Monster Hunter Wilds Review – A New Frontier

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In simpler terms, “Monster Hunter Wilds” stands out as Capcom’s most refined game in the Monster Hunter series thus far. It continues the core concept that has been the backbone of the series for years – hunting monsters and crafting equipment from their remains. However, it also attempts to attract new players with some innovative approaches. This is commendable because the series is often challenging for those not already familiar with it, even with “Monster Hunter World” achieving mainstream popularity.

As a dedicated fan, let me say that though not every decision hits the mark in Monster Hunter Wilds, nothing quite compares to the exhilarating surge of dopamine I get from slicing through a fearsome dragon alongside my comrades.

Monster Hunter Wilds Review – By Order of the Guild

In this series, the tales of Monster Hunter have traditionally been concise and detached, presented as brief texts on a quest selection screen. Occasionally, there were hints of world-building in the environment or additional materials. The storylines were typically simple: “Monsters are attacking people, go save them,” or “Monsters are behaving strangely, deal with it.” This franchise has never excelled at serious storytelling; instead, the narrative serves as a prelude to the hunt.

I mention this as Monster Hunter Wilds introduces a traditional storyline into the series, where your character is dispatched by the Hunter’s Guild to explore the Forbidden Lands. Contrary to what was thought, these lands are not just a wild expanse of monsters, but they hide a secret community of people linked to the land’s deep history.

It appears there’s a crisis unfolding in the Forbidden Lands. Uncontrolled monster appearances pose a threat to the people and the ecosystem. Consequently, your mission involves collecting data, eliminating any obstacles that may arise, and identifying the root cause behind these monstrous attacks.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, what sets it apart is its engaging storytelling. Unlike other games in this series, each mission comes with detailed preludes before the hunt, featuring a variety of recurring characters, each distinct in voice and character. Interestingly, for the first time in the franchise, your player character and their Palico companion can converse. Though they’re typically quiet, it adds a unique touch to the gameplay experience.

During the initial stages of the game, this narrative style is maintained. As you enter fresh locations, you’re given a guided introduction. This could be exploring a forest where water levels change, or stumbling upon enigmatic ruins in the heart of a desert that behave like lightning conductors. You might also find yourself navigating caverns filled with oil deposits that can catch fire. The variety continues…

I find myself torn between opinions regarding this fresh strategy. Essentially, Capcom seems to be striving to move the intricate world-building of the Monster Hunter series from the periphery into the main arena. Furthermore, it emphasizes one of the franchise’s most powerful aspects: portraying each monster as an integral component of a dynamic ecosystem.

For those who haven’t experienced the world of Monster Hunter games before, Wilds offers an immersive introduction through its captivating cinematography.

If you’re a long-term fan like myself, this method has tamed the more absurd aspects of the series. The tone is now more serious, and some parts of the game are missing the campy elements that the series was known for.

A good illustration could be comparing meal preparation to self-cooking instead of having a lively group of assistants in a cafeteria performing like entertainers at Benihana. Instead, you personally prepare your meals using a compact grill. The appearance of the food still triggers salivation, but the manner of its delivery to your table becomes less memorable.

Monster Hunter Wilds Review – Sharpening Old Blades

In terms of gameplay, Monster Hunter Wilds has made overall enhancements. The 14 distinct weapon types remain unchanged in their basic functionality but boast significant quality-of-life upgrades. Weapons like the Switch Axe or Charge Blade, which require charging, will now automatically charge the first time you attempt to use a related special ability. So, no more futile strikes on a dragon’s side.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that the Long Sword and Dual Blades have been fine-tuned to move faster and perform more agile maneuvers. The attack animations are now filled with smooth spins and twirls, providing me with better control over my positioning during combat. For those who prefer the Hunting Horn, it’s great news that the support buff system from Monster Hunter World has come back!

In these beastly battles, a fresh element has been incorporated: injuries. Repeated attacks on specific parts of the monster will cause an injury, which appears as a shining, red spot. Attack this vulnerable area with precision and deal significant damage, causing the monster to stumble and rewarding you with a prize from the monster. This feature significantly enhances the hunting experience as it provides strategic opportunities to momentarily control the battlefield by staggering your target.

In the innovative approach, the environment significantly changes when you hunt in this game. Engaging with a monster in the desert could cause the appearance of sinkholes. Vines from jungle trees can be snapped for makeshift trap nets. These elements were present in Monster Hunter World, but they seem more developed in Wilds, resulting in some truly impressive scenes.

These new elements significantly enhance the feel of playing Monster Hunter, however, they come at a cost: the hunting variety is somewhat limited. You won’t find alternative hunt scenarios like the Rampage hunts from Monster Hunter Rise, nor any distinct weapon postures or abilities to master. There’s substantial content for endgame players and some arena hunts too, but they are not as common as you might hope.

Regarding the new player experience, Monster Hunter Wilds makes an effort to avoid being overly complex right from the get-go. Instead, it progressively unveils mechanics, systems, and gameplay aspects. Tutorials are subtly provided for each weapon you choose, along with instructions on sharpening weapons, certain crafting recipes for items, the significance of honey, among other things. The game also features helpful NPC hunters who can be summoned for aid, and their AI functions flawlessly.

These are helpful adjustments, yet teaching a novice player at Capcom still largely relies on text prompts. As a beginner, you’ll have to figure out some aspects yourself, such as prioritizing consistent combos over massive damage shots, navigating the map, utilizing the environment strategically, or inflicting poison or paralysis statuses. Things that experienced players often overlook.

It’s important to note that Monster Hunter isn’t necessarily a flaw on Capcom’s part. Instead, it’s a highly immersive and interactive gaming experience where players are expected to get their hands dirty, face challenges, and even encounter setbacks during the early hunts. The gameplay combat rhythm is more robust than in many other action RPGs, which contributes to its distinct feel. Whether or not this style resonates with you is a matter of personal preference.

Just as expected, it’s the monstrous denizens that truly shine in Monster Hunter Wilds. While familiar faces like the Nerscylla and the legendary Rathalos are present in The Forbidden Lands, it’s the fresh arrivals that leave a lasting impact. Standouts among these newcomers are the Nu Udra, an enormous octopus-like monster doused in flaming oil, and the Rey Dau, a hybrid of dragon and railgun technology.

Monster Hunter Wilds Review – Grab Your Friends

As a dedicated Monster Hunter fan, I can’t help but feel excited about Monster Hunter Wilds being the initial installment in the series to offer cross-platform gameplay! From what I’ve gathered, a significant portion of the endgame content seems designed to foster camaraderie and teamwork. To truly maximize your investment, having a reliable group of fellow hunters by your side is essential.

From a technical perspective, the multiplayer functionality in Monster Hunter Wilds operates seamlessly. Reminiscent of my past experiences with Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on my 3DS, once I managed to assemble a team, it brought back memories. Whether we were using PC or console, the system functioned flawlessly. The interactions, including playful bomb pranks and enjoyable moments, were effortless. On a more casual note, the thrill of receiving random assistance after sending up an SOS Flare never loses its charm.

One issue that somewhat dampens the overall enjoyment is the way group or matchmaking functions. Unlike finding players on your Friends List directly or joining an ongoing game, you have to navigate a complex numerical code system along with the same disorganized lobby as in previous versions. While not as frustrating as Nintendo’s Friend Code system, it did bring back some unpleasant memories for me.

Monster Hunter Wilds Review | Final Thoughts

In terms of rephrasing: “Monster Hunter Wilds” is an outstanding addition to a cherished franchise. For dedicated fans, the gameplay enhancements and novel monsters make it well worth purchasing. On the other hand, if you’re new to the series and don’t mind dealing with a challenging learning curve, the captivating narrative style and inventive monster designs will give you a warm welcome, metaphorically speaking, with open jaws and sharp talons.

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2025-02-24 19:03