Monster Hunter Stories: release date (North America), demo releasing next week

A few weeks ago, Nintendo announced that Monster Hunter Stories would be released on September 8th in Europe. For some reason, it’s not until today that Nintendo finally announced the release date for North America, which happens to be on… September 8th. Just like Europe. It’s not clear why the company wait a full month before confirming the game would come out on the same day in both regions!

Monster Hunter Stories features a turn-based battle system, and isn’t like the mainline entries at all (the art style isn’t really the most important difference). For those who want to try the game before eventually buying it, a demo will be released next week, on August 10th.The best part? You will be able to transfer your save data to the full version!

In Monster Hunter Stories, you get to ride various monsters, that battle by your side in turn-based battles (using the rock-paper-scissors system). During those, you can use powerful combo attacks, that vary depending on the monster. The key to victory lies in coordinating the right monster skills and rider skills, and analyse enemy attack patterns.

You also get to venture into monster nests, in order to collect eggs. When those hatch, a monster is born, and you can add it to your team.

In order to create the ultimate team of monsters, you can mix and match genes, which allows you to create a monster with more abilities than usual. You will definitely need to do this if you want to tackle the greatest challenges in the game, or play in VS multiplayer (local wireless, online, and even StreetPass).

As for the story, it all starts when a monster infected by the Black Blight attacks your village, where other Riders live. The protagonist then decides to go on a journey in order to save the world from that very Black Blight. But just like a regular Monster Hunter game has a wealth of quests to tackle, Monster Hunter Stories has tons of side quests to tackle alongside the main story.

Here’s a trailer and some screenshots for Monster Hunter Stories:

Finally, here’s the main features of the game:

• Explore a vast world filled with uniquely skilled monsters to hatch, ride, and fight beside.
• Form a team of monsters and execute powerful combo attacks.
• Every monster’s genes contain a unique set of skills and attributes. Channel genes from one to another to customize your own monster!
• Take on side quests and challenging battles that add hours of gameplay.
• Experience turn-based battles for the first time in Monster Hunter series history!
• Tap compatible amiibo™ accessories for bonus items such as Ancient Potions, Dust of Life, and other high-grade materials helpful to your quest.

Note about the amiibo: in the Japanese version of the game, scanning the Monster Hunter Stories amiibo allowed you to get a special version of the monster it was based on. Unfortunately, said amiibo will not be released outside Japan, though it’s likely the European and North American versions will still be compatible with them. Hopefully, Nintendo will provide more details about amiibo in the near future!

Monster Hunter Stories (3DS) comes out on September 8th in Europe and North America. The Upcoming Releases page has been updated!

Source: Nintendo PR