It was time for “Monster Hunter Stories” to grow up. Capcom’s spinoff of its popular action role-playing game started as a “Pokémon”-like adventure, one in which players rode monsters instead of slaying them. Players collected Monsties and teamed up with them in turn-based combat.

From Spinoff to Standalone RPG

Like its anime series, the game initially targeted a younger generation, drawing them into the world of giant swords and wyverns. However, the sequel, “Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin,” aged with its fanbase, offering greater complexities and grander storytelling while maintaining the rider motif and youthful protagonist.

A Kingdom on the Brink

The latest chapter, “Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection,” focuses on two kingdoms, Azuria and Vermeil, on the brink of war. A phenomenon called “the encroachment” is spreading, crystallizing the world and threatening the survival of both nations.

The Azurian Royal's Journey

Players assume the role of a customizable Azurian royal, also the captain of the Rangers – an elite group of environmental stewards. After peace talks with Vermeil fail, the captain ventures into the forbidden Sancrosanct, seeking a way to stop the encroachment and prevent war.

Refined Combat and Monstie Raising

With “Twisted Reflection,” Capcom further refines the combat system and Monstie raising from the previous game. “Wings of Ruin” introduced double attacks and weapon switching, adding complexity to the core mechanics.

Strategic Battles and Wyvernsoul

The third entry adds a stamina bar, allowing players and their Monsties to use skill moves. Targeting and breaking enemy body parts depletes their Wyvernsoul gauge, opening them to more attacks or stunning them. The Kinship Gauge, increasing each turn, allows the captain to ride a Monstie for increased damage.

The Thrill of Egg Collecting and Habitat Restoration

A core element of “Monster Hunter Stories” is egg collecting. Players build their roster of rideable creatures by entering dens and obtaining eggs. The developers streamlined this process, allowing for quicker access.

Uncovering Rare Variants

Players can still refine Monstie genes and stats. The new habitat restoration system allows players to release creatures into the wild, boosting the rank and potentially uncovering rare mutations and deviants – the most powerful variants. This system adds a rewarding layer to the collection aspect, reminiscent of “Pokémon.”

While the story in “Twisted Reflection” is more politically focused but less compelling than previous entries, the game’s overall improvements demonstrate how Capcom has nurtured this spinoff into a legitimate franchise.