Embark on an epic adventure in ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’—where exploration meets strategy in an expansive open-world format.
HUNTING EVOLVED
Capcom's latest entry, ‘Monster Hunter Wilds,’ marks a transformative leap in the iconic series. Set in the breathtaking Forbidden Lands, the game follows a compelling narrative as a boy named Nata flees from a creature known as Arkveld. Players, taking on the role of a hunter, are dispatched by the Hunter’s Guild to explore this mysterious region and return Nata to his tribe, the Keepers.
Players navigate through five expansive areas that offer rich and diverse biomes, each interconnected seamlessly. This interconnectedness gives ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ the distinction of being the first open-world title in the franchise, allowing for fluid exploration and travel between zones without the disruption of loading screens.
NEW HEIGHTS OF VERSATILITY
Enhancing gameplay versatility, players are introduced to the Seikret mount, resembling the beloved Chocobos from Final Fantasy. This swift companion aids hunters in tracking elusive monsters and can carry an extra set of weapons, significantly diversifying combat strategies. Instead of being limited to a single weapon for a hunt, players can now bring along ranged options, such as bows or heavy bowguns, ensuring readiness for any specific combat scenario.
The Seikret also provides access to additional supplies, like Mega Potions and First Aid, ensuring that players are never caught off guard during lengthy hunts. While the Seikret doesn’t engage in combat, your loyal Felyne partner has you covered, offering timely heals and distractive attacks, making hunting not just a solo endeavor but an engaging team effort.
FIGHTING WITH NEW STRATEGIES
Combat in ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ showcases a major evolution thanks to the introduction of Focus mode. This innovative feature allows players to target specific weak points on monster bodies, enhancing strategic combat. Unlike previous iterations, where locating weak spots could be frustratingly ambiguous, Focus mode provides clarity by highlighting injuries, making it clear where strategic strikes can be implemented.
While initially feeling like a new challenge, mastering Focus mode allows for sophisticated tactics, like incapacitating monsters through targeted damage to limbs or disabling their sight. This added layer of granularity transforms each encounter into a more strategic battle, much akin to aiming mechanics in first-person shooters.
Gameplay also benefits from counter-attacks and environmental interactions, such as creating distractions or stunning foes using the Slinger tool. This ingenious addition grants hunters a tactical edge, allowing resource collection from afar and providing unique ways to interact with the dynamic environment.
EXPLORE WITH PURPOSE
Typical hunts in ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ last around 15 minutes, combining the best elements of previous titles while maintaining a sense of immediacy for engaging players. Instead of fumbling to activate quests, adventurers can jump directly into hunts from posted quests and let their Seikret lead the way.
Exploration, however, remains a driving force within the game. After completing main quests, players can uncover additional hunts by engaging with their environment. The open-world aspect caters to those wanting to explore deeper mysteries of the Forbidden Lands, while the dynamic environment keeps encounters vibrant and unpredictable.
A VIBRANT END GAME
Upon completing the campaign, players have access to high-ranking gear and challenges that await in an extensive endgame. The engaging mechanics and sprawling world promise players countless hours of hunting and exploration, solidifying ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ as a worthwhile addition to their gaming library.
In a landscape saturated with popular franchises, few can truly evolve while maintaining their core appeal. The likes of The Legend of Zelda and Resident Evil are prime examples of this, constantly reinventing themselves. ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ stands proudly among these giants, successfully merging innovation with beloved gameplay, ensuring both veteran hunters and newcomers will find immense enjoyment.
RAVE REVIEWS
Receiving four stars out of four, ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ delivers a comprehensive evolution for the franchise that fans have been longing for. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC, this title appeals to a broad audience and is rated Teen for its accessible yet thrilling gameplay.
Gear up, choose your weapons wisely, and prepare to explore the exciting and challenging world of ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’. With its innovative approach to gameplay and emphasis on collaboration, this game encourages adventure and mastery, promising an unforgettable hunting experience.