Monster Hunter Stories 2 is getting relatively high praise from reviews as a spinoff of the franchise. It’s almost matched doing as well as the other 2021 Switch exclusive entry, Monster Hunter Rise. The game is not without issues though. There are plenty of technical problems that Capcom will probably fix in patches over the next few months.
The frame rate can dip in cutscenes, for example, making characters look robotic. There are other things that could help the game feel more like a modern Switch RPG. Bravely Default 2 is a great example along with Pokemon Sword/Shield since this spinoff series shares a lot with Pokemon games. These are the biggest issues that need fixing right now.
10 Add Auto-Battle
Most modern turn-based RPGs have an auto-battle system. This is true for another 2021 RPG for Switch, Bravely Default 2.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 has the same fast-forwarding featuring as Bravely Default 2, but it doesn’t have the auto-battle option which is odd. This seems like an easy thing Capcom can add onto the game so hopefully, it will come soon.
9 Add The Ability To Save Anywhere
The save options in Monster Hunter Stories 2 right now are decent. The auto-save works when switching between screens for most things done in the game like warping around. There are also Catavan stands that not only allow players to manually save, but they are how fast travel works.
At most points in Monster Hunter Stories 2 players can use the fast travel system without having to go to one of these stands though. Just open up the map, choose a destination, and go. Players cannot save whenever they want though which should be updated in a patch.
8 Expand The Save Slots
Another thing that isn’t great about the save system is that players cannot save more than three times manually. For most players, this is more than enough in Monster Hunter Stories 2.
However, some players like to keep a record of their travels, step by step, so that they can replay these areas again and again at their leisure. It’s a lot faster than having to replay the whole thing again.
7 Add Difficulty Levels
Monster Hunter Stories 2, isn't as much of a challenge as other entries in the series. There are times when it is important to grind out levels, but that is true for a lot of RPGs.
It would still be nice if there were difficulty options. Right now the game begins the same for every player. Given the game's current state, there might some players that find Monster Hunter Stories 2 too easy. Difficulty options would make everyone able to play the game the way they see fit.
6 Add Preemptive Attacks
In some RPGs, if the player hits an enemy outside of battle, that may give them an advantage. Sometimes these hits will damage enemies and sometimes this just introduces a preemptive attack.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 does have a preemptive attack if players sneak up behind monsters, which is nice. There is no way to hit them for damage though. It’s not a huge loss but it would make the game more interactive which is always a plus.
5 Full Command Of The Party
Players always have direct command over their created character. They can also suggest attacks for their Monstie although it normally acts according to AI. There's no way to issue commands to an ally in battle though.
For the most part, the companion AI is decent enough. Getting the option for a full command sweep would make Monster Hunter Stories 2 more accessible which should be the goal of any developer which includes Capcom.
4 Change Monsties On The Go
Like most RPGs, players can change equipment whenever they want to on the world map. They cannot, however, change what Monsties are in the party, or access the eggs to hatch them. That must be done at a town stable. This isn’t necessarily a bad idea.
Most Pokemon games require players to go back to a PC to switch up the party. Capcom then is presumably taking some inspiration here. Still, it would be very convenient to change Monsties on the go.
3 Add A Jump And Run Button
There are some Monsties that have a traversal ability. For example, a Yian Kut-Ku can break rock formations. A Royal Ludroth can swim across shallow waters. A Bulldrome can dash across the landscape. The ability list goes on. The created character has very few travel options though.
They cannot run in Monster Hunter Stories 2 as their speed is set. They also cannot jump even from the tiniest of heights. This can make getting around some terrain more aggravating than it needs to be.
2 Warp In Town
If the developers at Capcom don’t want to add new action buttons to the created character, that’s fine. Another option they could implement could be a fast travel system in towns.
Need to go to the smithy? Open the map, click on the shop, and zoom right there. Most town setups are very small which makes getting around very easy. It could be even simpler though with a warp button and options are always nice for players that want them.
1 Reduce Action Animations
There are two actions in Monster Hunter Stories 2 that can reduce animations. In the options menu, there is a way to turn off the game asking players to confirm if they want to switch Monsties on the map. Fast-forwarding through battles also skips some animations like lengthy Kinship abilities.
There is no way to skip the animations for changing weapons or Monsties in battle though. These animations don’t take long but since other things are reduced, it only seems natural to ask for these actions to get trimmed as well.