Despite the fact that Wild Hearts S sat in our evaluation queue unclaimed for weeks (normally an indication {that a} sport is nothing particular), my spouse and I haven’t been capable of put it down. This launch is one in all my largest surprises this 12 months. Please learn on to study why.
Whereas the title may sound prefer it belongs to a romantic visible novel, Wild Hearts S takes plain inspiration from the Monster Hunter franchise. Initially, that apprehensive 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 count on any form of detailed comparisons between the video games. I’m approaching Wild Hearts S in basically uncharted territory.
After customizing your hunter from high to backside, you’re dropped into Azuma, a land below rampage by Kemono, “giant-nature infused beasts.” In case you’re a Simpsons fan, consider the Treehouse of Horror phase “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, make sure to reap the benefits of know-how, particularly 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 means of the air, and placing them for appreciable harm 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 fundamental weapons-based fight isn’t satisfying. However, in my expertise, some highly effective on-paper combos usually 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 sensible. Fortunately, it’s enjoyable to check the totally different strikes and upgrades. Utilizing the terrain to your benefit also can restrict any frustration.
The truth is, the terrain performs a large function. In the course of the large fights, monsters are inclined to scamper to regroup and lick their wounds after absorbing a certain quantity of injury. You could start a skirmish with the benefit of upper floor, or begin in a dilapidated city the place you’ll be able to cover in nooks and crannies a monster can’t attain. However upon reengaging, you’re now in a extra open area, and their dimension benefit provides the beasts a velocity and nimbleness edge you’ll be able to’t match. By all means, be inspired should you see them limping, but additionally preserve your guard up, as they’ve surprises when flight is not a sensible possibility. As a result of whereas sure terrain can cease them, they’ll destroy as a lot as doable, most likely greater than you observed.
The fights are bona fide theatrical and may play out lengthily earlier than victory is obtained. Fortunately, you’ll be able to strategically arrange camps within the massive world to restrict time spent navigating, and the fights themselves not often appear repetitive. And whereas there are numerous intimidating menus (anticipated for this model of sport), the moment-to-moment gameplay doesn’t actually have them, preserving the motion close to the forefront. The truth that my spouse, who has by no means performed a Monster Hunter sport and even any sport resembling this, might shortly study and begin positively proudly owning a few of these intimidating beasts speaks to the sport’s shocking instinct.
Talking of, I hoped to play the sport cooperatively alongside my spouse. Sadly, multiplayer is proscribed to having a number of Change 2 methods (impractical at $500 a pop) or taking part in on-line. The latter received 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 constructive 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 capable of 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 partaking. It’s a cliffside city, primarily consisting of these fleeing problematic lives below Samurai (the inspiration from feudal Japan is outstanding on this sport). Right here you’ll be able to chat with different characters, get aspect quests, and slowly deliver extra life to the city by means of your searching exploits. Whereas fight is the main target, I imagine the general story beats and characters take advantage of their appearances. The vocal work is a combined bag, however at its greatest, it provides the sport an actual skilled air. Seeking to catch your breath after a painful hunt? Minato is an satisfying and picturesque respite. Interacting with individuals going about their every day lives not solely combats any loneliness, nevertheless 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 energy. Such rapid reward might assist preserve motivation if/when repetition begins setting in, though the aforementioned aspect quests additionally assist. In any case, it might simply be an additional method so as to add stability 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 number 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 taking part in in handheld mode. However as I sort, I solely keep in mind the constructive. And truthfully, how attention-grabbing is a evaluation 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 means of the unique 2023 sport? It didn’t precisely gentle 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 should you’re curious, however I actually imagine it’ll be a sport that grows on you. Despite the fact 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 sport a winner and a keeper.
