonster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is my first foray into the Stories series. So there’s a lot I’m learning about these games. It carves out a niche for fans I didn’t know existed. Someone who loves the concept of Monster Hunter but finds the hunts themselves unpalatable. You still get a sizable chunk of the core gameplay loop, somehow. Killing monsters, looting their bodies, and making sweet new gear. But it’s been grafted neatly onto a turn-based system that’s not nearly as grueling as the core games. So I guess this series is made for me?
Since I’m a series newbie, there’s a lot that I’m taking for granted. Of course the graphics are gorgeous, the animation is fluid, and the mechanics are beautifully balanced. Why wouldn’t the plot be a delicate balance of light-hearted bonding and serious political intrigue? But I recognize that Twisted Reflection is a major improvement over previous titles in the series. If nothing else, the diehard fans are extremely hopeful. And after spending a dozen or so hours in this world, I share their hopes for the full release.
This is a world in danger of total ruin, thanks to a mysterious affliction consuming the environment. Thankfully, said affliction is aesthetically pleasing. Ethereal crystal structures jut out from the ground, killing the plant life and entombing the monsters. It looks rad, but it is very fatal. So it’s up the Rangers to solve this mystery and also save their world. Your character, a Ranger and member of the royal family, is trying desperately to prevent the apocalypse and/or the pending resource wars.
High-Stakes Monster Slaying
I’m enamored with the whole loot-loop. Slaying monsters for parts that become your new armor is awesome. However, it feels like your progress in that endeavor is tied too tightly to your progress in the story. Like, you can’t get armor that’s too nice until you finish enough of the main story. This makes perfect sense, but I don’t like my obsessive armor grinding to have such a manicured stopping point. I’ll tell you when I’ve had enough, in other words.
Thus far, the combat has been a fascinating experiment. I’ve dabbled in Monster Hunter games before, but Twisted Reflection definitely feels the most accessible. Main series games, to me at least, involve too much exhausting labor for every hunt. Without a competent party at your back, you’re in for a long haul, every single time. But here, you get battles you can actually win within a reasonable time frame. Plus, that complex hunt structure is mostly preserved, which I appreciate.
Whole New Way to Hunt
Since this is a preview, I won’t dig too much into the plot. But so far, I’ve been pleased. You’re introduced to a wide cast of characters, and you get plenty of chances to explore their personalities. I got a strong sense of who everyone is and why they act certain ways, even in these opening hours. The larger narrative is pretty broad, but the themes on display are worth chewing on for a while. I’m intrigued by these people, and by the little mysteries being teased out.
I admittedly don’t know much about Monster Hunter in general. Which is why I’m so impressed with what I’ve seen so far in Twisted Reflection. The plot, the mechanics, and the world all feel inviting and enthralling. I want to master these hunts, dive into this world, and learn more about these people. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new one, you’ll want to keep an eye on this game between now and its release next month.
