Action RPG

One of Monster Hunter Wilds’ most pleasant surprises is just how much my Hunter yaps

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In a game primarily focused on crushing monstrous heads and crafting stylish armor from their remains, Monster Hunter Wilds offers the most unified and captivating storyline that the series has ever presented.

In the process of creating this tale, Capcom has chosen to do something similar to Ursula’s reversal, providing my previously speechless Hunter with a voice after twenty years. This move, I must admit, initially gave me pause. Such a change hasn’t always been met with positive responses in other games: Bethesda’s chatty Fallout 4 character didn’t exactly win over fans, and the Dead Space Remake sparked debates on whether or not Isaac Clarke should break his silence.

Instead of constantly searching for the mute button due to my Hunter’s frequent talking, I unexpectedly grew fond of her more than any other character in previous Monster Hunter games. I strongly agree that making the protagonist have a voice is one of Capcom’s finest decisions.

Speak now

To put it plainly, I must confess that my Hunter character hasn’t really resonated with me emotionally. Now, don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the silent protagonist concept, and I’ve invested countless hours into Final Fantasy 14 with my mute Warrior of Light over a decade, even to the point where I’d lay down my life for them. However, despite vanquishing many Rathalos as my Monster Hunter character throughout the years, I never developed that same emotional bond with them.

I’ve consistently derived pleasure from dressing up her character, selecting the best outfits for her and then sending her off, yet I’ve often been indifferent towards truly nurturing her emotional connections with other characters in the story.

From the instant my Wilds Hunter began to talk, her voice, slightly gruff like mine and deeper in tone, had me completely captivated. The fact that Capcom abandoned the typical “newbie adventurer starting from scratch” trope is definitely a plus, as they’ve chosen instead to create me as an experienced, esteemed Hunter with a bit of history under my belt. This character setup is less like a blank slate compared to the Monster Hunters of old, and it’s a refreshing departure.

Giving my character, the Hunter, the ability to speak, rather than just relying on body language, significantly enhances the impact of every scene she appears in. It’s much harder to convey that you’re an accomplished adventurer when your only options are giving a thumbs up, standing with folded arms and looking serious, or having others do all the talking because you can defeat an Elder Dragon but can’t seem to speak a word of English.

The way dialogue was used had an unexpectedly strong impact on making me feel connected to my character, the group of non-player characters (NPCs), and the world I was exploring. Chatting with Alma, offering advice to a village dealing with monster problems, and even slipping in a joke or two helped bridge a gap I didn’t realize had formed over time.

From the instant that the Wilds Hunter began to talk, her voice, somewhat gruff and deep like mine, had me captivated immediately.

Without giving away any plot details, let me say that a climactic scene in the final stages of Low Rank left an indelible impression on me due to its sheer badassness. This moment wouldn’t have had nearly the same impact if it relied solely on grunts and facial expressions, as a voiced protagonist brought it to life in a way that words can’t express. I found myself seated at my desk, shivers running down my spine as I hushed myself while exclaiming over its coolness, feeling grateful for a character who was fully realized yet still allowed for some personal identification.

I truly wish more people grow fond of the voice-acted Hunter as much as I did, and I hope Capcom continues to incorporate it into their future game series. Although we might have said farewell to Monster Hunter Language due to these changes, each sentence spoken by my character only strengthens my belief that this was an improvement in the right direction.

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2025-02-26 17:03

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