Monster Hunter Wilds Review
Monster Hunter Wilds is the franchise at its best with improved combat mechanics, dynamic ecosystems, and a fierce bestiary, my full review.
The Monster Hunter series has long been a hulking titan for the action RPG genre, much like the formidable foes in the franchise. I’ve long enjoyed the series’ intricate ecosystems, adrenaline-pumping battles and over-the-top weapons. The “thrill of the hunt” continues to evolve in addictive new ways with the arrival of Monster Hunter Wilds.
"The “thrill of the hunt” continues to evolve in addictive new ways with the arrival of Monster Hunter Wilds."
Capcom has refined its formula and introduced a more accessible and streamlined experience, making it the most polished entry in the series. But does this evolution honour the legacy that fans of the franchise cherish or change up the iconic formula too much? Join me as I delve deep into the Forbidden Lands and answer this question and more, it’s time to hunt.
Monster Hunter Wilds Details
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5 Pro
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Action RPG
Available game modes: Single-player, Multiplayer (up to 4 players)
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
A Wilderness Worth Exploring
In Monster Hunter Wilds, you are thrust into the Forbidden Lands, a region teeming with diverse biomes and many familiar and new creatures. The story begins with the discovery of a young boy, the sole survivor of a village decimated by a mysterious entity known as the White Wraith. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind this devastation, you’ll navigate foreign lands and confront a myriad of formidable creatures. In your journey, you are assisted by a colourful cast of characters, including comically voiced allies and your ever-loyal Palico companion.
While not groundbreaking in the story department, the plotline serves as a solid backdrop for the game's focus: the thrill of the hunt. The plot is peppered with intriguing lore about the ecosystem and its inhabitants, providing context and depth to your adventures. However, I was more engrossed in the world than the overarching narrative.
"While not groundbreaking in the story department, the plotline serves as a solid backdrop for the game's focus: the thrill of the hunt."
The real stars here are the creatures and the environments they inhabit. The campaign spans approximately 15 hours, a noticeable reduction from the 40+ hours I poured into Monster Hunter World. While this might seem brief, the game compensates with many side quests, challenges, and post-game content.
Monster Hunter Wilds’ Motley Crew
One of the standout elements of Monster Hunter Wilds is the surrounding cast of characters, each bringing their unique flair to the journey. The astute researcher Alma offers insights into monster behaviours and habitats, often with a dash of dry humour that had me chuckling during intense moments. Gemma, the seasoned blacksmith, ensures your gear is in top shape, her gruff exterior hiding a heart of gold. Then there's Palico, your enthusiastic cat companion who provides hunting and moral support. These characters aren't just static NPCs; they evolve alongside you, their personal stories intertwining with your quest. Their banter and interactions add a layer of immersion, making the hub world feel alive and bustling.
Monster Hunting Refined
The gameplay in Monster Hunter Wilds retains the core loop that has kept me coming back: hunt, gather, craft, and repeat. However, key enhancements make this iteration both familiar and refreshingly new. The introduction of the Seikret mount is a game-changer. Think Chocobo, aka a large, ridable chicken-like war horse, and you get the idea. This trusty steed expedites traversal across the expansive terrains and allows for on-the-go resource gathering. I can't count the number of times I harvested herbs and minerals without dismounting, streamlining the preparation process significantly.
Combat has seen a notable shift towards greater accessibility with some excellent additions. The new “Focus Mode” and “Wound System” are particularly noteworthy. These work in tandem, letting you target specific monster parts to inflict wounds, creating vulnerabilities that, when exploited, deal substantial damage. Each wound can only be attacked until it heals and no longer doles out big damage points. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to battles, encouraging precision and tactical planning. While I found the combat more forgiving than in earlier games in the series, it did offer a balanced approach. I think this will appeal to newcomers, but as a veteran, sometimes I was hoping for more of a challenge.
A Visceral, Beautiful World
Monster Hunter Wilds is visually stunning, from the art direction to the graphics. Designing your character is packed with different options, and there is plenty to customize when it comes to the appearance of gear and weapons. The environments are the “star of the show:” they are lush and varied, from dense jungles echoing with the calls of unseen creatures to arid deserts where heatwaves distort the horizon. The attention to detail is excellent; I often found myself pausing to admire the environments, each teeming with life. The monsters themselves are rendered with meticulous care, their animations fluid and lifelike, making each hunt a visual spectacle.
"The monsters themselves are rendered with meticulous care, their animations fluid and lifelike, making each hunt a visual spectacle."
Performance on the PlayStation 5 Pro is quite good, I did not get to test it side-by-side with the base model, but the game dazzles at every turn. Load times are minimal, and the frame rate remains consistently smooth, even during the most chaotic battles. I was shocked at how good some of the cutscenes look with character’s facial expression, costumes and detailed environments.
Final Thoughts on Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds offers a refined and accessible experience, making it an excellent entry point for newcomers. While the streamlined mechanics and narrative choices might not resonate with all long-time fans, the core elements that define the franchise—thrilling hunts, diverse ecosystems, and a compelling progression system—remain intact and better than ever. The improved combat mechanics, engaging characters, and beautiful world design make it the best Monster Hunter yet. While the main campaign is shorter than previous entries, the wealth of additional content ensures ample playtime. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or embarking on your first expedition, Monster Hunter Wilds is a journey worth undertaking.
Monster Hunter Wilds PROS
+World exploration is at its best with large, dynamic areas with different biomes
+Incredible bestiary with a wide variety of monsters
+Improved gameplay mechanics evolve combat
+Excellent graphics
Monster Hunter Wilds CONS
-Simplified mechanics may deter series veterans
-Occasional performance issues like stuttering
-Underwhelming narrative elements in the main story arc
Overall Assessment of Monster Hunter Wilds
Gameplay: 10/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Lasting Appeal / Replayability: 8/10
Overall Rating: 36/40 = 90%
Capcom provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
dappertux.com uses affiliate links to provide a way for this website to earn advertising income. The blog may earn a referral commission on purchases made via these links.
Comentários