Monster Hunter Stories 3 Almost Became An Action-RPG

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Some gamers really prefer strategy-focused, turn-based combat instead of fast-paced action. While we’re not the biggest group, games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have brought us back into the spotlight – maybe a little more vocal than before! It’s not that turn-based games were ever gone, just that they weren’t as popular in mainstream gaming for a while.

Many game studios and publishers are increasingly shifting their popular series from traditional turn-based gameplay to the more dynamic action-RPG style. If you’re excited about games like the upcoming Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, you might be interested in the recent Final Fantasy releases. The series is currently doing well with titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which blends action with strategy, the fast-paced action of Final Fantasy 16, and the online experience of Final Fantasy 14.

It’s concerning when a beloved, traditional turn-based game drastically changes its core gameplay. We’re curious about what the next Dragon Quest will be like when we finally see it, and what Monster Hunter Stories could become with a more action-packed overhaul. Capcom considered this possibility, but ultimately decided against making such a big change.

Simmer Down, Oguro-san

I focus a great deal of my reporting for top-mob.com on the Japanese side of the industry, which means that I’m often rummaging through Japanese publications, like Game*Spark, for news worth porting over to the English-centric side of the world. Just as often, I’m catching wind of these separate-language discussions courtesy of Automaton, which does a bang-up job putting it all together. That was the case this time.

When Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection releases on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on March 13th, it will stick with the turn-based battle system fans know and love. However, it wasn’t a certainty that would happen. Director Kenji Oguro recently told Game*Spark about a brief consideration to completely change the battle style, which is a surprisingly interesting story.

When we first started making this game, we really debated whether to stick with our original plan or try something new. We knew action-RPGs were super popular right now and that people really loved them, so that was definitely on our minds as we made decisions.

I find this particularly interesting because turn-based RPGs are becoming popular again. However, we still don’t know exactly when Twisted Reflection first began development, and it’s possible we never will. Regardless, Oguro continues speaking.

We designed the game to be enjoyable for everyone, even those who don’t usually play action games or prefer role-playing games.

Game*Spark’s interview includes a detailed discussion on what defines an RPG, with the interviewer directly asking Oguro for the development team’s perspective. Oguro admits it’s a challenging question, but explains that Monster Hunter Stories drew inspiration from classic RPGs like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy.

The ideal RPG, according to Oguro, centers around a compelling story, visually appealing characters with an anime style, and a game system that’s accessible to all players – one where careful strategy and gradual character progression lead to success. It’s important to note that this comes from a Japanese interview, likely with a focus on JRPGs, and has been translated from Japanese, so some of the original meaning may have been altered.

The team also considered why they were making Stories so similar to the traditional Monster Hunter games. Oguro explained they worried players would ask why they should play Stories if the main games were better. He believes that focusing on Monster Hunter-style battles without overly complicated action mechanics is what truly makes Stories unique.

I’m just happy the developers created what they did. I don’t really enjoy the traditional Monster Hunter games, but I’m definitely excited about Monster Hunter Stories 3. And I know I’m not alone – there are plenty of other players who feel the same way!

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2025-12-06 18:06