Monster Hunter Wilds: The Ultimate Beast-Slaying Experience Awaits!
Prepare to shake off the cobwebs from your legendary sword, feign an illness for work, and brace yourself for countless hours of adventure as Monster Hunter Worlds is now available! Capcom has truly outdone itself with a banquet that even the Muscular Chef would find impressive.
Following the momentous 20th anniversary of Monster Hunter and the tremendous success of Monster Hunter World, producer Ryozo Tsujimoto and his team now face high expectations. Although the series about hunting monsters has long been a favorite in Japan, it was the 2018 launch that introduced Monster Hunter to the world stage.
In simpler terms, “World” transformed the 21-year-old franchise by introducing stunning new graphics, refining its weapons, and making numerous improvements to the user experience, making it a formidable force today. If we consider “World” as the ancient dragon that revitalized the franchise, then “Wilds” is the powerful predator challenging for the top spot.
In essence, Monster Hunter Wilds delivers on its promise to offer an expanded, more daring, and enhanced adventure compared to its previous version, and for the large part, it succeeds in doing so.
Monster Hunter Wilds screenshots & details
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- Price: $69.99 / £69.99
- Developer: Capcom
- Release date: February 28, 2025
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Reviewed on PS5
Sluggish story
First, let’s discuss what didn’t quite grab my attention before diving into the enjoyable aspects. Some might argue that the weakest point in any Monster Hunter game is its narrative. In Wilds, there are fully voiced hunters, more interactions with NPCs, and a focus on world-building (fans of lore will appreciate this), but these elements mostly functioned as a somewhat unengaging hurdle to the main attraction – the monster hunting experience.
In the heart of Wilds’ narrative lies Nata, a youthful inhabitant from an antiquated civilization who was compelled to depart his homeland following Arkveld’s emergence – a monstrous entity that Wilds controls. Your mission is to find the hidden home of this lost child and bring him back to his loved ones. Regrettably, it would all be heartwarming if I found it in my heart to care.
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Monster Hunter Wilds will be more noob friendly than ever due to these big changes
Apologies, but I was hoping for a fabulous pair of armored pants and a sleek new weapon to smash monsters with. Instead, it appears that you’ll slay one monster, listen to a lot of backstory from your guide Alma (she’s quite engaging), followed by compulsory secretive segments where a winged transportation service will transport you to your next location.”
This version maintains the original meaning but uses more natural and easier-to-read language.
In Wilds, they skillfully introduce players to their novel weapon mechanics using informative prompts, adjustable accessibility settings, and a comprehensive practice area. However, the campaign felt overly guiding for my preference as an experienced series veteran with countless hours played since the PS2 era. As soon as I could, I yearned to discard the training wheels and blaze my own trail.
After 15 hours of tireless work in the Low-Level missions of Monster Hunter Wilds, the game finally finished, leaving me captivated by its grip. As I unlocked High-Level quests, my desire to explore the Forbidden Lands intensified whenever I signed out. My vision was filled with a constantly expanding list of weapons and armor, and the urge to immerse myself in another extended gaming session became nearly overwhelming. Monster Hunter Wilds consumed my existence.
Flashy & fluid combat
Over the course of my time with Monster Hunter, I must confess that I’ve never encountered such engaging and captivating combat. Within merely two weeks of gameplay, I’d already logged a whopping 45 hours – a testament to its quality. Each of the 14 weapons possesses a satisfying heft and has undergone impressive updates, making them an absolute pleasure to wield, except for Insect Glaive, which unfortunately remains challenging (my apologies to all Glaive enthusiasts).
The Hunting Horn is now more versatile due to its healing orbs, the Switch Axe’s morph combinations are sleeker than ever, and the Long Sword is every armchair warrior’s ideal weapon. I won’t delve into all the weapon modifications, as it would take too long; suffice it to say that Capcom has put in considerable effort to perfect its weapons.
In essence, aside from modifications to weapons, the significant changes that bring a twist to gameplay are the introduction of Focus Mode and Focus Strike. Historically, managing the camera has been a challenge in Monster Hunter, as evident by the struggles expressed by Freedom Unite players when discussing the “claw grip”, which often leaves them looking rather drained.
Luckily, Wilds addresses an issue in its Focus Mode. This innovative feature significantly enhances the experience by making it easier to follow monsters and precisely direct your attacks and defenses towards the direction the camera is pointing. Although this seems like a small adjustment, it significantly improves the entire gameplay.
As a fan of the Great Sword, I’m smitten with its updated feature. It used to be frustrating when monsters turned their backs on me during heavy-hitting True Charged Slashes in multiplayer, but those days are long gone!
Currently, gamers can activate Focus Mode for a full 360 degree rotation and powerfully strike their formidable sword into the vulnerable enemy. Repeatedly attacking the monster’s weak spots will cause glowing red injuries to appear on breakable body parts. These vivid signs serve as targets, allowing players to inflict heavy damage using the new Focus Strike ability introduced in Wilds.
It’s incredibly gratifying to use each weapon’s special Focus Strike, and their vibrant visual effects are so impressive they could challenge even the most dynamic Shonen anime. My preferred weapon is the Bow, capable of releasing a barrage of homing arrows that zero in on vulnerable spots. The joy is multiplied when agile creatures like Rathian and Rathalos attempt to flee, only to be brought crashing back down for additional retribution (though PETA might not approve).
During fast-paced battles between man and beast, rapidly switching between two weapons adds an extra layer of complexity. For instance, if Rey Dau’s shocking assaults are giving you trouble with a Blademaster setup, you can alter your approach by summoning your backup weapon, the Seikret, instead.
Beastly monsters & changing environments
As a gamer, let me tell you about the fearsome creatures that inhabit the world of Wilds. The variety of beasts here is breathtaking, enough to make Sir David Attenborough jump for joy. The open-world landscapes teem with life, from Vespoids scavenging on decaying corpses (yes, even dead monsters decompose in this game) to the packs of Doshaguma, bear-like predators that roam the Windward Plains – a fresh addition to Wilds.
In a delightful update, classic creatures such as Congalala, the pink monkey, and the much-loved Yian Kut-Ku from Generation 1 have received a heartfelt makeover. They now boast an enhanced appearance and a significantly increased threat level. My colleague and I were taken aback by the ferocity of Yian Kut-Ku, as it continuously spewed out a torrent of fiery projectiles that could potentially destroy our cart if we ventured too near, due to its persistent barrage of scorching fireballs.
For hunters concerned about running out of meaty opponents to battle, there’s no need for concern. Throughout my 40+ hour gameplay experience, I encountered and fought everything the game presented. Among the inexperienced novices was the Ajarakan, a ferocious ape who uses WWE-style moves to savagely attack smaller opponents with powerful combos.
After that, there was Leviathan Hirabami, resembling a snake in form (beware of confusing it with Harambe), capable of levitating and attacking Hunters from above with its razor-sharp teeth and talons. These entities functioned as Hyperbolic Time Chambers, enabling me to refine my oversized weapons and strengthen myself for the high-intensity quests that lay ahead, fueled by adrenaline.
Blend smooth navigation across various settings, shifting seasons affecting visual landscapes, wandering beasts, massive gaming rooms housing up to 100 players, and a consistent 30 frames per second on the standard PlayStation 5, and what you get is the most daring Monster Hunter game yet.
Stylish gear returns
In Monster Hunter Rise, the array of vibrant and whimsical monsters is mirrored in the attractive armor and weaponry. Although they don’t possess the same level of brightness or humor as Rise’s eccentric designs, they represent a significant improvement over World’s dull, bony appearance. There’s an undeniable sense of satisfaction in destroying a monster and then crafting a high-end jacket from its hide. And let me tell you, there are plenty of fashionable jackets to be made!
Making a good impression is crucial when partnering with other Hunters. Over the course of my recent playtime, I’ve participated in multiplayer quests, connected with fellow Hunters using SOS signals, and hunted monsters throughout the world using the latest Environment Link function.
This game’s multiplayer features are more intricate and challenging compared to previous versions, but once I got the hang of the new hunting methods, I found myself unable to stop playing. The massive 100-player lobbies in Wilds and crossplay compatibility across PC, PS5, and Xbox made me feel like an integral part of a vibrant, alive universe.
TopMob Review Score: 4/5 – Very Good
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Addictive combat | Dull story |
| Great monster designs | Muddy & washed out textures |
| Stylish equipment | |
| Seamless open world environments |
Monster Hunter Rise represents a colossal leap forward in the saga of hunting beasts for Capcom. Although the narrative progression might seem slow and some textures on the base PlayStation 5 version could use some polishing, it’s evident that Capcom has taken on challenges fitting their capabilities.
Wilds represents the pinnacle of a skillfully blended combination of mechanics, creatures, and concepts drawn from 21 years of collective wisdom and expertise. This fusion has produced an exceptionally sharp tool capable of carving out a unique niche for itself and earning its place among the Monster Hunter elite.
If Monster Hunter World served as an introduction or starter, then Wild Hunt is the substantial main dish. As for me, I’m off on a rendezvous with Rathalos and a freshly-crafted Great Sword.
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2025-02-24 18:22