It has issues, but Monster Hunter Wilds builds on previous successes, delivering a captivating experience packed with monsters to defeat.
I initially thought I would miss the Wirebug from Monster Hunter Rise due to its role in traversal and combat. Surprisingly, the absence of the Wirebug did not detract from Wilds. The game’s combat mechanics, open world, and engaging core gameplay loop are compelling enough to stand on their own, despite minor artistic and technical missteps.
Returning players will recognize the core gameplay: hunt monsters, craft items from their parts, and use these upgrades to tackle even tougher foes. While the series has typically downplayed narrative elements, Wilds attempts to weave storytelling throughout its gameplay, borrowing heavily from Monster Hunter World’s narrative approach. Here, the story is tied to Guild and Village quests, complemented by multiple characters and a fully voiced protagonist, aiming for a more cohesive storytelling experience.
The game begins with the Hunter’s Guild journeying into the Forbidden Lands, a long-uncharted area. There, they encounter Nata, a boy whose home was ravaged by a monster called the White Wrath. This encounter sets the stage for the Guild’s investigation into not only stopping this creature but also protecting Nata’s community from further destruction.
Despite its apparent focus on narrative, the plot remains predictable to seasoned players. The story follows familiar beats: a disturbance in the ecosystem leads to aggressive monsters, and it’s up to you to restore balance by slaying them. While some characters, like your handler Alma and Nata, are more developed, the overall narrative often meanders and can feel over-explained, drawing attention to its shortcomings.
However, the story does not significantly hinder the engaging monster-slaying gameplay. While new weapon types are absent in Wilds, the existing 14 types have been refined, enhancing the fluidity of combat. Mechanics such as Perfect Guard and Offset Attacks add depth, creating opportunities for satisfying counterattacks and openings during battles. The incorporation of these new elements makes combat feel even more dynamic and enjoyable.
Additionally, the game introduces Focus Mode, allowing players to target specific wounds on monsters. This not only enables players to strategize during combat but also enhances the reward system, providing extra materials for crafting when specific attacks succeed.
Monster Hunter Wilds supports solo and multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to team up with friends or NPC companions seamlessly. Unique mechanics such as switching between two weapon types on a hunt add strategic variety to encounters, thanks to the transition to an open-world format.
The Forbidden Lands features five distinct biomes that players can traverse without loading screens, streamlining gameplay. Each biome has its unique ecosystem and distinguishing weather effects that can influence monster aggression and behavior.
Despite these advancements, the visual experience can be inconsistent. While the environments can be stunning during favorable weather, they may also appear bland or drab during harsher conditions. Texture quality suffers at times, but the monsters themselves are beautifully designed, showcasing Capcom’s strength in creature creation.
In summary, while Monster Hunter Wilds faces challenges in storytelling and visual fidelity, its refined combat, seamless open world, and thrilling monster encounters create an enthralling hunting experience. The game may iterate on established mechanics, but it effectively builds on its predecessors, making it a welcome addition to the series.
For more details, visit the Monster Hunter Wilds game page.
