Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection review

Monster Hunter Stories has always focused on Riders who raise, ride, and understand monsters rather than immediately destroying them. Twisted Reflection keeps that softer, cel‑shaded look but expands the series’ scope: visuals are revamped, the world feels deeper, and the turn‑based combat gains more complexity and weight than in earlier entries.

The game casts you as the young heir or heiress of a prosperous kingdom who rides a Skyscale Rathalos, a cursed wyvern whose twin was taken by your mother. A strange plague crystallizes the environment and monsters, and kingdoms, guilds, and monarchs bungle their way through dwindling resources while living things fall ill.

The story leans into environmental themes and gives you direct tools to improve the world. Combat remains turn‑based with a rock‑paper‑scissors core, but outcomes depend less on luck and more on preparation: weapon choice, elemental attacks, and targeting monster parts to stagger them.

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