Review: Monster Hunter Wilds

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Among Capcom’s many notable game titles, the Monster Hunter series truly shines, and Monster Hunter: World is a standout, having sold millions of copies. The upcoming installment in this thrilling storyline is titled Monster Hunter: Wilds, promising to deliver the most extraordinary adventure the series has ever seen within the realm of RPG gaming.

Though I began experiencing the Monster Hunter franchise relatively recently, having only played World, I was delightfully surprised by how accessible it felt for a newcomer. Entering a long-standing series can sometimes feel daunting, but luckily, this wasn’t the case with Wilds. There’s no excessive information overload, and the mechanics remain straightforward, making it comprehensible even for someone like me who isn’t particularly skilled at RPGs.

Title under review: Monster Hunter Wilds (Available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5)

Developed and Published by: Capcom

Release Date: February 28, 2025

Retail Price: $69.99

This game is currently available for play on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 platforms. The developers and publishers are Capcom. It was officially released on February 28, 2025, with a retail price of $69.99.

Your adventure kicks off as you delve into the gripping tale of Nata, a young lad seeking rescue following his escape from a terrifying creature. You’ll encounter him at the edge of the Forbidden Territories, an area previously believed to be empty, but this child insists it’s where he lived. As a Hunter’s Guild member, your mission is to guide Nata back to his missing village and unravel the mystery surrounding the mysterious beast that has been haunting him. Accompanying you on this quest are Alma, your trusted guide for tasks, and Gemma, the exceptional blacksmith responsible for weaponry and armor.

After that, you’ll delve into the captivating part that RPG enthusiasts often get engrossed in for lengthy spells: character customization. Remarkably, the avatar system in Monster Hunter Wilds offers an intricate level of detail, extending to the minutest aspects of coloring such as hue, saturation, and brightness. Size adjustments are also included, allowing you to modify various body parts in both horizontal and vertical dimensions.

Seasoned gamers will find themselves donning familiar armor types, such as Leather, Chainmail, and the novel Hope gear. Despite being captivated by the lifelike characters in the game, it’s the feline sidekick, Palico, that truly wins me over. They stole my heart in “World”, and now they’ve done it again in “Wilds”, adding a delightful cuteness to its monster-filled universe. Cats, after all, are irresistible to me!

After finalizing your character customization, you’ll swiftly dive into the heart of the action, riding the mighty Bird Wyvern Seikret as your mount. This creature will lead you towards an epic monster battle, granting you the ability to choose from one of twelve distinct weapon types. It’s highly unlikely that you won’t discover a weapon tailored to your gameplay, ranging from the powerful Long Sword for close combat to the long-range Heavy Bowgun.

With the Dual Blades at hand, one of the most desirable weapons for any mobile gaming aficionado, I found myself invincible. Swiftly navigating the battlefield and launching a barrage of destructive attacks became second nature. The move to inflict damage on a monster’s vulnerable spots, especially the spinning attack that traverses their body, is truly a sight to behold, evoking memories of the epic takedowns from the anime “Attack on Titan.

Every time I conquered one of the numerous beasts in the game, I was instantly eager to face the next one. The fighting isn’t just engaging, it’s downright addictive, making me yearn for more following each skirmish. At first, I assumed that the idea of repeatedly vanquishing monsters could grow repetitive. Yet, in all the time I spent on Monster Hunter Wilds, it never felt stale. One of the primary causes for this is the fact that every monster differs from the last. They all have their own vulnerabilities, battle tactics, and distinct environments to keep things fresh each time.

momentarily, I’m engaged in a fierce encounter with the octopus-resembling Black Flame within the scorching Oilwell Basin, only to find myself swiftly gliding through the electrifying turmoil of Windward Plains, confronting the formidable Flying Wyvern, Rey Dau. The battleground is unforgiving and perpetually shifting—much like standing strong against the Balrog as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings.

As each fight grows progressively tougher, with monsters capable of delivering lethal blows in a single attack, you’ll find solace in the aid provided by the multiplayer feature or your trusty Palico companion. This fellow proves to be one of the finest allies I’ve encountered in gaming, stepping up when needed to heal and strategically placing traps to trip up the enemy. Furthermore, you can utilize the surroundings to your advantage – from crushing foes with a cascade of rocks to deploying an elemental insect to exploit a weakness.

The excitement grows as you get ready to show off your fresh loot in battles, eagerly wondering what unique attire awaits me from each confrontation – like the shaggy armor of Doshaguma or the scaly gear of Chatacabra. I must confess that some outfits can be quite eccentric, such as the Palico’s K-Pop idol-inspired ensemble. Nevertheless, a touch of quirkiness never did anyone any harm!

In the midst of the whirlwind of combat, there comes a refreshing respite at Base Camp – a place to unwind and venture far and wide into the colossal, intricate lands. The map is nothing short of grandiose, boasting one-of-a-kind destinations like the fiery heart of Azuz Village, the clandestine Wudwud Hideout hidden within the depths of Scarlet Forest, and the enchanting Iceshard Cliffs, a wintery paradise. Each region brims with undiscovered riches, be it a prime spot for fishing or the exhilarating uncovering of new creatures. Among all, my favorite moments were rummaging for ingredients and unlocking delectable recipes, adding new taste sensations to my culinary escapades.

The Secret Mountain streamlines travel by making it effortless, thanks to its convenient auto-pilot function. On occasions when I didn’t want to fully immerse myself in the scenery, I would simply set my destination, relax with some videos on my phone, and let the Secret Mountain handle the difficult tasks. Frankly, during those extended walks, my focus tends to drift, so having such a feature is truly beneficial for me.

In the realm of Monster Hunter Wilds, there’s no denying its stunning beauty – it truly takes your breath away. I adore how each region transforms and develops with every biome, creating a vibrant palette that harmoniously blends tones. The ensemble of characters adds a touch of life to each location, ensuring a captivating tale awaits at every turn. Exploring the inhabitants of the Forbidden Lands has been an exciting journey, as each character offers a unique perspective on the monster-filled way of life.

Whether you’re excited to explore the world of Monster Hunter for the first time or you’re an experienced player yearning for a fresh adventure, Monster Hunter Wilds provides all the essential elements for an extraordinary journey. Capcom has once again excelled in creating an exceptional game that should not be missed. I found myself completely immersed during my entire playthrough, and there’s still plenty to uncover with its engaging end-game content.

2025 looks set to be an outstanding year for Role-Playing Games (RPGs), boasting highly anticipated titles such as “Avowed” and the sequel to “Kingdom Come: Deliverance”. Moreover, “Monster Hunter Wilds” seems poised to clinch the top position in Capcom’s library of games, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if it did.

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2025-02-24 18:47