Monster Hunter Stories Details Its Battles And How You’ll Bond With Monsters

We previously got a look at details on the story, characters, and world setting of Monster Hunter Stories. This week’s issue of Famitsu magazine and the game’s official website provide more details on the game’s battle system, raising monsters, and more. [Thanks, Game Jouhou.]

Monster Hunter Stories’ battle system is a turn-based one, that will have you fighting using commands of “Power,” “Technique,” and “Speed.” The monsters you fight have habits, so knowing how to see through those will give you an edge.

As shown in the above image, Power beats Technique, Technique beats Speed, and Speed beats Power.

“Otomon” are allied monsters that have formed bonds with the Riders. They’ll act on their own, and can even activate cooperative attacks with the Riders.

As for the Riders, their attacks vary depending on the type of weapon they use. For example, a Great Sword would have a “Nagiharai” while the Sword and Shield would have the “Shield Bash” ability.

As Riders and monsters fight together, they’ll further deepen their bonds. Once the bond between a monster and Rider deepens enough, you’ll get to use the “Ride On” feature that lets you mount them, which also increases abilities.

Additionally, using the “Bond Stone” will allow you to use powerful “Bond Abilities.” There will be exclusive Bond Abilities depending on the Otomon.

Here are some notes that were from an interview in this week’s Famitsu magazine:

• Many fans have been curious about the world of Monster Hunter, and it’s something that Capcom have been thinking about since five to six years ago. The development on it started about two years ago.

• Since there are many fans who love the monsters, they decided to make them a highlight for the game.

• Capcom want this game to be playable by all ages. That said, they’re trying to give it familiar visuals and world setting, with a story that isn’t way too serious.

• The battles that are made of Power, Technique, and Speed aren’t based on luck alone. For example, a Velocidrome might go with Speed more, so monsters have their own habits. Once you ply against them enough times in battle, you’ll get a better read of their habits.

• The protagonist can form parties with several Otomon, but will only get to take one into battle. It will be possible to switch out Otomon in mid-battle.

• The protagonist will also participate in battles, but they’ll mainly be support roles. Most of the attacks are done by the Otomon.

• Otomon have their own abilities, and there will be times where they’re used to reach areas you normally can’t without them.

• Monster Hunter Stories will feature new territories that weren’t shown in past entries of the series.

• Riders are ones that bond with monsters while Hunters hunt the monsters. With the opposing perspective between the two groups, you’ll get to learn more about the world of Monster Hunter.

Additionally, the website shows us a bit on raising monsters.

During your adventure, you’ll find eggs of Otomon while exploring the fields. These eggs will vary and will add a fun surprise factor to the game as far as what kind of Otomon you might get from them.

Monster Hunter Stories will release in Japan in 2016 for Nintendo 3DS.