Monster Hunter Stories is now available for mobile in the west

After releasing the Nintendo 3DS spin-off Monster Hunter Stories for smartphone devices in Japan last December, it seems Capcom has seen fit to allow those in the west have a taste of this well-received title. In a bit of a surprise release, the game is now available for iOS and Android devices for those willing to try out this turn-based RPG for themselves - for a price of $19.99.

Of course, if you're not willing to shell out the money quite yet until you know what exactly you're getting into, you're in luck. Capcom is also offering a free demo called "Monster Hunter Stories: The Adventure Begins" that serves as a separate app you can download. Better yet, you will be able to transfer your saved data to the full version so you can pick up where you left off. You can also download this through the iOS App Store or the Android Google Play store.

Here is a full rundown provided by the app pages:

• The World of Monster Hunter Stories
In a world where large monsters roam, and people everywhere make a living hunting, there's a remote village of people who follow a different set of customs. They are the Monster Riders, a people who don't hunt but instead form bonds with monsters.

Unlike hunters, they raise and live in harmony with monsters, forming inseparable bonds with them using mysterious artifacts known as Kinship Stones.

The monsters that form kinships with Riders, known as " Monsties ," possess incredible powers. By becoming a Rider, you too can befriend countless Monsties , riding them as you explore a vast, exciting world. Join the adventure and "Ride On!"

• Game Features
- Recruit countless Monsties!
Monsties , and the bonds you form with them, are the backbone of your adventure. Explore vast environments and dungeons to find monster dens, and bring back the eggs you find to hatch new Monsties !

- Fight with your Monsties in Network Battles!
Take your hero and the Monsties you've raised into battles with other Riders! Build a team of your favorites to challenge other players.

- New features for the smartphone version!
New improvements include beautiful high-resolution graphics, improved user interface, and a new auto-save feature!

• Story
The story begins in a forest near the village of Riders. Three young friends—the hero, Lilia, and Cheval—stumble upon a shining egg.

The trio perform a playful imitation of the Rite of Kinship, only to be shocked when it actually succeeds!

The egg hatches, revealing a baby Rathalos, a flying wyvern also known as "the King of the Skies." The trio affectionately name him "Ratha," and take him back to the village.

Days later, without warning, the village is beset upon by a monster infected by "the Black Blight." They manage to drive it away, but not before it devastates the town—and leaves indelible scars in the hearts of Cheval and Lilia.

A year passes...

The hero receives a Kinship Stone from the Village Chief and officially becomes a Rider. Cheval and Lilia both leave the village, each on their own path. The hero, though separated now from childhood friends, partners up with the cheerful Navirou, and embarks upon a new adventure into the world of hunters.

A story of friendship and triumph await you—ride on into the world of Monster Hunter Stories!

[Important Notes]
• Notes on Multiplayer
- Multiplayer (Network Battles, etc.) is available only after a certain amount of game progress.
- Network Battles are only available against other players of the paid Android version of this app.
- Network Battles are not available against players of the Japanese version of this app.
- Play in an area with a good connection to ensure the best online experience.
- You must sign in to Google Play game services to use multiplayer features.

You can check out launch trailers for both Monster Hunter Stories on mobile and the Monster Hunter Stories: The Adventure Begins demo below: