Monster Hunter Wilds review: Unapologetically weird and wonderful

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Monster Hunter Wilds captivates players with its array of awesome monsters, thrilling fights, and highly gratifying gameplay mechanics, which have kept countless fans of the Monster Hunter series engaged, regardless of the game, platform, or console they’re playing on.

Initially, the Monster Hunter series was predominantly catering to dedicated veterans, similar to individuals who import Japanese video games before they gain popularity. However, as time passed and titles became available in English and across multiple platforms, the belief that Monster Hunter was solely for seasoned enthusiasts persisted. The 2018 release of Monster Hunter World, however, significantly altered this narrative. Not only did it offer a visual upgrade, but it also simplified complex game mechanics for newcomers without compromising the depth that veteran players appreciated. This accessibility makeover proved successful and set a new standard for the Monster Hunter franchise. Consequently, the latest installment, Monster Hunter Rise, continues to popularize the series, embracing its unique elements such as battling giant monsters, and welcoming both long-time fans and novices to join in the adventure.

Hunter? I barely know ‘er!

In this adventure, you assume the position of a Hunter, a unique group authorized to use potent weapons for safeguarding the populace from formidable monsters. As guardians of these colossal beasts, your Hunter embarks on an exploration journey into unexplored territories with the objective of discovering new and fascinating wildlife. Accompanied by Alma, a knowledgeable handler, and Gemma, a lively blacksmith, you venture forth into the unknown, filled with positive energy and lots of camaraderie.

This seemingly straightforward storyline serves as a foundation for intriguing discussions about environmental transformation and ecological harmony. It’s worth noting that the monsters in Monster Hunter aren’t innately malicious; instead, they mirror real-world creatures whose behaviors can change when their habitats alter or food becomes scarce, leading them to take drastic actions or approach human settlements more frequently. In essence, hunters are more akin to wildlife protectors than eradicators.

Wilds by name, Wilds by nature

In the game Wilds, while the battles against monsters are undeniably captivating, the main story missions themselves are equally engaging. Despite being predominantly about wielding a giant sword against colossal creatures, I find it surprisingly endearing to take breaks and enjoy the comforting camaraderie of sharing a home-cooked meal with friends.

In your exploration team, fresh members share their cultural backgrounds, making it more authentic to learn through cultural interactions instead of forced tutorials or obscure data logs hidden within menus. Some might find this pause from the excitement of combat a tad slow-paced, but hopefully everyone can appreciate a game that takes the effort to develop its unique world.

In the realm of Monster Hunter Wilds, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of captivating characters and traditions. However, it’s not just the people that make your epic journey; the setting itself is integral to the experience. For the first time in the series, weather conditions have been introduced, adding another layer of realism – your hunting quests might be complicated by torrential rain or enhanced by a tranquil, verdant backdrop teeming with gentle herbivores.

Apart from modifying monster actions, the updated weather system in Monster Hunter Wilds can shift during a hunt, keeping you alert. Remember, additional grazing animals might not drastically affect every hunt, but battling the lightning-spewing Rey Dau amidst a thundering sandstorm definitely adds a layer of intensity.

In addition to the series, smooth transitions between locations are now introduced, thanks to the new Seikret mount that effortlessly navigates the terrain. These adorable creatures, a mix of raptors and birds, can run, climb, and glide, making them perfect for transporting you to your next objective or back to the closest camp for essential resupply.

You can quickly collect essential items from hard-to-reach places using your character’s arm-mounted grappling hook, which is a significant convenience compared to manually collecting herbs or honey on foot. At present, there are minor graphical issues in certain areas during exploration of the expansive open world, but these flaws have minimal impact on the overall visual experience.

Eat. Sleep. Hunt. Repeat

As a dedicated Monster Hunter: Wilds player, I can say that the heart of the gameplay hasn’t changed from its predecessors – it’s all about taking down monsters and harvesting their parts for crafting. My trusty blacksmith, Gemma, turns these body parts, along with rare gems, bones, beaks, and plates, into powerful armor sets or weapons with potent elemental effects. With these new weapons in hand, I can build a character optimized for critical hits, improved stun-lock capabilities, or taking advantage of an enemy’s pure elemental weaknesses.

After getting fully equipped, you’re ready to face larger, more intimidating adversaries. Once defeated, collect their bones and repeat this process until you transform into the ultimate Hunter. This concept is incredibly captivating, considering each monster has been meticulously designed with unique attack patterns, behaviors, and extraordinary biology. In the world of Monster Hunter Wilds, one of the initial enemies is Chatacabra, a giant frog known for its sticky tongue. However, if you anger him sufficiently, he will cover his forearms with sticky goo and attach rocks, gems, or other objects to create massive clubs, using them to crush your hunter.

In a league of their own, the Capcom team excel at designing enchanting and seemingly realistic creature behaviors. They find inspiration in the extraordinary feats observed in real-world animals, such as emitting radiant rainbow hues or expelling blood from their eyes – feats that seem unbelievable.

New and improved

For seasoned hunters, Monster Hunter Wilds offers a wealth of innovative technology to explore and master. The mysterious Seikret mount isn’t just a swift mode of transportation; it also lets you carry an extra weapon during hunting excursions. This could mean wielding two versions of the same weapon with distinct elemental powers, or having a Hammer or Great Sword as a backup for monsters requiring stun or precise cuts on their tails.

From a fan’s perspective, it’s thrilling to see that every old Monster Hunter weapon is back, but with fresh tweaks and enhancements to their fighting techniques. Being a devoted Dual Blades user, I was quick to appreciate the boost in mobility and the refined Demon Dance, which made swift work of some early opponents. Long-time enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy revisiting their favorite weapon with its upgraded features, or even giving something new a try.

In a nod to the vulnerable point mechanic from Monster Hunter World, monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds can be weakened by continuously attacking specific body areas. These areas sustain extra damage and can be strategically targeted using the new Focus Mode for a massive burst of damage, as well as providing an opportunity for additional combos. Mastering the rhythm of inflicting wounds, taking advantage of them, and capitalizing on the stun they cause will allow you to deal heavy damage to monsters. This updated system introduces an extra layer of complexity to battles beyond just “hit it until it dies, don’t get hit,” and the thrill of your Focus Strike attacks serves as a delightful finishing touch.

The Monster Hunter series is undeniably among the best, and Monster Hunter Wilds is no different. Fervent hunters are eagerly anticipating the dive, but even beginners can expect a refined, stunning adventure. Gather some friends, venture solo or join your preferred gaming communities, and you’ll find seasoned players more than willing to assist and help you master the game swiftly. A few minor graphical glitches and a narrative speed that might not appeal to all didn’t significantly detract from my overall experience.

Monster Hunter Wilds excels in every aspect that sets the series apart. Longtime fans will appreciate the fresh features, while novices will be captivated by the enchanting setting, characters, and above all, the monstrous creatures.

4.5 out of 5 stars: ★★★★✫
Battling Monsters in the Wilds:
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: 28 February 2025

The game Monster Hunter Wilds received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is playable on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. Capcom developed and published this title, with the release date set for February 28th, 2025.)

The game Monster Hunter Wilds was critically examined on a PC (equipped with an Intel Core i7-14700K processor at 3.40 GHz and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER graphics card). During the review process, I utilized a DualSense Wireless Controller, which was provided to me by the game’s publisher.

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2025-02-24 18:07