''THE WIND BENEATH OUR WINGS....OF RUIN''
Developed: Capcom
Published: Capcom
Genre: Action RPG
Release Date: June 13th, 2024
Platforms: PS5
Review copy provided to me by Capcom
Monster Hunter Stories and Monster Hunters Stories 2 Wings Of Ruin are super fun monster catchers that are developed and published by Capcom. With these titles already being released on other platforms, Capcom decided its finally time to bring them over for all the Playstation fans to try out and enjoy. But was it a good idea to bring these over? or is it a case of too long of a wait and not worth it? Only one way to find out, so lets go!
''THE GANG IS HERE''
GAMEPLAY:
If you want a good analogy of both these titles in this franchise, then I guess you could say that the Monster Hunter series overall in general is like being a high school kid, but Monster Hunter Stories and its sequel, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, would be the quirky art kids due to the tone difference between the two, which of course doesnt make the spinoffs bad by any means. The little quirky kids still hang out with the cool hunters who slay gigantic beasts, but they prefer bonding with their monster pals over bashing them with oversized weapons. Me personally? I love both bashing in giant monster heads but at the same time, I just like chilling with my cute monster friends and just hanging out too, I mean who wouldnt? some of these little guys are cute as heck. These charming spin-offs that add a delightful twist to the monster-hunting genre. Monster Hunter Stories introduces us to the concept of "Monsties"—monsters you can befriend and ride. Imagine the rugged world of Monster Hunter, but instead of chopping off tails, you're collecting eggs and hatching adorable or terrifying companions. It's like Pokemon but with a dose of Monster Hunter's signature style and complexity, only you won't be as lame as Ash Ketchum was and just give away all your favorite friends like he did. The game’s bright, colorful graphics are a refreshing departure from the usual gritty, realistic look of the main series. Our protagonist, a young Rider from Hakum Village, embarks on a journey that's part coming-of-age story, part monster daycare simulator. The narrative is straightforward but engaging, with a cast of likable characters and enough twists to keep you invested. The turn-based combat system is a significant shift from the action-oriented battles of traditional Monster Hunter games, but it's deep and strategic, with a rock-paper-scissors mechanic that keeps you on your toes. If Monster Hunter Stories was a charming experiment, Wings of Ruin is the refined sequel that takes everything up a notch. Our new protagonist, the grandchild of the legendary Rider from the first game, teams up with a Rathalos who might be the key to the world's salvation—or its destruction. Cue dramatic music and intense staring contests with NPCs. Minus of the UH! AH! UGH! of the split screen character shocked panels, but you get the idea.
The sequel, Wings Of Ruin, expands on the original's foundation with improved graphics, a richer story, and more complex gameplay mechanics. The world feels more alive and interconnected, with lush environments and varied locales that make exploration a joy. The Monstie collection is more extensive, featuring new and returning favorites, and the thrill of finding and hatching rare eggs never gets old. It's like Christmas morning every time you hear that egg-hatching jingle, thankfully without Mariah Careys ''All I Want For Christmas'' making your ears bleed, yikes. Both games feature turn-based combat that’s more about strategy than reflexes. The rock-paper-scissors system, or as the game calls it, Power, Speed, Technical, keeps things interesting, as you must predict your opponent’s moves and counter them effectively. Throw in Monstie skills, Rider abilities, and flashy Kinship Skills that are part summon animation, part kaiju battle, and you've got a recipe for endlessly entertaining fights. The second game refines this system with additional layers of strategy, including weapon types and the ability to target specific monster parts. It’s like someone added spicy hot sauce to an already delicious taco—it just makes everything better, as long as those tacos aren't from Taco Bell, otherwise, you're going to have a BAD BAD time. Both games lean heavily into themes of friendship, trust, and the bond between humans and monsters. It's heartwarming, if a bit cheesy at times, but look at who you're talking to, the queen of cheese and bad puns, so it gets a pass in this household. The first game’s story is a simple yet touching tale of growing up and understanding the world. Wings of Ruin ups the ante with a narrative that delves into prophecy, destiny, and the heavy burden of having a Monstie that might be the monster apocalypse’s harbinger. No pressure. Just screw up and everyone is dead, par for course, right?
What makes both these games so good as spinoffs is keeping and having the characters of both games remain endearing, from the plucky hero to the eccentric allies. Navirou, your Felyne companion, is back in the sequel, bringing his unique brand of comic relief that’s part adorable, part “why are you like this?” He’s like that one friend who tells dad jokes but somehow, you can’t imagine the group without them, I mean we all laugh at dad jokes at some point right? so you might get a chuckle here. Exploration in both games once again is a treat. The first game offers a variety of locales, from dense forests to arid deserts, each filled with secrets to discover and monsters to befriend. Wings of Ruin expands these areas and adds more interactive elements such as gathering materials, finding hidden treasures, and uncovering rare monster dens is a constant thrill. It's like an Easter egg hunt, but instead of chocolate, you get fire-breathing dragons, always a good combination and saves me from having to hide eggs from all my little cousins so they'll never find them, good times. The visuals in both games are vibrant and captivating. The cell-shaded art style of the original is charming and gives the game a storybook feel. Wings of Ruin pushes this further with more detailed environments and fluid animations that make the world feel alive. The soundtrack is equally delightful, with memorable tunes that range from epic battle themes to soothing village melodies. It’s like a symphony of monster roars and heroic anthems. Both games offer deep customization for your Monsties. You can modify their genes to enhance abilities, creating the ultimate combat companion, we are basically what the illuminati is accused of, look at me, I'm the free mason now. It's system in place in these games is one that encourages experimentation and adds a layer of depth to the game. In Wings of Ruin, this system is more structured and refined, allowing for even more detailed customization. It’s like playing god with your pet collection, and who doesn’t want a fire-breathing, ice-shooting, poison-spewing dragon? I know I do, then I can use it to take down any town that doesn't give me free pizza nights, so thats a win. Off story though, the games are packed with main quests and side missions that keep you busy for hours. Whether it's helping a villager with a monster problem or embarking on an epic quest to save the world, there's always something to do, with the side side missions in Wings of Ruin are particularly well done, offering interesting stories and valuable rewards, which has become a rarity in todays market for adventure games. That's right, no golden poop for this girl, only good rewards will do.
''LETS JUMP THIS FOOL''
OVERALL:
At the end of the day, Monster Hunter Stories and Wings Of Ruin shape up to be a great time for Playstation users upon its release June 13th. Sure its been on other systems for awhile now, but its definitely a case of better late than never, especially when there's two fun games like this involved. So with all that having been said, my verdict is clear, GameNChick says definitely check these out upon their release, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
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