Hunt monsters in fantastical Azuma
Wild Hearts is a premium action-adventure video game developed by Omega Force in partnership with EA Originals — the same publisher behind the critically acclaimed platformer It Takes Two. In this hunting game, players take on giant beasts in a vibrant fantasy setting based on Feudal Japan.
Wild Hearts presents a fresh take on the gameplay experience popularized by the Monster Hunter franchise. At its core experience is a unique crafting mechanic based on Japan’s Karakuri puppets. These magical Karakuri allow players to rapidly build a variety of wooden contraptions to help them take down huge beasts called the Kemono.
Defeat beasts alone or with friends
In Wild Hearts, players journey through the land of Azuma, a fantastical setting based on Feudal Japan. The once-peaceful beasts called the Kemono can affect their environment and are threatening the lives of the people. The players, who will get hold of life-sustaining technology, are tasked to restore balance across the lands, fighting various Kemono along the way. Players can either go solo or play with up to two friends.
Combat is designed with co-op in mind. A group of players can go pack hunting, expand their battle plans, and take on special missions. However, playing the game solo is just as viable. If you don’t have a group of friends to play with, you can always join other players in the world if you need an extra hand. Finding a group should be easy as the game supports cross-play.
At the core of this action-adventure game is its unique crafting system inspired by Karakuri puppets. These wooden contraptions are integrated seamlessly with the combat, supplementing players’ primary weapons. Players can quickly erect platforms, turrets, bombs, traps, and many more gadgets for use in battle. All of these gameplay features are presented in gorgeous, next-gen graphics. It features voice acting in English, Japanese, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.
A budding contender to a hunting game titan
The game bears striking similarities to the critically acclaimed Monster Hunter franchise, a heavyweight player in the Japanese monster-hunting subgenre. Both games feature narrative-driven plots that are heavily focused on dynamic combat sequences but differ in terms of the devices utilized and exposition employed. Monster Hunter used a post-apocalyptic approach reflected in the stark remnants of post-industrialized civilization and vividly depicted in its graphics. Wild Hearts, on the other hand, is unique and intricately weaves Japanese folkloric elements into the storyline; a good contender to Monster Hunter.
The game’s special distinction from other hunting titles is highlighted by the use of Karakuri—the player’s main arsenal against the colossal Kemono beasts. However, this weapon may not be as consistent in destroying the ferocious monsters as one would expect. It is, therefore, imperative for players to perfect the art of defense since relying on Karakuri alone can potentially lead to dissatisfying outcomes. In the difficulty aspect, the game still fails to reach a level comparable to those with Souls-like degrees despite having thrill-loaded sequences.
Is it worth playing?
If you enjoyed the Monster Hunter games, Dauntless, or the God Eater games, you’ll most likely enjoy Wild Hearts. It offers the same action-packed gameplay that pits you against humongous creatures that have special abilities. However, this game spices things up with its interesting crafting system that greatly expands opportunities in combat. The only downside with this game is the limit of three players in co-op.
