Monster Hunter Wilds: A Bold Yet Easy Take on a Beloved Franchise

LOS ANGELES, CA — Capcom‘s “Monster Hunter Wilds,” set to release on February 28, 2025, aims to capture the essence of the beloved franchise while introducing significant changes that may appeal to new players but could dismay long-time fans.

After spending around 60 hours in the game, the heart of the experience revolves around thrilling encounters with monstrous creatures in vibrant ecosystems. Players quickly find themselves engaged in adrenaline-pumping battles, akin to an action movie, where timing and strategy are paramount. However, early-game accessibility leads to an overwhelmingly easier experience compared to previous entries in the series.

During a gripping seven-second showdown, I confronted an Alpha Doshaguma in the Winward Plains. After cornering the beast, I noticed a rock above its head, prompting me to use my hook slinger to try and crush it. However, as fate would have it, the Doshaguma lunged at me as the rocks fell, leading to a fierce melee. With precise timing, I struck with my great sword, creating a moment of cinematic glory before I mounted my Seikret, the new mount and battle companion, and launched into an awe-inspiring aerial strike that brought the creature to its knees. This kind of dynamic interaction exemplifies the blend of gameplay mechanics that “Wilds” offers.

Capcom has refined many existing features of the franchise in “Wilds,” moving toward a living world filled with immersive elements. The disconnected hub town system has been replaced with vast interconnected biomes, creating an open-world feel, albeit still relying on menus for hunt selections and fast travel.

One of the standout additions is the Seikret, which significantly alters the pacing of hunts. This mount allows players to move freely between battling monsters and accessing inventory, effectively allowing them to replenish supplies on the go without foregoing combat. Capcom designed this feature to reduce downtime during hunts; however, it may make the game feel less rewarding for seasoned players who appreciate the challenge of preparation and strategic gear selection.

The game also introduces a new “wound” system, where damage inflicted on monsters becomes visually apparent. This feature provides a more tactical approach to combat, rewarding players for targeting specific body parts for enhanced damage output. While the combat mechanics evolve, they have become less punishing, catering to novice players and thereby shifting the series’ identity from challenging to more forgiving.

As I delved further into the game, it became evident that “Wilds” simplifies many of the complexities that define prior entries. Players can opt out of the intricate systems synonymous with “Monster Hunter,” including preparation and resource management. For many, this streamlining is a welcome change, allowing them to focus solely on the excitement of hunts. However, for long-time fans, this may come at the expense of depth and engagement, potentially leading to a feeling of disconnection from what made the series enjoyable.

The aesthetics of “Wilds” are visually stunning, showcasing colorful biomes and intricately designed monsters. Players will find themselves in awe of the seasonal changes that impact the environments and creature behaviors. However, the narrative experience remains pedestrian, leaning on familiar tropes and lacking in-depth character development.

Despite its appealing visuals and refined gameplay, the overarching sense is that “Monster Hunter Wilds” may have erred too far into accessibility, leaving hardcore fans wanting more challenge and complexity. While the new features provide a fresh perspective, a few veterans fear that these changes could dilute the essence of the series, making it feel too simplified.

Ultimately, “Monster Hunter Wilds” offers a mixed bag for players, providing thrilling encounters for newcomers and increasing accessibility while potentially leaving out the rewarding challenge for veteran hunters. As Capcom prepares for its release, it remains to be seen how the community will react to this bold shift.