Is Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin in the New World?
Introduction
The claim in question is whether "Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin" is set in the "New World." This inquiry arises from the game's context within the broader "Monster Hunter" franchise, which has multiple settings across its various titles. The term "New World" is often associated with the mainline "Monster Hunter" games, particularly "Monster Hunter: World," which introduced players to a new environment distinct from previous titles.
What We Know
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Game Overview: "Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin" is a turn-based RPG and a sequel to "Monster Hunter Stories," released on July 9, 2021 [1]. The game features a narrative centered around the disappearance of Rathalos and includes various locations and monsters familiar to fans of the franchise.
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Setting: The game is set in a world that is thematically linked to the "Monster Hunter" universe but does not explicitly state that it takes place in the "New World" as defined in "Monster Hunter: World." The "New World" refers to a specific setting introduced in that title, characterized by its unique ecosystems and monsters [1][5].
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Gameplay Elements: Players travel to different areas within the game, utilizing their Monsties (monsters that players can ride and battle with) to explore and uncover hidden items. The game emphasizes exploration and interaction with various environments [6][7].
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Community Interpretation: Some players and content creators refer to the game's new areas as part of the "New World" concept, likely due to the excitement surrounding the introduction of new monsters and environments [2][4]. However, this interpretation is more of a colloquial understanding rather than an official designation.
Analysis
The claim that "Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin" is set in the "New World" merits a closer examination of the sources and context:
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Source Reliability:
- Wikipedia [1] is generally a reliable starting point for information but should be corroborated with primary sources or official statements due to potential editing by users.
- YouTube Videos [2][4][8] can provide insights into player experiences and interpretations but are subjective and may not reflect the game's official lore or setting accurately.
- Gaming Review Sites [5] and Fandom Wikis [6] can offer detailed analyses and community insights, though they may also reflect biases based on the authors' preferences or affiliations with specific gaming communities.
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Methodological Concerns: The claim's validity hinges on how "New World" is defined. If it refers strictly to the setting of "Monster Hunter: World," then "Monster Hunter Stories 2" does not fit that classification. However, the use of the term in a broader sense to describe new environments within the game can lead to confusion.
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Conflicting Interpretations: While some sources suggest that the game introduces new areas akin to those found in the "New World," others clarify that it is a separate narrative and setting within the "Monster Hunter" universe [3][5]. The lack of explicit confirmation from official sources regarding the setting complicates the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin" is set in the "New World" is false. The game, while thematically linked to the "Monster Hunter" universe, does not take place in the specific setting known as the "New World," which was introduced in "Monster Hunter: World." The evidence indicates that the game's environments and narrative are distinct and separate from this classification.
It is important to note that the term "New World" can be interpreted in a broader context by some players, who may associate the game's new areas with the excitement of exploring fresh content. However, this interpretation lacks official backing and should not be conflated with the established lore of the franchise.
While the analysis draws from various sources, including community interpretations and gaming reviews, there remains a limitation in the clarity of official statements regarding the game's setting. As such, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances involved in discussions about game lore and settings.
