Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a strange beast. It asks players to ride monsters through the air, talk to them, and solve puzzles alongside battles, all while drawing on a series that has spent years teaching us to grind and dodge. The result is a game that feels less like a Monster Hunter game and more like a gentle introduction to one. That is not necessarily a bad thing.
The game was released for PS4, PC, XONE and Switch in 2021, and it carries a critical score of 8.6 out of 10. That number reflects a game that is accessible, charming, and occasionally clever, even when it leans on systems that longtime fans might find thin.
Trailer, via Monster Hunter.
Riding Monsters Through the Air
The core mechanic in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is riding. Players hop on the back of a monster and fly across a map that looks like a fantasy painting. The motion is smooth, and the sense of scale is impressive. Flying over towering peaks and vast forests gives the game a sense of wonder that the main series rarely offers.
Riding is not just a way to travel. It is also a combat tool. Players can charge at enemies, strike them mid-flight, and perform aerial maneuvers that feel satisfying. The control scheme is simple enough that anyone can pick it up quickly, but it rewards practice. Timing a charge at the right moment can turn a weak attack into a powerful one.
“The motion is smooth, and the sense of scale is impressive.”
The game also introduces a system of bonds between riders and monsters. Players build trust with their companions through repeated rides and conversations. This system adds a layer of emotional weight that the main series largely avoids. It is a small touch, but it makes the world feel lived-in.
Talking to Monsters
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is full of dialogue. Players chat with monsters, villagers, and other riders during quests. These conversations are often light-hearted and funny, with jokes and puns that land well. The game does not take itself too seriously, and that attitude carries over into its presentation.
The dialogue is delivered by voice actors who bring personality to the characters. The tone is warm and welcoming, which fits the game’s overall approach. It is a departure from the stoic, serious tone of the main series, but it works here.
Puzzles and Exploration
Between battles, players solve environmental puzzles. These range from simple platforming to more complex logic problems. The puzzles are generally well-designed, though they can feel repetitive if the player completes too many in a row. They serve the purpose of breaking up combat and giving the game a rhythm.
The exploration is where the game shines. The world is large and varied, filled with hidden areas and side quests. Players who enjoy wandering off the beaten path will find plenty to discover. The game rewards curiosity, and the map is full of secrets waiting to be found.
Battles Against Monsters
Combat in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is simpler than in the main series. Players use a combination of attacks, dodges, and special skills to defeat monsters. The battles are fast and engaging, but they lack the depth of the main games. There is no grinding for weapons or armor, and there is no elaborate skill tree. Instead, the focus is on quick, tactical play.
The monsters themselves are a highlight. The game features a wide variety of creatures, each with its own unique moves and abilities. Watching a giant monster roar and swing its tail is a thrill, and the animations are top-notch. The game respects the lore of the series while adding new twists.
The Story and Its Cast
The plot follows a young rider named Ezis as he travels the world with his companion, the great wyrm Ragalos. The story is straightforward and easy to follow, with a clear progression of events. It is not a deep narrative, but it is engaging enough to keep players invested.
The cast is colorful and memorable. Each character has a distinct personality, and their interactions are a pleasure to watch. The game’s writing is sharp, with dialogue that is both humorous and heartfelt.
Performance Across Platforms
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin runs well on all four platforms. The PS4 version holds up decently, though it shows its age in some scenes. The PC version offers the best performance, with high frame rates and crisp visuals. The XONE version is solid, with few noticeable dips in quality. The Switch version, however, struggles with frame rate drops during battles, especially in busy scenes.
The load times vary across platforms. The PC version loads quickly, while the Switch version takes longer to start up. This is a minor issue, but it can be frustrating when players want to jump back into a quest.
What Works and What Falls Short
The game succeeds when it embraces its lighter tone. The flying, the puzzles, and the dialogue all contribute to a package that is easy to recommend. It is a game that welcomes newcomers without alienating veterans.
However, the game falls short in a few areas. The combat is shallow compared to the main series, and some players might find the lack of depth disappointing. The puzzles can also feel repetitive, especially late in the game. These issues do not ruin the experience, but they prevent the game from reaching the heights of its predecessors.
The game also suffers from a pacing problem. Some sections drag, particularly in the middle of the game, where the story slows down and the puzzles become tedious. This is a shame, because the game is at its best when it is moving forward.
Final Word
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a game that knows what it wants to be. It is a lighter, more accessible take on the Monster Hunter formula, and it succeeds at that goal. The flying, the puzzles, and the dialogue all work together to create a game that is easy to enjoy.
It is not a perfect game. The combat is shallow, the puzzles can be repetitive, and the pacing drags in places. But these flaws are minor compared to what the game gets right.
For players who have never touched a Monster Hunter game, this is an excellent entry point. For longtime fans, it is a pleasant detour. Either way, it is a game worth playing.
The critical score of 8.6 out of 10 reflects a game that is good, not great, but consistently enjoyable. It is a game that respects its source material while carving out its own identity. That identity is a gentle, welcoming one, and it is refreshing to see the series take a breath.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a solid addition to the series, and it deserves a place on players’ shelves. It is a game that understands the power of a good idea and executes it with confidence. It is not a masterpiece, but it is a pleasure to play.
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