Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest installment in the franchise, certainly lives up to expectations. Its combat mechanics are engaging, the environments are meticulously crafted, and the creatures you encounter are unlike any before. In fact, it has already claimed a top spot on the leaderboard with over one million players concurrent on Steam. Although not without its flaws, this game addresses previous issues while enhancing all that makes Monster Hunter beloved by fans.
Story
To my surprise, Wilds focused more on the story and included unexpected plot twists. Unlike previous games in the Monster Hunter franchise, which are primarily combat-focused, Wilds took a bold and refreshing direction with its story. While I cannot reveal too much without giving away spoilers, the narrative provides an explanation for the unusual terrain of the IceShard Cliffs and the presence of guardian monsters seen in the trailer. This revelation left me both shocked and impressed. Furthermore, while the characters initially lacked depth, they underwent significant development throughout the story and made satisfying choices that concluded their arcs. Even characters I did not initially like grew on me, and I found myself caring about most of the cast. Each character has their own distinct personality and traits, making Wilds stand out as having the best story in the franchise. 10/10
World:
When I first played Monster Hunter World, I was immediately struck by the vast, diverse regions and their unique ecology and environments. Before trying out Wilds, I was curious to see if it could surpass the impressive design of Monster Hunter World. To my surprise, Wilds exceeded my expectations. The map design is truly breathtaking, down to even the smallest details. Each of the five major regions – Windward Plains, Scarlet Forest, Oilwell Basin, Iceshard Cliffs, and The Ruins Of Wyveria – has its own distinct feel and is teeming with endemic life. The world feels truly alive, with ants crawling up trees, animals calling out, herds roaming about, villages bustling with activity – there’s always something going on. 10/10
Gameplay
The weapons in this game have been greatly improved from the last one, with a total of fourteen available. It’s evident that the developers have put a lot of effort into making each weapon unique and useful. Personally, I enjoy using the hammer, greatsword, and gunlance, as they all feel powerful yet versatile. One standout feature is the ability to switch positions during slow attacks in focus mode, adding more options for players to strategize with. Additionally, certain weapons like the greatsword have a “power clash” move when perfectly guarded, causing the monster to topple if executed successfully. Other weapons have an “offset attack” that can be used to parry incoming enemy attacks and deal significant damage. This high-risk maneuver adds an extra layer of satisfaction to combat. 9/10
Stability
The most controversial aspect is definitely your stability, which is dependent on the console you use. While consoles are generally better, they are not without flaws. In balanced mode, you can achieve a solid 60 frames per second, which is excellent. However, there have been some issues with texture loading, especially in cutscenes. Although this is not a major problem since the game still looks outstanding most of the time, it’s unacceptable for these hiccups to exist. The PC version received mixed reviews due to its framerate problems; therefore, if you plan on playing it on PC, I suggest doing some research beforehand. Personally, I only played it on PlayStation 5 and had a great experience. If they had fixed the few bugs and improved the framerate, this game could have easily been a contender for game of the year. So if you’re using a console or an experienced PC gamer, don’t hesitate to purchase Monster Hunter Wilds – it’s truly worth it. 7/10
Conclusion
Monster Hunter Wilds has truly delivered a game that will capture the hearts of millions worldwide. Boasting a comprehensive range of features, it satisfies almost every player’s needs. Despite a smaller monster roster and occasional frame rate issues, its stunning regions, immersive battles, notable characters, satisfying end game content, and vast open world more than compensate for any shortcomings. I wholeheartedly endorse Monster Hunter Wilds to all, as it is an unforgettable gaming experience. 9/10
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