Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

Wings of Ruin is awesome, and you should play it. No, really. The first Stories game kind of flew under the radar for me. I had heard of it but never got around to playing it. This game practically called out to me and begged me to play it, and it delivered. This game is not just Monster Hunter fan service, as it might look on the surface. It is a legitimately good RPG with really fun gameplay, tons of polish, and it simply offers an all around good experience. I know how this may look, coming off the heels of Monster Hunter Rise, which we also reviewed, but I just can’t find anything bad to say about this game. This game should be in every Switch owner’s (and Steam user’s) collection. Even if you aren’t usually a Monster Hunter fan, this game has a really good shot at grabbing your attention and not letting go.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin takes the various things that made the first Monster Hunter Stories game such a fun ride and improves upon it by adding a bigger, more gorgeous world, new gameplay mechanics and an easier-to-access multiplayer. From exploring and finding new companion monsties to the engaging battle system, everything this game does is done remarkably well.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is an entertaining turn-based RPG with a great story and impressive art. The mechanics are accessible, but addictive. Also, there are some Pokémon vibes here.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a fantastic adventure filled to the brim with challenge, heart, and - most importantly - monsters.

It’s certainly one of my favorite Switch games of the year so far, and an excellent RPG altogether. Even if you’re not the biggest Monster Hunter fan in the world, I think you’ll find the unique monster gathering mechanic to be quite addictive, making this a hard game to put down.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a top-notch RPG with a challenging battle system and varied world. Once I started playing, I couldn't put it down as it continued to capture my imagination with its enjoyable exploration and heartwarming story.

Monster Hunter Stories 2's story and gameplay work in tandem to make this entry a standout in the franchise and in the creature collection genre as a whole. The gameplay is addictive, and the story and characters kept me invested in the finer details of the world. Plus, there is plenty to do after you've completed the story. If you're intrigued about this series or a fan who's wondering if it's worth your while, I say give this one a shot. And ride on! [Issue #54 – September 2021, p. 71]

If you never loved the Monster Hunter series, yet you found yourself intrigued by it, this could be your moment to fall in love with its world. The original Stories was an easily overlooked game since it was exclusive to the 3DS. However, this sequel is not just more available, but also an amazing and charming title on its own. And players that don't mind the more simple stories will have nothing but love for this sweet little adventure, which is anything but tiny.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: The Wings of Ruin is a delightful addition to the Monster Hunter franchise. A compelling story, colourful cast of characters, and a cacophony of cute, cuddly, customizable monsties to befriend make this game a must-have for any Switch collection.

Young, old, pro-gamer and JRPG newcomer alike should check out Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, it’s my favourite game of the year so far and I have a hard time believing it will be topped by December.

This colourful RPG is a constant delight with some fantastic monsters to find, deep mechanics, an interesting story, and some great characters along the way. The game is rewarding for both Monster Hunter fans and anyone looking for a new adventure, Monster Hunter Stories 2 might just be the best monster-catching game on the Nintendo Switch.

Despite my gripes with the narrative and framerate, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is an exhilarating ride from start to finish. I had a blast getting lost in its addictive combat, collection, and customization systems and appreciating its wondrous visual style. Whether you want to collect Monsties or battle them, or if this is your first or fifth foray into Monster Hunter, you’d be remiss to overlook Monster Hunter Stories 2. Regardless of whether it dethrones Pokémon as the king of monster collecting games, you’ll find it injects welcome innovation into the subgenre and stands on its own merits as an RPG well worth your time.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a fully-fledged Monster Hunter game, enriched with JRPG elements that provide a unique approach to the series. A worthy successor to a spin-off series that shows its merit, and makes us wait for what Capcom has in store for the future.

Masterful storytelling, building on the successful elements from the first game and amplifying the diversity available in gene mechanics all help make Monster Hunter Stories 2 a top-class RPG for Nintendo Switch. Aside from the poogies' absence and minor issues, there is no doubt that both returning and new fans will dive into monster hunting being impressed by the attention to detail in game design and execution that makes it accessible and highly enjoyable. It is a must buy game, and it can only be hoped that one day there will be another released to make it a trilogy.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is one of the biggest games this year. An addictive RPG game with a really interesting story. Charismatic characters, a fun combat system and spectacular graphics await you in this title.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is very similar to its predecessor plus a bunch of additions to make it more funny and replayable.

We are enjoying Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin more than we should. It looks like Capcom may have well found a franchise bestseller. It matches beautifully the world of the series, filled with enigmatic monsters and a JRPG model filled with customization and progression potential and a unique random element that incites our curiosity and our most adventurous side. It does not have a story to fall in love with but it’s filled with memorable character. It would gain with better fluidity within the world navigation, but it is something that is easily forgotten as soon as we meet Gatovan and losing ourselves in a turn style battle that is much deeper than we first thought.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin breathes new life into the world of Monster Hunter. The shift to a turn-based RPG is handled so well, with an addictive and fast-paced combat system that's just as rewarding as traditional Monster Hunter. Complementing that is a genuinely engaging story full of wonderful characters, all rendered in an incredibly beautiful art style. Whether you're a newcomer or a series veteran, this is a must-play RPG.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an amazing JRPG that offers an exceptional monster collecting experience combined with a great story. The added narrative doesn't lose focus on what makes the Monster Hunter series so addictive and only enhances the experience. This game successfully built on the systems present in the original and improved them for a brand new adventure. While the performance can be questionable, I enjoyed every second of my time exploring the world with my Monsties by my side.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is not only a friendly way to ease into an otherwise imposing series. It’s also an example of a developer improving upon every flaw from the original game. The result is a game that is one of the best I’ve played so far in 2021.

Even with performance issues, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin brings all the success formula of the franchise in a story very well crafted, charming and full of identity with good additions to the turn-based battle mode also keeping action and strategy on point. The world is vast, full of its own personality and the game for sure will be among the best RPGs of the year available for the Nintendo console.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is the perfect JRPG for Monster Hunter fans and those looking to dive into a memorable adventure with gorgeous visuals on Nintendo Switch.

I went into this expecting little more than a second-tier spinoff from the “real” Monster Hunter, and I’ve walked away with it being one of my favourite JRPGs of the year, in a year that has included Bravely Default, NieR, Atelier Ryza 2, and Scarlet Nexus. That is some incredible company to be in.

For fans of the first title this one is a must-have to dive into so much more, while those interested for the very first time need not worry as nothing will be missed by picking up this sequel as the first entry. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an absolute joy with near endless amounts of fun to sink many hours into.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is the perfect example of a game I didn’t know I needed. It scratches the itch that Pokemon hasn’t been able to touch in years, all the while setting itself apart from the influences it drew from. While it may be limited in certain aspects by the Switch itself, there’s no denying that this one of the best games for the system in 2021.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an excellent J-RPG in the Monster Hunter universe. The game maintains the fundamental game mechanics from its predecessor but delivers more depth and demanding elements at the same time. Said that, Wings of Ruin is still beginner-friendly, never sacrificing the fun for just being a challenge to pro gamers, and that's a good thing.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a great turned base JRPG ideal to everyone. It doesn't matter if you are new to the genre or the Monster Hunter series, this a game that you can pick up and have a lot of fun with it.

There aren't too many things that Wings of Ruin doesn't do right for a turn-based game set in the Monster Hunter universe. Too many loading times and the rather ugly visuals (in the first part of the game) might detract from the game's appeal, but the addictive Pokemon-like monster hatching mechanic and the deep combat are more than enough to keep players invested throughout an entire playthrough. Despite the cliché story scenario, the game does have its surprising moments that can get you emotional rather quickly. At the end of the day, I believe Wings of Ruin's lighthearted narrative is perfectly suited for a Monster Hunter game that's all about hatching monsters to help you hunt the same monsters.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin’s story might not light the world on fire, but it’s a fun experience that can acclimate new players to the great elements of the Monster Hunter series. Combat encounters are full of rich strategy, and Monstie collecting and gear customization kept me coming back even after the credits rolled. If you’ve been curious about Monster Hunter, but feel intimidated by the main series, Stories 2 might be just the entry point you’re looking for.

Calling Monster Hunter Stories 2 a spin-off doesn't do the game justice. This Monster Hunter jrpg excels in all areas that important to a game within the genre, from the spectacularly animated cutscenes, to the deep yet easy to grasp combat system where the Monster Hunter DNA is beautifully intertwined. Above all, it's a great introduction to the series, which makes Monster Hunter accessible to a younger audience as well.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin confirms itself as a solid and delightful JRPG, as well as a respectful spin-off towards the main series from which it is based.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a great and charming RPG with a similar, addicting gameplay loop as the main series. While the game drags a little in the middle, it’s worth seeing through to the end and beyond.

While derivative, Stories 2 executes everything it strives to accomplish, to an exceptional standard, and becomes yet another success story from the recent upswing in quality from Capcom’s releases.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is the perfect combination of Monster Hunter and Pokémon. Although with some minor flaws, it manages to pull off a fresh experience, with some twists that really make it fun and also one of the biggest surprises of 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.

Wings of Ruin’s strengths are easily noticeable and will keep you playing it for weeks. Its story may not be groundbreaking, but what it offers is crafted with love and is geared to both fans and newcomers to the series. It’s definitely not your average Monster Hunter game, but its mix of RPG and Pokemon-like elements make it its own kind of wonderful.

With a vast, open world, a captivating combat system, and a beautiful art style, there's a lot to look forward to in Wings of Ruin. At the same time, the game is not free from performance issues and despite its high level of ambition, some sections feel too empty. Overall, the experience is not without its flaws, but the game is a very positive contribution to the Nintendo Switch library.

Wings of Ruin can drag on a bit which isn’t helped by its trite story, but you’ll have so much fun all the same. And the amount of content is simply stunning.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a great game thanks to its impressive combat system. The real star of the show however is the lively world that keeps you entertained throughout. Even though the Switch might not capable of the prettiest graphics, the game still looks great. It comes with a price however as the framerate is not that good.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 sits at the intersection of the Monster Hunter series' action and the JRPG genre's turn-based battles, and will please fans of both.

It's a wonderful alternative for people who like the concept of Monster Hunter but don't like the action part of the games. It can drag on in some parts, but overall it's one of the best monster collecting games you can get on the Switch.

Combining the best aspects of other genres and series, Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers up a charming reimagining of the franchise's tried-and-tested gameplay.

The game looks good whether on the big screen or handheld. With most games, I feel they look better one way or the other but with this game, it looks just as good either way. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is definitely a game that every Switch owner should check out if you like JRPGs. Besides some slight performance issues, the game fits the Nintendo Switch in almost every way.

A charming monster hunt with turn-based battles for up to four players and Pokémon-like beast nurturing. But on Switch you will encounter framerate issues occasionally.

From its setting to world building and especially the battles with monsters, this is truly an RPG that stays true to what Monster Hunter is all about. While the story is definitely on the light side, exploring the beautiful world with your favorite Monsties is an experience packed with content that any Monster Hunter fan will love.

Approaching the Monster Hunter series from a different genre, Stories 2 appeals to both those who love the series and those who enjoy Pokemon-style games.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a game for JRPG fans and Monster Hunter fans alike, perfect for those that have a thing for capturing and raising monsters.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin doesn't shake the genre up or do anything incredibly unique, but it's a massive JRPG with lots to do. It's a solid entry for the sub-series and is recommended for those looking for a charming title on the Switch that doesn't require much thinking or undivided attention. It's a casual game for the most part, but the back half does provide some epic story moments that are satisfying and worth watching.

Wings of Ruin may not make a hardened hunter of you, but nor does it want to. It would rather bring you along for its own wondrous ride.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 gives Monster Hunter fans even more monsties than they bargained for in 2021. This spin-off from the traditional games is an enjoyable adventure, even if the story is a little generic. If you’ve wanted to enjoy the Monster Hunter world without all of the pressure from the main entries, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is an excellent game for fans and people looking for a time to jump in.

Expand and improve what was seen in the first installment, with greater visual maturity and small modifications in battles. Extremely deep, its superb turn-based combat and depth will hook you if you are able to get into its replay and egg collection dynamic.

This is one of the best games to come to the Nintendo Switch. It has everything you look for in an RPG, from gorgeous cutscenes and complex battle systems to awesome creature collecting. The frame rates couldn't keep up in some places, but it is an excellent adventure nonetheless.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a charming and enjoyable little RPG that is geared toward Monster Hunter fans who are looking for something with a slower pace. The story and tone may be a tad childish for some, but it works well for the characters. The strong core combat system buoys some lackluster dungeons and a generic story. It's a chill RPG for Monster Hunter fans and a pretty good introduction to the franchise for newcomers, especially younger children who may be frustrated by a traditional Monster Hunter title.

This is a fun and heartwarming RPG for those who want to expand the Monster Hunter universe, even with its flaws.

I don’t think I’ll ever get 100% completion in a Monster Hunter game, though it certainly won’t be for lack of trying in Rise. That said, Stories 2 might end up being the game I get the closest to a “perfect game” in. There’s plenty to play with here, and honestly I’d like to double back and check out the original to fill in some of the gaps in the story. This JRPG July is off to a pretty good start.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a top-notch spinoff that cleverly distills the complexities of Monster Hunter into a friendlier RPG. Rewarding combat and a thoroughly entertaining story make up for repetitive map design and a stuttering frame rate. For those who found Monster Hunter Rise too intimidating, this is a better way to get a grasp on the basic ideas in a less demanding, turn-based format.

Fans and newcomers to the series, genre, or spin-off sub-series alike will find a lot to enjoy in Monster Hunter Stories 2, which, despite a few stumbles, presents one of the stronger RPG offerings on the Switch.

Yes, Monster Hunter Stories 2 has all the cards in hand to be the J-RPG of this early summer on Switch. With its original and rich combat system, generous content and charming graphics, the title offers an enjoyable experience that will keep you busy for part of your vacation. Faced with this interesting proposal, we can blame it for its very, even too classic scenario, as well as its technique which does not always manage to offer a stable rendering. In itself, nothing to spoil this invitation to travel which shines with the originality of its confrontations and the good humor it exudes.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will delight fans of the original Nintendo 3DS game. Its dynamic combat system and exploration, and of course the adventure so focused on narrative that it proposes, is a perfect alternative for those who are not too much fan of the usual Monster Hunter games. However, the worst of MH Stories 2 is that the game doesn't strive to try to evolve and change his genre a bit.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a complete game that serves its purpose to dazzle veterans and newbies. Although it has errors, its visual style, its combat and its successes when it comes to capturing the essence of the classic JRPG make this game a recommendable title.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a beautifully presented JRPG with a plethora of fun things to do and deep systems I happily got lost in – but a few issues leave it short of being flawless.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin deserves to find a sizable audience. It's full of charm and boasts depth that can immerse the committed or be dabbled with by those eager to simply experience the story. As a blend of Monster Hunter with a traditional RPG approach it's an accomplished effort, and offers the sort of meaty experience that'll keep most players busy for weeks. Switch owners will need to tolerate some disappointing performance, unfortunately, but the overall experience shines nonetheless. It's a game of bright colours and wholehearted optimism, which is very welcome indeed.

I’ve longed to go on an adventure that gives me the chance to ally with the giant beasts I’ve been fighting against in Monster Hunter games for years. If you have too, I think you’ll find Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a more than rewarding experience with a decent story to keep the ride interesting throughout.

Those looking for an easygoing yet surprisingly deep JRPG will be taken with Monster Hunter Stories 2, even if some of its more notable flaws are harder to forgive. But once you look past those, you’re left with a wondrous little adventure with an engaging battle system, lovable characters, and an emotionally resonant narrative that sunk its claws in far deeper than I ever expected it to. If you’ve never been able to vibe with the mainline games, give this one a punt.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a great JRPG that blends the spirit of Monster Hunter with turn-based combat and exploration. The central story is good, but it's the loot loop and party building that really draws you in. It may not represent a huge leap forward from the original game, but this is a fantastic title for fans of either the main Monster Hunter series or JRPGs in general.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a solid and thoroughly entertaining turn-based RPG. As long as you can put up with some bad jokes and relatively low difficulty, there's a lot of fun to be had here.

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.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin is an excellent turn-based RPG for Nintendo Switch. Raising monsties is a rewarding experience thanks to a variety of ways to strengthen your creatures. Battles are always satisfying, with great rewards for when you perform well. The world is beautiful and fun to explore. This is a marvellous game and a must-have for Switch players.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 turns out to be a good JRPG that will delight fans of the saga, especially those willing to turn a blind eye to its undeniable ease and a narrative held back by avalanches of fetch quests and a disappointing protagonist. Those who have played the first game should keep in mind that this is a more of the same, with all the pros and cons that this entails.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin it's a little more than a "more of the same". The story, like the Monsties, are fun and engaging, but don't expect a masterpiece unless you're an hardcore Monster Hunter fan.

Monster Hunter in RPG-form, with a fun story, addictive turn-based combat and lots of content. What could go wrong? Not much. Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a great experience, though the annoying camera and input lag also make it an imperfect one.

Overall, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a fine game. It does nothing offensive while still having some great mechanics thrown in. The story is decent, the combat is fun, but can get a little long in the tooth and the overall progression system was fine albeit a bit one note after a while. Monster Hunter fans can have a fun time with it while old school RPG fans will get more out of the mechanics of the combat mixed with the rite of channeling that can really get the maximum stat boosts going. It has its pacing issues here and there with the combat and the quest progression, but overall, these are minor compared to the sheer amount of things you can do while still raising the best team of Monsties you can make.

What Monster Hunter Stories as a whole truly offers is an expansive look into the Monster Hunter universe through a more welcoming lens.

The sequel of a Monster Hunter spin-off will greet you with an expansive world to explore, a mechanic of training monsters that hatch from eggs (which resembles Pokémon games a bit), and a disappointing combat system. The combat is primitive, does not evolve in any way and long attack animations make it irritating. What might keep you playing is the game’s light, well-told story and tons of equipment to craft. [09/2021, p.28]

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin have one of the most in-depth and exciting monster breeding system ever made, but sadly it comes with rather archaic narrative and boring combat encounters.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin isn't for everyone. It's easy to recommend it for Monster Hunter fans, but its faults will be too noticeable for those who aren't lovers of the series or for those who simply can't understand Monster Hunter's appeal.

A game with a lot of positive qualities that never really reach the heights it could have.

Developers have put all efforts into making a game that will accompany the players during all summer and even after. Very solid and more profound than it seems, the combat system benefits of dynamic cut scenes during special attacks that make every battle enjoyable. Alas, the first half of the game might seem too bland and the egg searching and hatching concept quite tedious, but there's no doubt that many players will get fun out of it.

Overall, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an enjoyable Monster Hunter spin-off and an all-around solid JRPG, particularly if you enjoy games like Pokemon. While the title retains some of the series' hallmark elements, its emphasis on monster collecting and its fun turn-based battle system make it a decidedly different experience than Monster Hunter Rise, one that even those who've struggled to get into the proper Monster Hunter series can enjoy.

Where the story engages, the characters feel believable, and the monsters look and act and behave as diverse as the world itself. When it all comes together, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin feels as epic and engaging as any other entry in the long-running series, albeit in turn-based RPG form.

A clever reinterpretation of classic Monster Hunter action in the form of a Japanese role-playing game. Although it can often seem a little too oversimplified compared to the mainline titles.

If Monster Hunter Stories 2 allowed the player full control over the party and made it more about customizing a team, then the overall experience would make it an excellent entry in the franchise. Even without, it's a very good turn-based monster collector with broad appeal that's worth a look for fans of the genre.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will serve as a great game for welcoming series newcomers into this vast and vibrant universe, but it might not be your cup of tea if you're already invested in the mainline series.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is somewhat imperfect, but the flaws don’t quite eclipse its strengths. Despite the annoying party AI and grind, the combat has the right level of tactical depth I would expect from a turn-based Monster Hunter game. With its adorable Monsties and a wide-open world to explore, gamers looking for a new JRPG to dive into can certainly do a lot worse. As long as you are prepared for some irritating supporting cast members and a somewhat repetitive gameplay loop, fans of the monster-collecting genre will get a lot out of this game.

For fans of the RPG genre, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a mostly enjoyable experience. Sometimes the mission structure can drag, and some players are bound to find Navirou a bit irritating. However, the game's highlights definitely make up for the slower moments. This is a really solid RPG that gives the player freedom to go at their own pace. It also has a fun combat system, and charming story moments. For those that can look past its slight stumbles, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin should hold a lot of appeal, regardless of the player's familiarity with the franchise.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a mixed bag. Hatching and maxing out your Monsties is a lot of fun, but the battle system in which you spend most of your time eventually wears out its welcome.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruins has an old-school JRPG vibe and part of its gameplay will probably discourage many players. But if you don't mind and love the Monster Hunter franchise, it can become the ideal summer companion, fresh and fun, with solid content that'll keep you busy throughout its endgame.

Performance issues, some ugly world assets and the story's pacing issues undermine the entertaining combat. [Issue#361, p.104]