Monster Hunter Wilds Review – The Hunt Is On

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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of Monster Hunter, whether it’s chiseling trophies after a victorious hunt, honing your battle-hardened weapon, or savoring a scrumptious meal before embarking on another adventure. The Monster Hunter series has soared in popularity within the gaming industry, thanks to the phenomenal success of Monster Hunter: World. Not only was this game an incredible commercial and critical hit, with over 28 million copies sold by December 31, but it’s also Capcom’s best-selling title ever. It’s tough to imagine how Capcom could possibly surpass that achievement!

It’s been seven long years since “Monster Hunter: World” was launched, and now Capcom has delivered a response: “Monster Hunter Rise”. This series has traveled quite a distance from my initial experience with it (Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate), and this installment had a lot to measure up to. After investing countless hours into “Monster Hunter Rise”, it’s evident that Capcom has created what I believe could be their largest game ever, one that will likely be cherished just as much, if not more, than “Monster Hunter: World”. So, gather your Palico buddy and prepare to make the Forbidden Lands your home from now until 2025.

Welcome to the Forbidden Lands

In the “Monster Hunter Wilds“, the action unfolds within the Forbidden Realms, an enormous, bustling landscape teeming with life. While the series is typically recognized more for its gameplay than narrative, “Wilds” marks a significant stride by Capcom in endeavoring to make players feel connected to the characters within the game. For the first time in a Monster Hunter game, I found myself genuinely interested in the characters populating this world.

The adventure begins as the Guild ventures into the prohibited territories, lands believed to be devoid of human presence. Yet, as they arrive, they stumble upon a lone boy named Nata traipsing through the desert. Nata reveals that he’s on a quest to find his kin, known as The Keepers, who were viciously attacked by a colossal beast called the White Wraith. Accompanying him are Alma, their faithful Palico ally, and Gemma, the skilled blacksmith.

During this approximately 15-hour adventure, the team journeys through the expansive Forbidden Lands, exploring different areas and landscapes within it. While the storyline may not surpass the peaks of Capcom’s other series, it’s still a fun ride that I believe makes an excellent introduction for new players to the franchise. The standout aspect is undeniably the characters, with Alma being my favorite among them. She was a constant companion throughout the journey and approved any hunt we encountered along the way. Gemma is also impressive, a character I’m confident fans will grow fond of.

Creating characters such as Alma and Gemma in Monster Hunter Wilds adds depth and liveliness to the game world, making it feel more immersive. You need to interact with Alma for quest-related activities like posting or joining quests, whereas Gemma manages your armor upgrades and equipment. Over time, their roles become more than just functional through the story development, allowing players to engage with them on a deeper level – a level of characterization that stands out in this franchise.

In addition to Alma and Gemma, Nata is a complex character shrouded in enigma as you journey through the world, seeking out his people. As the adventure unfolds, he matures and breaks free from his protective shell, although at times I found him somewhat irritating. However, I can’t deny his growth and development. The side characters, such as Rove, Erik, and others, also add depth to the story. Although I only hinted at the plot, let me elaborate: the narrative is robust and entertaining, offering a satisfying experience. Capcom has skillfully created captivating cutscenes and intense battles within the campaign, making it essential to watch these scenes to fully immerse yourself in the story. The pace of this tale is brisk, and while it could have benefited from some pauses, it surpassed my expectations. Keep in mind that the gameplay offers a concise 15-hour experience—even if you’re not a fan, it won’t consume too much time, and it’s crucial to unlock the core components of the game.

In this article, we’re talking about how the story mode in Monster Hunter Wilds stands out as one of Capcom’s efforts to make the game as accessible as it can be for new players. Frankly, it’s quite remarkable how beginner-friendly this version is compared to previous entries like World. It seems like they’ve really taken newcomers into account when developing Wilds. Although there are some compromises that come with this approach, I’ll discuss those later on. For now, let me emphasize that there has never been a better moment for jumping into the Monster Hunter series.

Bigger Than You Ever Imagined

In a novel twist for the Monster Hunter series, Capcom has designed an expansive, interconnected open world teeming with captivating creatures and stunning landscapes. Remarkably, I find that the various regions in Monster Hunter Worlds resemble any of the regions found in the Xenoblade Chronicles series. Although these areas are technically connected without loading screens, they function as distinct zones with narrow pathways linking them. This structure aligns perfectly with the Monster Hunter gameplay, providing us with numerous large maps to explore, each featuring a unique biome, creatures, and environments to uncover.

Based on the trailers and sneak peeks at last year’s Summer Game Fest, I anticipated a vast world exceeding the scope depicted in Monster Hunter: World. Remarkably, Capcom surpassed my lofty expectations with the sheer size of Wilds. Each region boasts an extensive map that can be rotated and explored at your preferred distance. The breathtaking landscapes are a sight to behold, and I believe the expansiveness of these areas significantly enhances the world’s overall vitality.

No matter where you travel in Wilds, you’ll constantly encounter various species of monsters going about their daily lives. Given the expansive size of each map, you can comfortably observe the typical habits of these creatures using binoculars. Herds of monsters graze on the plains, drinking water and coexisting peacefully to some extent. Predator-prey relationships are also prevalent, with frequent monster fights taking place in the wild. Capcom has skillfully crafted an ecosystem that allows players to experience and observe the delicate balance for themselves, which may not have been achievable without Wilds’ open-world design.

In the story mode, you’re gradually introduced to various parts of the game world, and I must say, one aspect I particularly enjoy is that it creates a reason for players to care about the world. The Forbidden Lands are filled with strange occurrences, and as events unfold, you gradually uncover why things are as they are. This narrative approach has made me more engrossed than ever in the universe of Monster Hunter. I found that each new area in the story brought along fresh gameplay mechanics and environmental items to interact with, which deepened my comprehension of the world and prepared me for the game’s conclusion.

As a dedicated fan, I simply can’t ignore the breathtaking weather system that Capcom has masterfully crafted within their world. It offers three distinct conditions: Fallow, Inclemency, and Plenty, each presenting unique landscapes from tranquil plains to immense lightning storms that swirl electricity around you. The appearance of different monsters during each season requires strategic thinking when it comes to hunting. These weather events have provided some of the most unforgettable moments in the game for me, with intense battles against formidable foes amidst the tumultuous chaos of the weather.

In both “World” and “Rise”, I managed to become fully engrossed, but for the first time in the series, I’ve developed a deep emotional connection with the world and an eagerness to uncover its mysteries. Wherever you venture, you’ll find multiple paths to tread upon. Whether by using Seikret or simply walking, it’s your choice how to navigate the Forbidden Lands. The creatures won’t hunt themselves; you decide how to explore and conquer them.

It’s Your Turn, Hunter

In line with what you’d anticipate, the gameplay loop is essentially the beating heart of ‘Monster Hunter: Wilds’, and it’s no different here. The main loop involves taking on quests and venturing through the world to slay the monster at hand. Remarkably, this game benefited from drawing inspiration not just from ‘Monster Hunter: World’, but also ‘Monster Hunter Rise’. These titles introduced unique mechanics and enhancements that were absent in ‘World’, and some of these have been incorporated into ‘Wilds’ with numerous refreshing new elements. Naturally, Capcom has capitalized on these advancements in this latest installment, introducing a host of innovative features that are truly astounding.

Initially, let me discuss the enhancements Capcom has implemented regarding navigation and overall exploration in Monster Hunter Wilds, specifically focusing on a new feature – Seikrets. These creatures inhabit the Forbidden Lands and are used by locals as a means of traveling across the landscape. You’ll soon have the option to customize every element of these mounts, similar to your Hunter and Palico companions. One convenient aspect is Auto-Navigation, a novel addition that allows your Seikret to autonomously follow a path to your desired location. Unlike Palamutes from Rise, Seikrets are not self-sufficient in combat, but I found them incredibly useful even without direct offensive capabilities.

Among the notable features introduced in “Wilds” is the versatility to change weapons and carry two types throughout your journey. This is achieved by summoning your Seikret and navigating through the D-Pad, and this isn’t the only skill you can utilize with this portable companion. You can also call upon your Seikret for access to your field pouch, sharpen your weapon on the go, or even use a ranged weapon amidst the intensity of a hunt. Yes, you can replenish essential items like potions while riding your Seikret, thanks to this handy feature! On PlayStation 5, simply employ a command on the D-Pad to summon your Seikret, which allows you to flee from danger if required, for weapon sharpening, weapon changing, or even healing. I found this functionality to be indispensable in every combat situation, significantly enhancing the customization options presented in “Monster Hunter”.

The personalization aspect is a primary highlight of Monster Hunter Wilds – the options you’ll encounter are staggering. This game lets you approach every hunt according to your preferred style, with numerous strategies available. I discovered that I could carry both short-range and long-range weapons to combat any monster I encountered without trouble. If I needed to retreat for healing, I would summon my Seikret to sharpen my blade, heal myself, and then use my Bowgun for some long-distance attacks.

You might assume that customization doesn’t stop at the Seikret and its capabilities; instead, it extends to a selection of 14 unique weapon classes. Each one brings something fresh and exciting for players. Just as my Hunter and Palico were inspired by Ichigo Kurosaki and Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach, I chose the Long Sword. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much, but in Wilds, the Long Sword has provided me with some of the most enjoyable gameplay experiences I’ve had within the Monster Hunter series. Previously, I often favored Dual Blades, but the Long Sword in this game is a blast to use!

The new Focus Mode, activated by holding L2 on the DualSense, is largely responsible for this significant improvement in gameplay. With it, you can now pinpoint your attack on any specific part of the monster, something that was previously impossible with such precision. I truly mean it when I call this a game changer. I am utterly fond of this new feature and believe it significantly enhances combat for the better. Besides allowing you to aim your weapon, Focus Mode also exposes all the damaged areas on a monster.

In the latest update, wounds have been introduced as new features. When Focus Mode is activated, these affected areas on monsters become visibly marked by a red glow accompanied by small red particles, enabling easy identification. If you manage to destroy these wounds through repeated attacks, the monster will be stunned and vulnerable to attack. Wounds can be effectively addressed using the Focus Strike ability, which becomes accessible only in Focus Mode. This powerful move, when executed with the Long Sword, results in a swift series of slashes that leaves the monster stunned and defenseless, inflicting significant damage. Successfully landing a Focus Strike typically fills your Spirit Gauge, causing your sword to glow red and enabling a faster and more lethal attack sequence.

As a gamer, let me tell you that the Hunter in this game is incredibly customizable – I’m talking hundreds of options to make my character look exactly how I want. Even the Palico companion has more customization options than I initially thought! In fact, I modeled my Hunter and Palico duo after characters from Bleach, since I’ve been hooked on that series lately. I’ve seen some pretty creative designs from fellow players during the beta, and I can’t wait to see what unique looks people will come up with post-launch. Plus, all armor can be used for either gender, so you can mix and match outfits for a truly individual style!

Although you can fully immerse yourself in the diverse features of Wilds on your own, multiplayer interaction significantly enhances the game for numerous players. There have been notable improvements in the multiplayer aspect, addressing some, though not all, of the issues that Monster Hunter: World was infamous for, making it somewhat less frustrating when playing with friends. However, it’s important to note that the experience is still not flawless. Nevertheless, I feel these changes help alleviate the frequent issues I encountered during multiplayer sessions in World.

For individuals eager to collaborate and share the adventure, the Link Party system generally functions as planned. You can personally invite friends into one of these gatherings, and when a quest begins, every participant within the Link Party will be invited to join. This applies to story missions, though remember that, similar to the World, it does not allow other party members to observe the cutscenes.

To put it simply, you’ll need to start a quest for everyone to join. The ‘Begin Quest’ notification indicates when the hunt can begin. Once started, all participants will mark the story quest as complete. This means you can progress together. However, remember that you can’t join a story quest if it’s ahead of where you are in the storyline. Additionally, there’s an option to create an ‘Environment Link’ for collaborative investigations with your party members. But, please note, you won’t be able to initiate new quests using this feature.

As a gamer, I’ve got options when it comes to jumping into the action! You can join a Recommended Room, go private with your mates, or even tackle missions solo without a room – perfect for offline gaming or some good old-fashioned ‘me vs. monster’ fun!

In the heat of battle, one of the coolest multiplayer aspects is the SOS Flare. It’s been given an upgrade, making it even better! Now, if no Hunters are around to lend a hand, AI allies called Support Hunters will show up to help you out. This is another way we’re welcoming newcomers into our gaming world!

I found the performance of this AI truly remarkable, and it’s no different with the Palico AI. In numerous tests with the SOS Flare, my teammates consistently understood the hunt situation and put up a fierce fight against every opponent. You can also customize these Support Hunters to suit your preferences, even setting traps if you wish. Using the SOS Flare allows you to summon fellow Hunters from around the globe. My personal experience shows that this feature facilitates smooth multiplayer hunts that are incredibly enjoyable. It’s not necessary for you and another player to be in the same lobby when using an SOS Flare, so you can aid anyone across the world. I recommend trying out the SOS Flare and checking out the new Support Hunters, even if you don’t feel you need assistance; it’s a great way to experience the game together.

Concerned about the ease of Monster Hunter Wilds compared to previous games, I find that some battles are less challenging than expected. In past Monster Hunter games, I needed to swiftly adapt my armor based on elemental resistances and other factors. However, in Wilds, I’ve been sticking with just a couple of armor sets, which suggests a lack of this dynamic challenge. Although there are more fights ahead, I don’t anticipate a sudden change in difficulty. It’s important for Capcom to strike a balance between pleasing new and returning players, but I worry that the focus on new players in Wilds might be too pronounced.

After finishing the main storyline of Monster Hunter Wilds, you’ll advance to High Rank. If you’ve played previous Monster Hunter games, you know that this is where the real action starts. You’ll encounter Tempered Monsters, Artian Weapons, and a host of other challenges waiting for you here. There’s plenty to be excited about in the endgame, much of which isn’t even hinted at during the story campaign.

In summary, it’s tough not to agree that Monster Hunter Wilds offers the most enjoyable gameplay within the series. Whether you choose to play solo or with companions, you can expect a great gaming experience. The numerous enhancements and refinements made by Capcom significantly reduce the chances of becoming weary or bored while playing Wilds.

Plagued Performance At Times, But Beautiful Animation & Audio Design

In discussing the game “Monster Hunter Ridges,” performance was a major topic of debate among numerous players following its beta release. During my personal playthrough on the brand-new PlayStation 5 for review purposes, I had an enjoyable overall experience; however, there were some performance concerns that I feel warrant discussion. To put it frankly, I encountered occasional visual and performance inconsistencies in the game. At first glance, the game is visually stunning and showcases some truly awe-inspiring landscapes. In fact, even on the standard PlayStation 5, I was genuinely impressed with the graphics. However, upon closer examination and especially when playing on my monitor, certain issues related to the visuals became apparent.

As a gamer immersed in the world of Wilds on my PlayStation 5, I’ve noticed that the game offers an array of graphical settings to tailor my gaming experience. There are three main options: Prioritize Resolution, Balanced, and Prioritize Frame Rate. These settings are pretty common across most PS5 games these days.

In terms of frame rate, the Prioritize Resolution setting runs at 30 frames per second (FPS), the Balanced setting offers a smoother 40 FPS with a 120Hz display, and the Prioritize Frame Rate option hits 60 FPS, which can be boosted to a 120Hz output mode on compatible displays.

Unfortunately, the visual quality across all settings falls short of my expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it’s certainly playable, but I was hoping for higher-quality textures, especially considering the caliber of this game. There are noticeably more lower-resolution textures than I had anticipated.

In my experience, I found the Resolution Mode underwhelming and instead preferred the Balanced mode. This worked well for me throughout my gaming period, as I ran it at 40FPS on my 120Hz screen. If you have the chance, I suggest you pick this configuration. The Prioritize Frame Rate setting didn’t impress me much during my playtime. To put it humorously, players using a TV might not notice many of these graphical compromises on the PS5. It’s only when I connected my PlayStation 5 to a monitor that I noticed the game appeared quite blurry up close. Again, this was particularly noticeable when I connected my PS5 to a monitor.

Occasionally, textures would behave strangely, appearing as if they were random polygon jumbles for certain objects. There were also instances of pop-in, which might be disconcerting, though understandable given the vastness of the PS5 environments. It’s likely that Capcom is actively addressing these issues and aiming to enhance visual quality. While these issues didn’t significantly impact gameplay or immersion, they are worth considering if you’re choosing between console and PC play.

Speaking about the technical aspects, let me tell you that some of these monsters’ animations are simply astounding. The animation quality during battles left me utterly amazed, particularly towards the end of the game. The monster designs were already impressive, and these animations served as the cherry on top, making them truly come alive. Regardless of the monster’s size, you can anticipate a smooth and dynamic fight that just feels authentic. This realism extends to combat as well, with everything animated in such a graceful manner.

Lastly, the audio quality is outstanding. Every sound feels authentic, with the fight sounds adding a strong dynamic to the battles. It’s worth noting that while Monster Hunter may not always receive high praise for its music and compositions, I found the diverse range of tracks in this game to be exceptional. Each area, battle, and monster theme was a joy to hear, significantly enhancing the overall atmosphere. This is also true for the voice acting, which was generally well-done.

Monster Hunter Wilds Is A Grand Time

All in all, the game titled “Monster Hunter Wilds ” is simply outstanding. The developers at Capcom have effectively elevated the familiar formula to unprecedented levels. While “Monster Hunter World” laid the groundwork and welcomed countless new players to the series, “Wilds” builds upon what made both “World” and “Rise” exceptional, introducing innovations and adding numerous new features and enhancements. I am confident that many more players will find themselves captivated by the series once they’ve experienced “Wilds“.

As a devoted follower of the series, I’ve found delight in every installment I’ve gotten to play, yet none have captured me like Wilds has. Each mission, regardless of its significance, is worth exploring. In truth, Capcom has surpassed all my expectations for this game, a feat even more impressive given that they were already quite high. Without a doubt, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to be one of the standout games of the year—and it deserves every accolade.

Despite the enjoyment it provides, I believe “Monster Hunter Wilds” has certain shortcomings that may displease long-term fans within the gaming community. The technical aspect leaves much to be desired, causing disappointment and frustration. Unfortunately, as I haven’t tested the PC version, I can’t confirm if similar problems persist on that platform. Additionally, I felt that the game could have been more challenging, particularly in later stages. However, despite these issues, I find myself compelled to keep playing “Monster Hunter Wilds.” Each day, I find myself drawn back to the Forbidden Lands for hours at a time, often uttering “Just one more hunt” more than once. To me, this is everything you could ask for in a game like this, and I eagerly anticipate my next adventure to slay colossal monsters with my friends.

Note: Our review of Monster Hunter Rise on PlayStation 5 was made possible by Capcom, who generously supplied us with a review copy.

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2025-02-24 18:17