After playing 6 hours of the first MH Stories game and switching to this game out of boredom, I can instantly say that this is by far an improvement on the first title in every aspect. While the first Stories tried to satisfy your itch to build a team out of monsters from the franchise and basically live your power fantasy, this game is a very competent turn-based game on top. The presentation is way above what I would have expected from a game like this and the music is really well done.
Overall a game for fans of the series and even for players who just like turn-based RPGs. One of my favorite Monster-Catcher games to-date.

Its REALLY painful seeing your favorite monster in the game and finding out that you can't actually get one. This isn't as big of an issue as it could be as only about 8 or 9 monsters aren't playable, but for the people who were hoping to use these monsters it will feel horrible. Mods could usually help with this, but the modding scene for this game is practically non-existent. Majority of people will have a great time with this game as most of the popular monsters are obtainable, so naturally this might make some people feel a bit bitter towards both the games roster and all of the unquestioningly positive reviews.

Besides that, everything else ranges from good to ok. Combat is fun enough that I've actually been choosing to fight when I otherwise don't have to. The anime visuals are wonderful and I hope to see more of it in other Monster Hunter games, many of the monsters look amazing with it and the characters look really nice too. The gene system feels good at the moment, gives a lot of freedom with building your monster, but I don't know how it is late game at the moment. Characters are generally ok except for Navirou.

Overall game is enjoyable. it's fun running around as an anime girl with my Anjanath, just wish I could be running around with my Seltas.