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Brace yourself, because I might make you feel old. Monster Hunter Stories turns eight this year, ahead of the Switch, PS4, and PC remaster. A lot’s happened since then, like mobile ports and a sequel. After going through the introduction, it still feels like a fresh spin-off that involved Capcom taking a chance to try new things.
For those who missed it the first time around or the sequel, the world of Monster Hunter Stories involves people people who are riders. They take monster eggs from nests, go through hatching ceremonies to bond with the creatures, then right and fight alongside them as trusted friends. This first installment involves a young rider who is just coming of age and taking their first steps in the role, while also dealing with a world-threatening plight affecting monsters called the Black Blight.
In these earliest moments, the main thing I noticed is how much fresher Monster Hunter Stories looked with this remaster. Capcom always ensured it was a bright, colorful game that managed to make certain monsters seem cuter than their traditional forms. It’s very much an anime-style romp, giving us a chance to live Pokemon-like dreams with elder dragon beings that would normally crush us and pick their teeth with our bones. Things are especially crisp and seemed even more vivid now, with the early textures, areas, and characters rendered well.
I also began to better appreciate just how cartoonish this original Monster Hunter Stories is. It relies so heavily upon the same sorts of story beats and character backgrounds as popular anime series geared towards kids. Combined with the even more vibrant world, it feels even more like a cartoon itself. It’s a good thing, especially since from my past encounter with it I recall it getting more complex. The inclusion of full voice acting, including dual audio, helps with that immersion.
As with the actual gameplay experience, I didn’t get to spend as much time going through the Museum Mode for the Monster Hunter Stories remaster yet. However, what I have see helps show exactly how true-to-life the actual game is compared to the original concept art and designs. I mainly looked at some of the character designs, but seeing the progression and reading the developers’ thoughts seems as insightful as ever.
Even after just returning to Monster Hunter Stories, the remaster is starting to make me appreciate this spin-off series even more.It really dared to do something different. Getting to check development art and re-experience it makes me appreciate what Capcom started.
The Monster Hunter Stories remaster will come to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC on June 14, 2024. It is also available on the 3DS and mobile devices.
