Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On
Synopsis
This is a world where both men and monsters exist. Those who hunt the monsters are called Hunters. But in a small corner of the Hunter's world, there are those called Riders who bond with and coexist with monsters. With their Kizuna Ishi (Bonding Stones) that allow them to awaken the hidden power inside monsters, Riders live in secrecy together with their Otomon, the monsters they formed a connection with. Ryuto, a young boy living in the Rider village of Hakum, dreams of becoming the world's best Rider. Having just turned 12, he sets out to find his own Otomon for himself before the ceremony where he is given his own Kizuna Ishi. Together with his kind-hearted childhood friend Cheval, his inquisitive childhood friend Lilia, and his partner Naville, he sets out deep into the forest, and has a miraculous encounter with a Rathalos. (Source: ANN, edited)
Audience Consensus
The first part of 'Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On' is appreciated for its child-friendly themes of friendship and dealing with loss. However, the overall presentation is weak, and later episodes decline in quality. The show primarily appeals to a younger audience, which may alienate some older fans of the Monster Hunter franchise.
Strengths
- Part 1 (first 48 episodes) has nuanced content suitable for children.
- Explores themes of loss and dealing with grief in a way appropriate for children.
Weaknesses
- Poor CG and overall presentation quality.
- Later episodes (beyond the initial 48) are of lower quality.
- Targeted primarily at children, which may not appeal to all Monster Hunter fans.