Monster Hunter Stories Collection brings together the first two entries in Capcom's turn-based RPG spin-off series on Nintendo Switch. Players take on the role of a Rider who forms bonds with monsters known as Monsties rather than hunting them outright. The collection features a remastered version of the original game with full Japanese and English voice acting plus a Museum Mode for viewing concept art and listening to music, alongside the complete Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration, monster collection, and strategic combat. Riders travel across field maps, using Monstie abilities to navigate obstacles and reach new areas. Eggs discovered in monster dens can be hatched to add new companions to the team, each with distinct skills and elemental affinities. Battles unfold in a turn-based system that emphasizes prediction and type matching through Power, Speed, and Technical attack categories. Success builds a Kinship Gauge that unlocks special rider abilities and powerful Kinship Skills from Monsties. Side content includes subquests that reward experience and items while expanding on the world's lore and characters. The remaster adds quality-of-life improvements and accessibility options without altering the fundamental structure.
Game Modes
Each title offers a self-contained single-player campaign focused on story progression and character development. Subquests provide optional objectives scattered throughout the world for additional rewards and replay value. Multiplayer features allow riders to engage in battles against others through local wireless or online connections. The first game's Museum Mode serves as a dedicated gallery for audio and visual extras unlocked during play. No live-service seasons or rotating events are present, as the collection delivers the full offline and multiplayer experiences from both games in their updated forms.
Story and World
The narrative follows young Riders in regions inspired by the Monster Hunter universe, where humans and monsters coexist in distinct ways. The first game introduces the Rider lifestyle and central conflicts involving ancient threats. Its sequel expands the scope with new locations, deeper character arcs, and larger-scale events. Both campaigns emphasize themes of partnership and discovery over direct confrontation. Exploration reveals villages, ruins, and monster habitats that tie into the broader lore without requiring prior knowledge of mainline Monster Hunter titles.
Is It Worth Playing?
The collection suits players who enjoy turn-based RPGs with monster-collecting mechanics and a focus on story-driven adventures. Positive reception highlights the charming presentation, addictive hatching and team-building systems, and approachable combat that rewards observation over reflexes. It appeals to Monster Hunter fans seeking a different perspective on the setting as well as newcomers to the franchise. Availability on Nintendo Switch supports portable and docked play across both campaigns. Those who prefer fast-paced action or ongoing multiplayer seasons may find the experience more deliberate and self-contained. The package delivers complete access to both stories with enhancements that improve replayability for dedicated players.
