Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin are quite varied, with some highlighting positive aspects. Critics like Digital Trends and Nintendo Enthusiast appreciate the compelling narrative that explores the relationship between humans and monsters, incorporating themes of friendship and coexistence. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded praises the deeper narrative with environmental themes reminiscent of Ghibli works, enhancing the overall Monster Hunter experience. Furthermore, Impulsegamer and Noisy Pixel commend the likable characters and strong storytelling that keep players engaged throughout the game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the story's shortcomings. AusGamers and Screen Rant criticize the story for feeling padded, aimless, and lacking engagement, with Screen Rant specifically mentioning that the main story is not particularly engaging. Additionally, IGN Portugal notes that the narrative and characters are not the main focus of the game, which may not resonate with all players. Furthermore, Game Informer mentions that while the conflicts in the present are more interesting, moral lessons and early flashbacks fell flat, leading to a loss of momentum in the middle of the story. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the story in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. While there are criticisms about predictability and pacing issues from some reviewers like GameSpot and Starbit, the majority of critics appreciate the narrative depth, character development, and thematic exploration present in the game. Critics like Gamer Escape and Gfinity highlight the surprising and enjoyable elements of the story, showcasing unexpected turns and engaging mysteries that contribute to a fulfilling gameplay experience. Despite some mixed opinions, the overall sentiment suggests that the story of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin successfully adds depth to the gameplay and enhances the Monster Hunter universe for both newcomers and fans of the series.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin for its engaging and addictive elements. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the turn-based combat system with rock-paper-scissors mechanics, the strategic depth offered by teaming up with monsters for combined attacks, and the rewarding monster-raising mechanics. Critics like Digital Trends and Game Informer appreciated the addictive monster collecting, deep customization, and challenging combat that rewards strategic thinking and observation. The game's vast monster roster, customizable monstie skills, and gene customization were also commended by critics like Switch Player and Softpedia, adding layers of depth to the gameplay experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks in the gameplay of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. AusGamers mentioned pacing issues and minimal interaction outside of battle, which could affect the overall immersion and engagement for some players. Screen Rant highlighted a lack of control during battles as a downside, potentially leading to frustration for those seeking more agency in combat situations. While the turn-based combat system received praise overall, some critics, like Comicbook.com, noted that the game's combat could be fast-paced and challenging, which might not appeal to all players looking for a more relaxed gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. The game successfully merges elements from the Monster Hunter series with turn-based RPG mechanics, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for players. Critics appreciated the strategic depth, engaging combat system, and addictive monster-raising mechanics that contribute to a rewarding gameplay loop. With a vast array of monsters to collect, customize, and battle with, the game provides hours of engaging gameplay that resonated well with fans of the genre. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be very good, making Monster Hunter Stories 2 a standout title in the Monster Hunter franchise.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin have received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its vibrant and colorful aesthetic, with distinctive monster designs and detailed environments. Critics like Digital Trends and Noisy Pixel highlighted the beautiful anime art style, lush environments, and expressive character models, creating a visually appealing world. The cel-shaded, anime-ish art style was also commended by Gamer Escape and Nintendo Enthusiast for its charm and uniqueness, reminiscent of titles like Dragon Quest and Breath of the Wild. On the other hand, several critics pointed out various issues with the game's graphics and performance. AusGamers and COGconnected mentioned frame rate issues and lag on the Nintendo Switch, with Checkpoint Gaming and VGC also noting performance problems that detracted from the overall experience. Metro GameCentral and ZTGD criticized the visuals for being underwhelming, with Metro GameCentral comparing them to Pokémon Sword/Shield and ZTGD mentioning noticeable framerate issues, especially in docked mode. Some critics, like Softpedia and Game Rant, found certain visuals unappealing or uninspired, impacting the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin offers a visually appealing experience with its colorful art style, detailed character designs, and vibrant environments. Despite some technical limitations on the Nintendo Switch affecting performance, the game manages to shine with its unique aesthetic and charming world design. Critics like Gamepressure and Player 2 appreciated the game's visual storytelling and exaggerated monster designs, while acknowledging the occasional technical hiccups. While there are criticisms regarding performance issues and visual shortcomings in some areas, the majority of reviewers found the graphics and visual design of Monster Hunter Stories 2 to be a standout feature that enhances the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game.

The Sound Design and Music of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin have received predominantly positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers highlighted the memorable and fantastic soundtrack of the game, with tracks that are bound to stick in the player's head. Critics like Comicbook.com, Impulsegamer, and Gamer Escape praised the music for being wonderful, original, and fitting, with epic and memorable compositions that enhance the overall gaming experience. The orchestral soundtrack, especially during boss battles, was noted for setting the scene well and adding a layer of gravity to the game's lighthearted aesthetic, as mentioned by Gamepressure and Video Chums. The classic audio cues from the Monster Hunter series were also appreciated by Gamer Escape, adding to the nostalgia and familiarity for fans of the franchise. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. The lack of music during exploration was mentioned as a minor issue by Nintendo Enthusiast and TheSixthAxis, with the latter stating that exploration often takes place in relative silence. VGC criticized the voice acting for being off, particularly highlighting the excessive cat puns that could be overwhelming for some players. GameStar mentioned that the music could become repetitive, playing the same elevator music in a loop, which might detract from the overall immersive experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin excels in its Sound Design and Music department, with the majority of reviewers praising the game for its fantastic soundtrack and engaging sound design. Positive comments about the epic and memorable compositions, as well as the fitting audio cues from the Monster Hunter series, indicate that the music enhances the gameplay experience and sets the tone effectively. While there were some criticisms regarding the lack of music during exploration, repetitive tracks, and divisive voice acting, these issues did not seem to overshadow the overall positive reception of the game's Sound Design and Music. Players can expect an immersive and memorable auditory experience while embarking on the journey to save the world in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin.

The voice acting in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, like Gaming Age and Impulsegamer, praised the English voice acting, describing it as well done and excellent, respectively. Gamers' Temple also noted that the character voices were good, indicating a level of quality in the performances that enhanced the overall experience. Additionally, Noisy Pixel highlighted the impressive voice acting available in both English and Japanese, showcasing the versatility and skill of the voice cast. On the other hand, several critics expressed concerns about specific aspects of the voice acting. Comicbook.com and GAMINGbible criticized the decision to have a silent protagonist and highlighted the divisive nature of the voice acting, particularly the portrayal of the Felyne partner Navirou. Gamepressure and Screen Rant specifically pointed out issues with Navirou's voice, with Gamepressure mentioning that the humor missed the mark and Screen Rant deeming the character's voice and puns as annoying. PC Invasion also mentioned that while the game featured a significant amount of voice acting, the Felyne companion's annoying tendencies could potentially grate on players over time. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin leans towards a mixed reception. While there were commendations for the quality of the English voice acting and the overall impressive performances, the divisive nature of Navirou's character and voice portrayal seemed to be a point of contention for many reviewers. The varying opinions from critics like Game Rant, who suggested switching to Japanese for a more authentic experience, and GameGrin, who found the voice acting to be strong and elevating the game's experience, indicate that individual preferences and tolerances play a significant role in how the voice acting is perceived. Ultimately, the voice acting in the game appears to be a subjective aspect that may resonate differently with players based on their personal preferences and tolerance for certain character portrayals.

The opinions regarding the Technical Performance of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin on the Nintendo Switch generally highlight a mix of positives and negatives. Some critics like Gaming Age and Nintendo Enthusiast mention that the game runs fairly well with only occasional framerate dips, while others such as COGconnected and Starbit point out optimization issues, frame rate stutters, and frequent performance problems, especially in crowded areas and during cutscenes. Despite these technical issues, critics like Switch Player appreciate the overall polished experience with minor annoyances like unskippable scenes and camera issues, showcasing that the game still offers a lot to love on the Nintendo Switch platform. On the negative side, several critics, including Checkpoint Gaming, GAMINGbible, and XGN, emphasize significant frame rate drops, jarring performance issues, and delays, particularly in major hub areas, crowded environments, and during monster encounters on the Nintendo Switch. Critics like Softpedia also mention the presence of too many loading times, impacting the overall gameplay experience. These technical shortcomings can be frustrating for players, as highlighted by ZTGD mentioning framerate issues in docked mode. The consistency of these issues across multiple reviews indicates a notable concern regarding the technical performance of the game on the Nintendo Switch platform. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin faces technical challenges on the Nintendo Switch, with various performance issues affecting gameplay immersion and enjoyment. While some critics acknowledge the game's stable frame rate in certain situations, the prevalent mention of frame rate drops, optimization problems, and performance issues in critical areas raises concerns about the overall technical performance on the Nintendo Switch platform. The comparison to the PC version, as noted by Metro GameCentral and PC Invasion, where technical aspects like smoother performance at higher resolutions are highlighted, further emphasizes the limitations of the Switch version. Despite these technical setbacks, the game still manages to offer a polished experience with engaging gameplay elements, as noted by critics like Switch Player, showcasing a mix of positives and negatives that players should consider when choosing their preferred platform for playing Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin.

The Replay Value of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin has received positive feedback from various critics. Critics like Digital Trends, Game Informer, and Gamer Escape highlight the engaging gameplay mechanics, rewarding monster collection system, and challenging combat system as factors contributing to the high replay value of the game. Gamepressure also mentions the abundance of quests, monster dens, and opportunities to create and train a team of monsters, keeping players busy for weeks. Additionally, Game Rant praises the enjoyable boss battles, diverse monsters to collect and train, and the substantial 40-hour campaign, all of which add to the game's replayability. On the other hand, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may impact the replay value of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that the grind when raising new Monsties and the lack of direct control over Buddies could hinder replay value for some players. Metro GameCentral describes the game as having simplified crafting, egg hatching, and monster abilities, which may lack depth for certain players. ZTGD notes that combat and quest progression can become repetitive over time, potentially affecting the overall replayability of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin offers a significant amount of content, diverse gameplay options, and engaging mechanics that contribute to its replay value. Critics like Noisy Pixel and XGN appreciate the addicting game loop, while GameGrin praises the deep combat system and unique genes for each egg. Despite some concerns raised by critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and ZTGD, the majority of reviewers find the game's multiplayer features, monster collection aspects, and varied gameplay modes to provide long-term enjoyment and replayability for fans of the Monster Hunter series and JRPG enthusiasts alike.