Second Chapter did everything it needed to do, and more. While the game doesn't refine or add new combat mechanics, the story and character moments that take place in this follow-up are some of the best of the series. The Legend of Heroes series often puts its story and characters ahead of its gameplay, and given how memorable its characters are, this has always been the right call to make.
Proud Nordics does provide some fine quality of life features, but they are still encased in an adventure that is nowhere as good as the previous entries in the series. The new content is fine for what it is, but does little to push the story forward, and is only for those who loved the story and want to deep dive into the lore.
Trails Beyond the Horizon is the 3rd entry into the Van Arkride saga, acting as the penultimate entry into the Legend of Heroes story. As a planned mission to space is on the horizon, Van, Rean, and Kevin Graham all take their respective allies to places all over the Calvard Republic to understand the truth behind this mission.
While this remaster could have rebuilt some environments to feel like dated, there is still a charming approach to preserving the 3DS visuals, even if it usually conflicts with what I prefer for a remaster of an older game. Still, Monster Hunter Stories is a vivid and colorful world to explore, and the addition of voice acting, really provides the game with an added boost of personality
Despite a somewhat inconsistent story in its execution, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is an engaging adventure with a ton of Monsties to tame, adventures to be had, and a combat system that is just as thrilling as its real-time sibling. Stories is certainly a beast of its own with a fun cast of characters and its own take on the Monster Hunter formula.
