Monster Hunter Wilds Review

In the approximately 40-hours I spent playing this game, my conclusion is a firm negative. As mentioned in my initial review, the developers have skillfully managed to balance new features, polish the fundamental gameplay mechanics, and create an experience that feels timeless.

But let’s not go over all of it just in the introduction.

Monster Hunter Wilds Is a Step in the Right Direction With Almost No Hiccups

Is It Too Easy?

In my initial exploration of MH Wilds, I found myself questioning whether Capcom had scaled back the challenge level in the latest installment of the series. As I pondered over it, I came to understand that this is a complex issue that may require input from experienced players. Before delving into the gameplay and narrative, let me share my thoughts on this topic first.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu as I anticipate the buzz surrounding Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak potentially being deemed too easy. It seems history may be repeating itself, much like when Monster Hunter World was released. Back then, a common narrative was that World was intentionally made easier to attract casual players and boost profits. Reflecting on this now, I find it rather harsh, undermining the efforts of the developers who have consistently pushed the boundaries with the series.

The knowledge gained from playing any Monster Hunter game prior, such as my first encounter with World and Iceborn, significantly influences the challenges I face when starting a new entry like Wilds. My previous experiences have made me more cautious about the monster’s movements and attacks, less eager to commit to combos, and more mindful of the battlefield surroundings. As a result, I find the early game in Wilds easier compared to my initial stages in World.

Consider this point: Capcom has made significant improvements in the gameplay, user interface, and movement mechanics, making it less intimidating for new players unfamiliar with the series. The quirks (jank) that veterans might recall from previous iterations are being addressed, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, features like the Seikret, support NPC hunters, and Hook Slinger, which allows for distant material gathering, contribute to a gameplay experience that is not unduly challenging. If you send an SOS signal and no one responds, the support NPC hunters will lend a helping hand. The AI for these assistance hunters is refined, enabling them to inflict damage on monsters while also setting traps or applying buffs.

Is Monster Hunter Wilds less challenging than earlier games in the series? While it may seem slightly easier, this isn’t because the developers have made it simpler on purpose. Instead, it’s a combination of factors I mentioned earlier. Does this diminish the experience? Definitely not. In fact, it’s the best Monster Hunter gameplay I’ve encountered so far. Veteran players will advise you to wait for the expansion if you’re after a truly tough challenge.

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Story: Who Is a Hunter?

With MH Wilds, it seems like Capcom is delving into defining the essence of a Hunter and the intricacies associated with this role. The purpose of this class appears to be maintaining a balance in the game’s ecosystem, not just mindlessly slaughtering every creature that comes across during gameplay.

As an experienced and solitary hunter, known for my skills, I’ve been tasked with probing the events within the Forbidden Lands. While the influence of the Guild is omnipresent, support primarily comes from my own team. Occasionally, I receive aid from a different unit led by Olivia. When venturing into new territories, I’m seldom alone, as companions like Nata, Alma, and Gemma, along with others, often join me on these journeys.

In my review, I noted that the NPCs and story in Monster Hunter Wilds didn’t feel like afterthoughts or mere props for a series of hunts. Instead, they seemed well-developed, with their own unique personalities and conversations that felt organic rather than generic. After finishing the main story, my appreciation for this aspect of the game has only grown. Monster Hunter Wilds excels in its storytelling, character development, and overall narrative presentation.

I’m inclined to discuss the game’s story thoroughly once it’s officially released, as I don’t want to ruin your experience by revealing spoilers. However, I strongly advise you not to rush through the cutscenes to get to the next monster hunt. If you do, you might miss out on understanding why certain events are happening and the immersive atmosphere the developers have created. Tsujimoto and Fujioka also mentioned this, so it’s worth taking their advice seriously!

In my opinion, while the general structure of the story in Monster Hunter Rise isn’t entirely unique, the way it unfolds, particularly the pacing, the unexpected twists and turns, and the satisfying conclusion of the Low Rank, all contribute to a highly engaging narrative experience. The story is skillfully crafted, with plotlines that are mostly resolved effectively rather than left incomplete or hanging.

As a gamer, stepping into this world where the Hunter now speaks, I can’t help but notice the profound impact it has. Their presence in the scenes feels more tangible and immersive, a welcome change for me. The way other NPCs are portrayed aligns perfectly with their individual personas, roles, and traits, making each interaction feel authentic. Moreover, the game doesn’t shy away from delving into the backstories of key NPCs, ensuring these narratives seamlessly blend with the game’s events.

In my initial remarks, I highlighted that Monster Hunter Wilds explores the question “What truly makes a Hunter?”. Completing the story will provide a richer understanding of this concept. It’s often argued that Monster Hunter games are not about their narratives. However, with the newest release, it’s worth delving into the engaging storyline it presents. This doesn’t imply that gameplay has been sidelined; rather, it suggests that the narrative is equally compelling and deserves attention.

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Gameplay Shines Through It All

Definitely not! By refining the gameplay and incorporating new elements such as Focus Mode, Focus Strike, and Seikret, this has been the most enjoyable Monster Hunter experience for me – particularly as a Great Sword user. The Offset Attacks and Focus Strikes form the core of my strategy as I battle these colossal monsters. Although not every mechanic is accessible with each of the 14 weapon types in the game, remember that each weapon offers unique playstyles that will significantly impact your hunting expeditions.

Emphasis should be placed on the Focus Mode. At first, when I encountered it during the beta at Gamescom Asia, I was somewhat skeptical about it. However, as time passed, especially with the final version, I can’t envision my hunts without this feature – whether in The Wilds or future installments. Targeting specific wounds and areas on the monster’s body feels more natural and akin to what a real-life hunter would do. Instead of recklessly attacking Arkveld, I can strive for precision to dismantle the White Wraith – regardless of whether it results in success or defeat.

Having Seikret in Monster Hunter Wilds greatly enhances your gameplay experience, to put it simply. The game’s open world is impressively vast, and navigating through it can be quite a trek, especially when pursuing elusive monsters. However, Seikret conveniently bridges this gap, making the chase much more manageable.

Pressing a button summons this raptor-like creature, ready to carry you whether you’re wandering around or about to get hit by the Doshaguma. It gives you the option to swap to your backup weapon or inspect items stored in its pouches. Once mounted on the Seikret, it charges straight towards the marked location or the monster you’re hunting.

Although your Seikret might not evoke the same emotional response as Roach or the horse from Red Dead Redemption 2, I found myself growing quite fond of it throughout my playtime. Completing quests will feature an adorable interaction between the Hunter, Palico, and the Seikret. You can even customize the appearance of your Seikret to make it uniquely yours, enhancing its personal touch. Seikrets are a thoughtful addition that seamlessly blends into the world of Monster Hunter World.

Including Pop-Up Camps in your adventures means you can take a breather during your expeditions or hunts. These temporary shelters (which could be destroyed by a monster discovering them) provide a place for you to recharge, switch your gear, or prepare a meal. By the way, being able to Cook a Meal anywhere on the map using the Portable BBQ Grill is a fantastic improvement that players are sure to appreciate. Considering how Capcom has emphasized cooking in Monster Hunter Worlds and the charming animations of the various ingredients available for use, there’s hardly anything not to like about this feature.

It’s possible that some players might voice concerns about how straightforward it seems to acquire materials from monsters. However, I’m choosing not to engage in that discussion. Instead, I’d like to share my enthusiasm for weapon and armor crafting in Monster Hunter World! The user interface was particularly intuitive, and I found it simple to modify the offered options to suit my character build. What’s more, the Smithy is always accessible in the base camp across all regions, which streamlines the entire process by eliminating the need to constantly teleport back to a single location.

Give a brief nod to the Monster Hunter Wilds OSTs that significantly enhance your hunting adventure, as MH soundtracks have consistently done so. Whether it’s the fresh rendition of Proof of a Hero, the intense Rey Dau fight, or the enchanting Arkveld tune (and I’m deliberately omitting some others), you’re in for an auditory treat.

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Open World Is a Living, Breathing Ecosystem

One of my long-time coworkers who’s a seasoned MH player had concerns about how an open-world game environment would fare. After investing close to 100 hours collectively into the game, we both concur that Monster Hunter Worlds mirrors a vibrant, active ecosystem remarkably well, particularly with the addition of weather systems and their effects on monster appearances.

Each map or region is meticulously designed, ensuring no area seems like an afterthought, overcrowded, or underused. They are not just visual spectacles, but instead, they complement the game’s narrative and the overall world. This attention to detail enhances the player’s immersion experience. Whether you explore the Scarlet Forest, Windward Plains, Iceshard Cliffs, or Oilwell Basin, each location offers a unique and satisfying experience.

This statement implies that progressing to High Rank won’t reduce the number of monsters you’ll face. Instead, expect a surge in monster spawning once you enter High Rank, as one of my battles in the Scarlet Forest involved three different creatures. I realize some players might be disappointed if their preferred monster isn’t present, but the variety of creatures in the Wilds is satisfying. I can only hope that Capcom introduces more powerful monsters via future updates.

In an open-world setting, it feels more like we’re truly exploring, probing, and hunting rather than repeating a repetitive gameplay loop that may become dull over time. The creatures in this world, unique to it, are fascinating to observe as they adapt according to the weather, suggesting the developers have put significant effort into crafting a vibrant world that doesn’t solely revolve around our player character. Instead, this world is teeming with life and its daily routines, whether monstrous or human, creating an environment where we, the players, are simply one of many inhabitants.

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Only Major Blemish 

As a die-hard fan, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Monster Hunter Wilds, but I must admit, one question that’s been lingering in my mind is how it would perform on PC. However, based on my personal experience and the Open Beta Test feedback, I can say that the game has shown marked improvements. That said, my colleague, running an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and RTX 4070 setup, found the game challenging to maintain a steady 60 FPS, especially during intense battles with graphic-heavy monsters like Arkveld or Rey Dau. It’s important to note that lower-end PCs might struggle with this game at launch. Fortunately, post-launch updates are expected to address these issues and improve the overall performance.

Thankfully, on the PlayStation 5, I encountered no problems whatsoever, either during the preview or the full version of the game. I was able to play it seamlessly, free from any technical issues, and enjoy it in all its splendor.

To Sum It Up

One great illustration of evolving a series while preserving its fundamental principles is Monster Hunter Wilds. Despite the fresh direction, it remains quintessentially a Monster Hunter game at heart. You’ll encounter both brand-new and classic monsters in meticulously designed environments. The choice of your weapon significantly shapes your gameplay strategy, yet versatility allows you to succeed with any weapon. The original elements have been refined, simplified, and freed from any “rough edges,” but they haven’t lost their Monster Hunter charm.

Through their creation, developers have crafted a narrative that resonates perfectly at key moments. Upon completion, one gains a more profound understanding of what it means to be a hunter and their significance within the ecosystem. The innovative mechanics effortlessly blend into your Wilds activities, becoming second nature after just a few hours of gameplay, making them feel like they’ve always been there.

Playing Monster Hunter Worlds has been one of the most satisfying gaming moments I’ve had in a while, despite the fact that it may spark debate among fans due to its intricate details. However, I firmly believe that Monster Hunter Worlds will be remembered as one of the greatest MH games, with updates and an upcoming expansion still on the horizon.

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2025-02-26 15:42