Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers an enjoyable experience that may not be flawless, but certainly stands out in its genre. Having not played its predecessor, I found it refreshing compared to Pokémon, as it innovates on both gameplay features and storytelling.

The gameplay loop, while engaging, can feel repetitive with its rock-paper-scissors mechanics. However, the thrill of riding monsters and navigating around wild creatures adds depth, albeit with some missed potential in stealth mechanics.

Visually, while the graphics may appear slightly dated due to its origins as a Switch port, they still deliver a satisfying experience.

The storyline is decent, featuring a surprising twist at the end and a memorable final boss encounter. The abundance of post-game content, including side quests, Elder's Lair challenges, and monster farming, adds significant replay value.

However, the repetitive den layouts and lack of active online community for co-op play are notable drawbacks. Despite this, the game caters well to fans of both Monster Hunter and Pokémon, offering ample content and an engaging narrative.

Overall, Monster Hunter Stories 2 receives a solid 7/10—an enjoyable game, but perhaps not suited to every player's tastes.