Monster Hunter Wilds looks to be the pinnacle of the series’ addictive gameplay | Hands-on preview

Monster Hunter Wilds looks to be the pinnacle of the series’ addictive gameplay | Hands-on preview

As a seasoned veteran of the Monster Hunter franchise, spanning across decades and generations of gaming, I can confidently say that Monster Hunter Wilds is nothing short of a masterpiece. Having hunted countless beasts since the days of the PSP, this game feels like a homecoming, a culmination of all that I’ve experienced in the series thus far.


In its 20th year, Monster Hunter Wilds appears to be the peak of the series’ engaging gameplay, an exceptional gem. This new title seems like a follow-up to 2018’s Monster Hunter World, which was the first in the series to achieve impressive sales figures in the Western market. As before, you’ll select your preferred weapon and venture out into the unknown to fight again. The world that’s being built up for this game is truly promising.

Upon witnessing the captivating prologue scenes, one aspect that instantly caught my attention was the breathtaking expanse of the environment. The map eclipses even the largest from past installments, giving the world a palpable sense of life. Creatures traverse in groups or clusters, ranging from grazing herbivores to active predators, across sandy dunes and barren plains. The ecology of the Forbidden Lands exhibits a level of complexity that surpasses even the intricacies displayed in Monster Hunter World or Iceborne. This is a stark departure from the compartmentalized areas prevalent in previous generations. Instead, everything appears alive and vibrant, like a realm you could immerse yourself into completely. This is weather systems crossing stormy skies, triggering thunder and lightning. This is sand shifting softly beneath your feet as you pursue your prey. This is an ecosystem that persists regardless of your presence. This is the essence of hunting.

Monster Hunter Wilds looks to be the pinnacle of the series’ addictive gameplay | Hands-on preview

Initially, I aimed for the Doshaguma, a beast that appeared to be a hybrid of a bear, an oversized, hideous dog-lion creature with dense fur and fangs. In past games, hunting them was relatively straightforward; however, this time it’s not as easy. You might encounter multiple Doshagumas at once, making the task risky. Fortunately, you have resources to help manage such a situation. By using a dung pod, which is essentially what its name suggests, you can scare the Doshaguma away, giving you a better chance to pursue the Alpha for a one-on-one confrontation.

Instead of walking, consider using the new Seikret as your ride for quicker travel across the terrain. Not only can you tag monsters and let the Seikret track them automatically, but you can also use your Slinger to gather items, sharpen weapons, and craft on-the-go while your feathered companion leaps from rock to rock. The Seikret also serves as a mobile weapon storage, allowing you to carry two weapons at once – no more choosing between weapons! This comes in handy when you need a stronger weapon like for cutting off a Rathian or Rathalos’ tail but only have a blunt one on hand. Simply hop onto your Seikret and grab something with more bite before attacking your target.

Monster Hunter Wilds looks to be the pinnacle of the series’ addictive gameplay | Hands-on preview

Following a prolonged pursuit over rough boulders and through intricate caverns, I eventually found myself squaring off against it. With my preferred tool clutched tightly in my grasp, a substantial mallet (being a man of straightforward tastes: Track, Strike, Eliminate, Repeat), I began striking the unfortunate creature repeatedly on its head.

In Monster Hunter World, the tradition of wounding monsters has been intensified significantly. During the Focus mode, wounded parts of the monster will now glow red, making it simpler to target vulnerable areas. This should greatly assist newcomers by providing a clear aim when trying to make the monster stagger or stun. Additionally, each weapon offers unique special moves during Focus, enhancing the impact of the damage you’ve already inflicted.

After a tough decision and intense battle, I managed to defeat the beast and harvest valuable components from it. Typically, the quest would end here, requiring me to return to a central hub. However, things have changed now; you can carry on hunting without returning, thanks to mobile camps set up in the wilderness. Here, you can trade, craft, and rest, all without any interruptions from loading screens, enhancing the gaming experience. So, dust yourself off and let’s move on to the next hunt!

Monster Hunter Wilds looks to be the pinnacle of the series’ addictive gameplay | Hands-on preview

For me, this creature is known as a Chatacabra, a unique amphibian characterized by an exceptionally long tongue it employs both defensively and to clean its limbs. The residue left behind is sticky, enabling the spiky frog to attach stones and soil to itself. In an attempt to attack, it will use these heavy objects. The battle feels agile and graceful as you evade attacks and seize opportunities to counterattack. The sense of impact that I associate with this game remains impressive, as collisions carry a significant weight whether you’re the one delivering blows or taking them.

After a brief yet intense episode, my curiosity overcame me, leading me to venture outside to appreciate the stunning landscapes while I had the chance. As I stood there, drinking in the breathtaking views, blissfully enjoying every moment… that tranquility was abruptly shattered when Rae Dau, a colossal flying wyvern, chose to swoop down from the sky and land on my head.

In this region, the fearsome blue-and-gold dragonlike creature, known as the top predator, is a source of constant dread. This beast isn’t just large and aggressive; it can manipulate the electrical storms in the area, making encounters not only intimidating but also potentially lethal due to its ability to retaliate with a powerful, charged energy beam. A misstep could result in instant defeat. However, there’s some good news: before this formidable attack, a visual warning will appear on your health meter, offering you a brief window of opportunity to dodge the attack and regroup for a counterstrike.


 

In summary, my journey through this extraordinary realm has concluded, leaving me filled with excitement and a craving for more adventures. Every experience I’ve had here surpassed my highest expectations. The immersion is profound and absolute. The battles are fierce yet complex. The visuals and auditory landscapes of the Forbidden Lands are genuinely awe-inspiring.

Indeed, Monster Hunter Wilds delivers on its promise and surpasses expectations thus far. Regrettably, February 28th, 2025 seems a distant wait. Prepare yourself, as it will once more consume your life, and without a doubt, this title is destined to become your next obsession.

Monster Hunter Wilds is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and Pc on February 28th, 2025.

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2024-10-08 12:16