Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection breaks off from the traditional series in the best way
In Monster Hunter Stories 3, the world simply seems larger, giving you a greater feeling of scale as you explore
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection performs a complete 180 from wilds in both story and gameplay.
Capcom's new turn-based Monster Hunter game, which I played for 30 minutes at New York Comic Con, doesn't pit Monsters and humans against each other, opting to incorporate teamwork in a multi-faceted rock-paper-scissors-style combat system. I was taken aback by how much better Monster Hunter Stories 3 looks than its predecessor.
In Monster Hunter Stories 3, the world simply seems larger, giving you a greater feeling of scale as you explore. One reason for this is that when you're mounted on a monster, like Monstie in this instance, the game seems to zoom out more. Another is the enhanced environment texture and draw distance, which gives the game's broad views a sense of space.
The harsh pop-ups and obvious transitions from high- to low-polygon renderings that often disrupt immersion in Monster Hunter Stories 2 are also absent. Overall, playing is more immersive and the experience is smoother and more fluid.
In contrast to previous games when they seemed hunched up, monster sizes are now more realistic. During an interview for Monster Hunter Stories 2, I actually asked the devs if monsties were full size. They didn't really respond, but it appears that Twisted Reflection supports my claim.
The transition to less vivid colors is another perceptual alteration. The incredibly vivid color design of Monster Hunter Stories 2 was evocative of Monster Hunter 4. Monster Hunter Stories 3's colors don't stand out as much in contrast. Although it still has color, it more closely resembles the color scheme of the most recent Legend of Zelda games.
Increasing saturation can sometimes be a smart method to cover up visual defects. I believe it shows a greater confidence in the game's better details and textures.
The game still emphasizes exploration a lot. Finding those Monstie eggs and assembling supplies are part of this. Although I didn't have much time to search for eggs while I was playing, I did get to see certain Monsties' unique overworld abilities. These include Tobi-Kadachi's climbing skills and Rathalos' fire breath and flight.
Hopefully, the final version of the game will have more detailed exploration, as this was simply a brief preview. The regularity of monster attacks was one aspect I didn't particularly enjoy. At one point, I kept starting battles while attempting to figure out how to go to a Poogie that was locked in a high location.
It was bothersome, but it wasn't a deal breaker. In Monster Hunter Stories 3, monsties seem heavier and more substantial.
When monsters attack or you call in fresh ones to join the combat, this is very apparent. Monsters are given more depth by the careful application of sound effects in addition to perspective, scale, and camera shake.
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Monsters seem like the strong animals they are, whether it's the high-impact noises of attacks or the bass-heavy thump when they hit the ground.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflections will release on March 13, 2026.