Capcom Bet on JRPGs With Monster Hunter Stories 3

Capcom is riding high on a golden era defined by consistency, with franchises like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter continuing to deliver record-breaking success. While this reliability has brought stability, it has also led to criticism — namely that Capcom leans too heavily on its most profitable series.

To counter this perception, the publisher has experimented with older revivals like Onimusha and ventured into original projects such as Pragmata. Now, with Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, Capcom is showing its willingness to expand into JRPG territory once again.

Tsujimoto: “Capcom Can Also Make JRPGs Well”

Speaking with GamesRadar, Monster Hunter producer Ryozo Tsujimoto said the new Stories entry is more than just a spin-off — it’s a statement of capability. Many members of the development team, he noted, grew up playing JRPGs and remain deeply passionate about the genre.

“Monster Hunter Stories 3 is proof that we can proudly say Capcom can also make JRPGs well,” Tsujimoto explained. He emphasised that the project demonstrates Capcom’s ability to deliver strong role-playing experiences alongside its established action catalogue.

Redefining JRPGs for Modern Audiences

Director Kenji Oguro added that the game represents Capcom’s own vision of what a JRPG should be in 2026. By blending turn-based systems with Capcom’s trademark emphasis on spectacle and action, he sees Monster Hunter Stories 3 as both a continuation of RPG traditions and a step toward evolving the genre.

According to Oguro, the game is designed to appeal to fans of traditional role-playing games, as well as those drawn in by Capcom’s action-first approach, helping to bridge communities that usually sit apart.

What About Breath of Fire?

Despite the renewed focus on JRPGs, some fans were left wondering about Breath of Fire, Capcom’s long-dormant RPG series. The franchise often tops fan surveys asking which games players most want to see revived, yet it was notably absent from discussions around Stories 3.

While Capcom has yet to comment on its future, Tsujimoto’s remarks about JRPGs may give fans hope that the company hasn’t forgotten its RPG legacy entirely.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches worldwide on March 13, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.