Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Review – More Than Just Stories

Isn’t it a great feeling when a game that wasn’t on your radar not only captures your attention with its trailer but also exceeds your expectations when you play it? Well, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection gave me exactly that feeling. Not only does it take the Stories series to new levels, but it also elevates the entire Monster Hunter franchise to new heights. Twisted Reflection is a significant leap forward from its predecessors, with deeper storytelling and gameplay mechanics that stand alongside the best RPGs. 

First of all, the story—of course, that’s what this sub-series is known for. The Stories games are more narrative-driven than their mainline counterparts, Monster Hunter World and Wilds. Twisted Reflection doesn’t disappoint in this area, delivering a story rich in character development, drama, and even political conflict. You take on the role of the Prince or Princess of Azuria, a nation caught in rising war tensions with the neighboring kingdom of Vermeil. Besides this conflict, a mysterious phenomenon known as the Crystal Encroachment is spreading across the land and affecting both the environment and its monsters. Amid this turmoil, the Prince or Princess, alongside a group of companions and Princess Eleanor of Vermeil, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the strange Crystal.  

Accompanied by strong cinematic direction and emotional beats, the story keeps you engaged from start to finish. So much so that I wish future Monster Hunter mainline entries would adopt a similar, character-driven approach. In Twisted Reflection, monsters become companions, yet this doesn’t erase the human tendency to weaponize anything possible by some. This tension drives both the protagonist and companions forward. The companions themselves are all compelling, each with their own side stories; through them, the game allows you to learn the lore not only about the characters, but also about the world. While the story is the best the Monster Hunter franchise has to offer, I feel like it was a missed opportunity not to include a choice-and-consequence system, especially since the game already leans heavily into RPG mechanics. 

The companionship between humans and monsters (known as Monsties when they form a bond) translates seamlessly into gameplay, and Twisted Reflection introduces many new mechanics for them. For example, egg gathering allows you to collect a variety of eggs; once hatched, a Monstie is born and then becomes ready to fight by your side. That combat is among the best turn-based systems in modern RPGs. Like the previous Stories games, it uses a rock-paper-scissors system, but with several new additions. Monsters have their own attack preferences, though these can change when they become enraged. Velocidromes, for example, are very fast creatures, so Speed is their main attack, but when enraged, they will switch to Power. There is also now a Kinship gauge separate from the stamina bar, which can be filled more quickly by using specific skills. 

Combat feels well-balanced; I rarely felt the need to grind. However, fights can sometimes take very long. While that’s expected during boss battles, even some encounters with monsters in the open world can drag on. Players have three lives per battle, which can be restored. As a result, combat isn’t particularly difficult, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to come out victorious. Just be prepared for some encounters to become a bit tedious, even with increased turn speed enabled. You can also initiate battles with a slash attack, giving you an early advantage; if you significantly outlevel an enemy, it can even be defeated with a single hit. Monsties are not only valuable in combat, but you can also ride them for exploration. Each one offers unique traversal abilities that help you navigate the game’s diverse environments.  

The environments are as diverse as they are beautiful. Story and gameplay aren’t the only elements that see significant improvements from previous entries. The art style and visuals of Twisted Reflection had me taking numerous screenshots during both gameplay and cutscenes. Its anime and toon-inspired aesthetics are brought up to modern standards and filled with vibrant colors. At times, the atmosphere made me feel like I was exploring a 3D version of the 2D worlds seen in games like Dragon Quest or Octopath Traveler. Each region stands out with its own distinct visual identity, as well as its own set of monsters. 

The vibrant visuals are complemented by a soundtrack that I am sure will earn its place at the top of JRPG music. The melody that welcomes you on the main menu will assure you that a great journey awaits you. At times, during gameplay or while in the in-game UI, the music let me know that this was no ordinary Monster Hunter journey; I was in RPG territory, and I was incredibly happy to be there. Let’s not forget about meals and their importance in the Monster Hunter series. In Twisted Reflection, preparing a meal grants combat bonuses, and like in the other entries, these moments are accompanied by fun cutscenes with enjoyable music beats.  

You will need those bonuses from the meals, especially at night. The monsters roaming the open world change depending on the time of day, and because of the spread of the Crystal Encroachment. Monsters infected by the phenomena will become feral, and you’ll need to adjust your combat strategies. Additionally, Twisted Reflection adds the Habitat Restoration feature, which allows you not only to save endangered species but also to liberate them into a region where they can influence the local ecosystem. This goes hand in hand with another feature, the Rite of Channeling, a method that lets you combine genes (skills) from one monster to another. Yes, in a way, the game even starts to feel like your own Jurassic Park. 

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is exactly that, a reflection of the Monster Hunter series, but with its own twists and additions that work in nearly every way. Granted, some adjustments could be made, particularly when it comes to combat pacing, and companions’ side stories could be better organized instead of locking you out of the main story while active. However, the new features and ideas it introduces are so engaging and enjoyable that it’s hard not to wish they carry over into future installments of the franchise. Twisted Reflection also serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers, thanks to its large bestiary, memorable cast (Rudy hate won’t be tolerated!), strong narrative, and engaging gameplay systems. Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran hunter, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is an essential adventure for any aspiring hunter. 

Walter reviewed Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection on PC with a provided review code. This review is based on the version of the game available at the time of writing and our score will not be changed.