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Monster Hunter Stories

PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Nintendo 3DS, Android • 2024

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Quick resume

Monster Hunter Stories is an RPG that takes the world of Monster Hunter and expands upon it in new and exciting ways! No longer are you hunting monsters, but raising them! In this deep story featuring heroes known as Monster Riders, you will live alongside monsters and form lifelong bonds with them.

Global score

91/100

Genres

Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Similar games

    Pros

    • Charming monster collection and customization
    • Engaging turn-based combat with strategy
    • Colorful visuals and memorable music
    • Nostalgic and accessible for newcomers
    • Long playtime with post-game content

    Cons

    • Some grinding and rng elements
    • Story is simple and sometimes cheesy
    • Camera and controls can be awkward
    • Limited multiplayer and social features
    • Graphics show 3ds origins in some areas

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Leadership, Survival, Violence, Strategy. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Expression, Fantasy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Violence.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      3

      "Players have freedom to customize characters and monsties, choose battle strategies, and explore the world at their own pace, though the story progression is somewhat linear."

    • Competence
      3

      "Combat involves strategic rock-paper-scissors mechanics requiring skill and pattern recognition; some grinding and optimization needed especially in post-game."

    • Competition
      -2

      "Focus is mainly on single player experience and personal progression; multiplayer and PvP exist but are minor aspects."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Many players report long playtimes, replayability through monster collection, customization, and post-game content encourage habitual play."

    • Cooperation
      -3

      "Gameplay centers on individual player and their party of monsters; limited multiplayer or cooperative modes."

    • Creativity
      4

      "Extensive monster customization via gene channeling and element changes, plus character customization and build variety."

    • Domination
      -4

      "Interactions are generally balanced and respectful; no evidence of power imposition or trash talk."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game as a charming, immersive fantasy world to escape real life and enjoy a lighthearted adventure."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and nostalgia; no indication of obligation or external pressure."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Encouraged to experiment with monster elements, skills, and team compositions to find effective strategies."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Players explore varied colorful environments and monster dens, discovering new monsters and items."

    • Expression
      4

      "Character customization and ability to alter monster appearances and elements support self-expression."

    • Fantasy
      5

      "Strong fantasy setting with imaginative monsters, heroic narrative, and turn-based RPG mechanics."

    • Fellowship
      -3

      "Primarily a solo experience with limited social or community features."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills in combat strategy and monster management; progression through leveling and gene customization."

    • Health
      -4

      "Sedentary gameplay typical of turn-based RPGs; no physical activity or health-related features."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention during battles and exploration; not designed for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy
      -3

      "Limited social interaction; relationships mostly with in-game characters and monsters rather than other players."

    • Leadership
      2

      "Players lead their party of monsters and make strategic decisions, though no multiplayer leadership roles."

    • Progression
      4

      "Strong emphasis on collecting, upgrading, and customizing monsters and gear to advance."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Generally a relaxing and charming experience with balanced challenge; some tension in endgame content."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Colorful visuals, memorable music, and expressive animations provide enjoyable sensory stimulation."

    • Status
      -3

      "Achievements and leaderboards exist but social recognition is not a primary motivator."

    • Story
      3

      "Narrative is simple but charming and engaging, with character development and emotional moments."

    • Strategy
      4

      "Turn-based combat requires tactical thinking, pattern recognition, and team composition planning."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Some suspense in battles and boss fights, but overall a controlled and predictable experience."

    • Value
      4

      "Players find good value in content, replayability, and nostalgia; positive reception to remaster quality."

    • Violence
      -2

      "Combat is turn-based and stylized; focus on monster companionship rather than destruction."

    • Survival
      2

      "Battles involve managing health and resources to avoid defeat; some challenge in high-rank content."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026