A next-generation turn-based RPG
In our preview of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflectionwhere we were able to go through the first two chapters of the game, we were pleasantly surprised by the increased challenge compared to the previous opuses. Capcom went even further by making huge adjustments to the turn-based combat system. While discussing its fundamentals, it is enriched with several subtleties and above all requires a better knowledge of monsters.
Other slightly more discreet details also make the experience more fluid according to the developers.. For example, we have the ability to directly eliminate low-level enemies on the field via actions during exploration or even automatic restoration of HP and status ailments after each fight.
According to Daisuke Wakahara, these choices arise from careful observation of successful modern RPGs, notably Metaphor: ReFantazio And Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33. As luck would have it, the two games recently collaborated by offering a bundle on Steam.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 🤝 Metaphor: ReFantazio
Enjoy these special messages from game directors Guillaume Broche and Katsura Hashino!
Get 10% off with the new Steam collaboration bundle now: https://t.co/POQhlGHL79 pic.twitter.com/1x7urltwNT
— Official ATLUS West (@Atlus_West) February 16, 2026
Coming back to Monster Hunter Stories 3, the team saw a clear preference for games that allowed smooth progression where leveling didn’t become a repetitive constraint. Despite these comfort improvements, the developers insist on one point, namely that they did not want to artificially simplify the game. Wakahara points out that making a game more practical does not mean making it simpler. The team specifies that it has maintained demanding combat, with a level design designed to offer a real feeling of accomplishment.. Players will have hints and tools to overcome challenges, but the difficulty will not be lowered to increase the pace.
For his part, director Kenji Oguro explains that he wanted to accentuate the feeling of adrenaline. According to him, the most memorable moments come when you narrowly win a fight. To achieve this balance, the team streamlined recovery actions after clashes, while encouraging riders to fully exploit their resources during fights.
Having ourselves been able to take the game in hand, we must recognize that the vision evoked by the two men generally corresponds to our first approach. Don’t hesitate to tell us if you share this feeling, especially since a free demo is still available on the different platforms.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection will be released on March 13, 2026 on PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2.