Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On

Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On was produced by David Production and released in 2016 as the first animated television series based on the popular Capcom video game franchise. The series was designed to expand the reach of the brand by focusing on a younger audience, contrasting with the typical action-oriented tone of the main game series. By centering the narrative on Riders who bond with monsters rather than hunters who track them, the production sought to explore themes of friendship and mutual understanding within the established world.

The animation style was heavily influenced by the aesthetic of the 2016 Nintendo 3DS title, Monster Hunter Stories, utilizing a distinctively bright and stylized character design. David Production, known for its work on high-energy series, adapted the game's mechanics into episodic storytelling. Upon its release, the show was received as a lighthearted spin-off that successfully translated the game's creature-collection elements into an accessible adventure format, though it remained largely distinct from the grittier tone favored by core franchise enthusiasts.