The Ni no Kuni series can be considered. In these games, you encounter and befriend different magical creatures. The gameplay involves strategic battles with these creatures. Moreover, the world - building and art style are quite charming, much like the immersive world of Monster Hunter Stories. It gives players a rich experience of interacting with fantastical beings.
One such game is Yo - Kai Watch. It has a similar style of collecting various creatures. You go around different areas, encounter different Yo - Kai, and then befriend them. There are battles where you use the unique abilities of your collected Yo - Kai, much like how you use monsters in Monster Hunter Stories.
One similar game is Dragon Quest Monsters. It has a rich variety of monsters to capture and train, much like Monster Hunter Stories. Another one could be Pokemon. You can catch and evolve creatures, and there's a whole world to explore with different areas and challenges. There's also Yokai Watch, which features a large roster of unique yokai to befriend and battle with.
Pokemon is a top choice. It has been around for a long time and has a huge following. The concept of catching and evolving creatures is really engaging. Dragon Quest Monsters is also great. It offers deep monster - raising mechanics. Another one is Yokai Watch. It has a unique art style and interesting yokai to discover.
Another option is Torchlight: Infinite. It features a rich world filled with monsters to battle. There are different character classes with unique abilities, much like in Monster Hunter Stories. The loot system is great, allowing you to constantly improve your character's gear as you progress through the game.
One such game is Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince. It has a similar concept of taming and battling with monsters. You can explore different areas, collect various monsters, and engage in turn - based battles.
One similar game is Dauntless. It has a similar concept of hunting large and powerful monsters. You can team up with other players to take on these beasts and collect resources from them to upgrade your gear.
One game like Cave Story is 'La - Mulana'. It has similar exploration elements where you journey through ancient ruins filled with traps and secrets. Another is 'Spelunky'. It offers procedurally generated levels, much like Cave Story has a lot of variety in its levels. And 'Metroidvania' - style games such as 'Axiom Verge' also share similarities. In Axiom Verge, you explore an alien world, upgrade your character, and fight strange enemies, just like in Cave Story.
Hollow Knight can be considered too. It offers complex level design and a deep, mysterious story, just like Celeste. There are many hidden areas to discover and tough enemies to defeat.
One option is 'Red Dead Redemption 2'. It has a rich story set in the Wild West. You can experience a detailed open world, interact with various characters, and go through an engaging storyline filled with moral choices. Another is 'Sleeping Dogs'. It offers a great story set in the criminal underworld of Hong Kong. The combat and driving mechanics are also quite good. Also, 'Saints Row' series can be considered. It has a more over - the - top and humorous take on the open - world crime genre, with lots of customization options for your character.
One option is Ragnarok Online. It has a similar anime - style graphics and a large, diverse world to explore. There are various classes to choose from and lots of quests.