Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin continues to show players a vibrant and immersive world set within the beloved Monster Hunter universe. Developed by Capcom, this sequel to the original Monster Hunter Stories offers a unique blend of RPG elements and monster-catching gameplay. With its charming art style, engaging narrative, and strategic combat mechanics, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an excellent journey for fans and newcomers alike.
With it releasing on PlayStation 5, CGM thought it would be worthwhile to take another look into the entry. When Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin initially launched on the Nintendo Switch, we had this to say: “ Despite a few things holding it back, I fell in love with Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, and it’s all I want to play now.” And scored it an 8.
It’s easy to tell immediately that Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin was not one that was looking to push the visual department when it comes to the series, and while areas as a whole look good, some textures, especially close-up, can often look muddy. That being said, the game has a colourful and vibrant aesthetic that brings the world of Monster Hunter to life in more cartoonish ways than the more realistic approach. The character and monster designs are highlighted, with each creature crafted to showcase its unique traits and personality. While I didn’t notice a vast improvement over the Nintendo Switch in the visuals, the load times were significantly better.
At the heart of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin lies a captivating narrative that serves as the driving force behind the player’s journey. The story follows the adventures of a young Monster Rider tasked with uncovering the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of Rathalos, the legendary king of the skies. As players delve deeper into the world of Monster Hunter, they’ll encounter a cast of memorable characters with their own motivations and backstories; each character feels fleshed out and integral to the overall narrative.
“With its charming art style, engaging narrative, and strategic combat mechanics, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an excellent journey for fans and newcomers alike.”
The storytelling in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is well-paced, with each plot twist and revelation keeping players engaged from start to finish. The game strikes a good balance between epic moments of adventure and quieter, more intimate character moments, ensuring that players are emotionally invested in the outcome of the story. While Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin shares the same universe as its action-oriented counterparts, it offers an entirely different gameplay experience. Rather than hunting monsters in real-time combat, players assume the role of a Monster Rider who forms bonds with creatures and battles alongside them in turn-based encounters.
The core gameplay loop revolves around collecting monster eggs, hatching them, and raising them into powerful companions known as Monsties. Each Monstie belongs to a specific element and possesses unique abilities and strengths, allowing players to create a diverse team tailored to their play style. Combat in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is deep and strategic, requiring players to consider their actions and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses carefully. By using a combination of attacks, skills, and items, players can unleash devastating combos and turn the tide of battle in their favour.
Outside of combat, players can explore the vast world of Monster Hunter, completing quests, gathering resources, and uncovering hidden secrets. The game offers a variety of activities to engage in, from fishing and mining to participating in tournaments and races. One of the standout features of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is its robust multiplayer mode, which allows players to team up with friends and embark on adventures together.
Whether it’s battling powerful monsters or competing in minigames, multiplayer adds an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the experience. It was nice to see that even though the core gameplay mechanics of Monster Hunter had changed, they kept the same focus on building a community around multiplayer.
“Whether you’re a seasoned Monster Hunter veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin offers a thrilling experience that is not to be missed.”
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin features an incredible soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s adventurous tone. From epic orchestral scores to serene melodies, the music enhances every moment of the journey and adds to the overall immersion. The voice acting in the game is also top-notch, with each character brought to life by talented voice actors who imbue them with personality and emotion. Whether it’s the gruff mentor Red or the spunky heroine Ena, every character’s voice feels authentic and fitting.
In terms of technical performance, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin runs smoothly on PlayStation 5 with minimal load times and no noticeable frame rate drops. The game’s controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy for players to navigate the world and engage in combat. That being said, there have been some minor bugs and glitches, such as graphical issues and occasional crashes. However, these issues are relatively rare and do not detract significantly from the overall experience.
In conclusion, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is really solid. They offer an unforgettable adventure set in the captivating world of Monster Hunter. With its different approach to visuals, engaging storyline, and deep gameplay mechanics, the game will surely delight fans of the series and newcomers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned Monster Hunter veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin offers a thrilling experience that is not to be missed.
