Monster Hunter Stories 2 review – charming blend of hunting and RPG mechanics

Hunting isn’t for everyone. With its myriad creatures the world of Monster Hunter is made for a Pokémon-type game, and so the Stories spin-offs feel like an attempt to offer a friendlier alternative, from cute anime-style character design right down to the core of the series . Monster Hunter Stories presents the idea that monsters can be friends instead of foes.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 review

• Developer: Capcom / Marvelous
• Publisher: Capcom
• Platform: Played on Switch
• Availability: Out July 9th on Switch and PC

Right from the beginning, you can tell that Monster Hunter Stories 2 doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor – you get to design your own character, who begins their training as a rider in the wake of strange happenings in their hometown. Navirou, the feline from the first game, once again comes along to declare himself your navigator and you’re off, presumably to learn what it means to be a rider, a friend to monsters instead of their hunter.