Regardless that Wild Hearts S sat in our assessment queue unclaimed for weeks (often an indication {that a} recreation is nothing particular), my spouse and I haven’t been in a position to put it down. This launch is one in every of my largest surprises this yr. Please learn on to be taught why.
Whereas the title may sound prefer it belongs to a romantic visible novel, Wild Hearts S takes simple inspiration from the Monster Hunter franchise. Initially, that anxious me, as I’m not a giant fan of the Capcom collection. I’ve dabbled with a number of, however the one one I actually loved was the spinoff, Monster Hunter Tales. But my worries had been unfounded, as I’ll share. Simply don’t anticipate any kind of detailed comparisons between the video games. I’m approaching Wild Hearts S in primarily uncharted territory.
After customizing your hunter from high to backside, you’re dropped into Azuma, a land beneath rampage by Kemono, “giant-nature infused beasts.” In case you’re a Simpsons fan, consider the Treehouse of Horror section “Fly vs. Fly”, besides right here it’s critters and shrubbery getting tangled in Professor Frink’s matter transporter. Some look cute sufficient, others horrifying, however equip your weapons (which can strengthen in time) and take these wild beasts out earlier than they uproot the human inhabitants.
Additionally, you’ll want to benefit from expertise, specifically Karakuri tech. It’s one factor to slice up a beast with a sword or slowly choose them off with an arrow. It’s one other to create a large wall from skinny air and have the beasts slam into it, gorgeous and knocking them down. Or making a catapult, flinging your self by the air, and hanging them for appreciable injury from above. Victory is at all times rewarding, however the tech makes it even extra satisfying and entertaining. Don’t hesitate to experiment.
All this isn’t to say your primary weapons-based fight isn’t pleasurable. However, in my expertise, some highly effective on-paper combos typically show impractical within the warmth of battle, because of the animations. It jogs my memory virtually of a cinematic platformer, the place your follow-up controls are locked out till the animation of your preliminary management enter performs out, if that is smart. Fortunately, it’s enjoyable to check the totally different strikes and upgrades. Utilizing the terrain to your benefit can even restrict any frustration.
In truth, the terrain performs a large function. Throughout the massive fights, monsters are inclined to scamper to regroup and lick their wounds after absorbing a certain quantity of injury. It’s possible you’ll start a skirmish with the benefit of upper floor, or begin in a dilapidated city the place you may conceal in nooks and crannies a monster can’t attain. However upon reengaging, you’re now in a extra open subject, and their measurement benefit provides the beasts a velocity and nimbleness edge you may’t match. By all means, be inspired if you happen to see them limping, but in addition hold your guard up, as they’ve surprises when flight is now not a sensible choice. As a result of whereas sure terrain can cease them, they are going to destroy as a lot as attainable, in all probability greater than you think.
The fights are bona fide theatrical and might play out lengthily earlier than victory is obtained. Fortunately, you may strategically arrange camps within the giant world to restrict time spent navigating, and the fights themselves hardly ever appear repetitive. And whereas there are quite a lot of intimidating menus (anticipated for this type of recreation), the moment-to-moment gameplay doesn’t actually have them, maintaining the motion close to the forefront. The truth that my spouse, who has by no means performed a Monster Hunter recreation and even any recreation resembling this, might rapidly be taught and begin positively proudly owning a few of these intimidating beasts speaks to the sport’s stunning instinct.
Talking of, I hoped to play the sport cooperatively alongside my spouse. Sadly, multiplayer is restricted to having a number of Change 2 methods (impractical at $500 a pop) or enjoying on-line. The latter bought me an “Unable to attach” message. However as I’ve little need to go surfing, this fluke was only a blip on my radar. For these enthusiastic about on-line play (as much as 4 gamers on Change 2), I’ve heard optimistic experiences. I suppose I used to be spoiled by 2010s Monster Hunter Tri having splitscreen on the standard Wii. Nonetheless, we had enjoyable buying and selling off varied battles. I’m additionally in a position to hand off the controller for some errands within the city of Minato that I’m much less enthusiastic about (shopping for and promoting, determining supplies for upgrades, and the like).
Minato itself may be participating. It’s a cliffside city, primarily consisting of these fleeing problematic lives beneath Samurai (the inspiration from feudal Japan is distinguished on this recreation). Right here you may chat with different characters, get facet quests, and slowly carry extra life to the city by your searching exploits. Whereas fight is the main focus, I consider the general story beats and characters profit from their appearances. The vocal work is a combined bag, however at its finest, it provides the sport an actual skilled air. Trying to catch your breath after a painful hunt? Minato is an pleasurable and picturesque respite. Interacting with individuals going about their every day lives not solely combats any loneliness, however it additionally jogs my memory of why I’m preventing: to guard them.
Whereas I acknowledge it’s uncommon on this subgenre, I want Wild Hearts S would allow you to energy the participant character past their weapon and armor power. Such instant reward might assist keep motivation if/when repetition begins setting in, though the aforementioned facet quests additionally assist. In any case, it might simply be an additional manner so as to add steadiness and variety to the sport, not that it’s missing a lot in that regard.
Visually, Wild Hearts S appears to be like fairly good, though there’s a measure of inconsistency. A few of the characters look a bit lifeless. Others are uncannily actual, particularly to somebody like me who’s been gaming solely on underpowered Nintendo {hardware} for a number of generations. I’m positive there are these jarred by sure textures, temporary fuzziness, and framerate inconsistencies enjoying in handheld mode. However as I sort, I solely keep in mind the optimistic. And truthfully, how fascinating is a assessment if it fixates on graphical comparisons on the expense of glossing over the gameplay? As a result of let’s be trustworthy, what number of Nintendo gamers performed by the unique 2023 recreation? It didn’t precisely mild up the gross sales charts. However hopefully, it finds a brand new viewers on Change 2.
As somebody with restricted expertise with video games of this nature, Wild Hearts S has proved surprisingly addictive. Try the demo if you happen to’re curious, however I actually consider it’ll be a recreation that grows on you. Regardless that I really feel like there are specific respects the place I’ve solely scratched the floor (dozens of hours in, no much less), the sport is intuitive within the areas it must be. Such approachable depth that avoids the overwhelming trappings makes this recreation a winner and a keeper.
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