Just days after Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin got a brand new story trailer during the Summer Game Fest Kickoff livestream, Capcom took some precious time out of its E3 showcase today to reveal some gameplay from the new title. The presentation was short but sweet, and Monster Hunter fans have plenty to look forward to.
The new trailer shown today had just a tiny bit more gameplay visible than the one from a few days ago, but from what can be seen from the UI the game seems keen to set itself apart from the mainline games. Wings of Ruin seems to be following in the footsteps of its predecessor, featuring turn-based combat, visible damage numbers, and some sort of points system for powerful hits and the like.
Of note is the "Double Attack," visible briefly as character Leo and his tamed Narcacuga take on a powerful Rathian together. This likely links in to what appears to be a main theme of the story: forming a "kinship" with the monsters in order to take on more powerful foes side by side. This is certainly something that sets the Stories games apart from their cousins like Monster Hunter Rise and World, whereas in the latter games monsters are there to be hunted. The Stories games use a softer touch.
As the Summer Game Fest trailer showed, though, not everyone is on board with the more humane approach. Even though the player character and their team are seeking to forge bonds with their monsters and solve the game's mysteries, other forces are at play on Hakolo Island which seem to abide more by the philosophy of the mainline games. No doubt the rare flightless Rathalos traveling with them will prove a staunch ally though, even if it does draw the ire of rival hunters.
Right off the bat, too, it appears that Monster Hunter 2: Wings of Ruin will feature some bonus content as well. The game's first update, scheduled for a week after release, will add in a Palamute as a brand new "Monstie" for those who miss their four-legged friends from Monster Hunter Rise. On top of that, preorder and deluxe edition bonuses, Amiibos, and a Monster Hunter Rise save file will unlock further outfits and goodies for adventurous souls.
Capcom's E3 showcase may have been a brief affair, but Monster Hunter fans certainly got a decent amount to sink their teeth into. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will certainly play differently from the likes of Rise and World, but luckily anyone wanting to dip their toes in will be able to try out a trial version of the game from June 25th, with the option to transfer save data to the full game. Who knows - perhaps the world of Monster Hunter really does need more of a velvet glove than an iron fist.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will release on July 9th 2021 for PC and Nintendo Switch.