Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest installment in the beloved monster-slaying franchise, roars to life with stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and a surprisingly captivating story. While it retains some of the series’ quirks that might initially intimidate newcomers, Wilds emerges as the most welcoming entry point yet, offering a thrilling and rewarding experience for both seasoned hunters and aspiring adventurers.
Great for solo players
One of Wilds’ greatest strengths lies in its accessibility. While the core gameplay loop of hunting, crafting, and upgrading remains, subtle changes have made the initial hours far less daunting. The excellent AI partners are a game-changer, particularly for solo players. These companions aren’t just mindless drones; they actively participate in hunts, providing support, drawing aggro, and even offering strategic advice. This makes solo hunts feel less like a lonely grind and more like a collaborative effort, ensuring that even those without a regular hunting party can enjoy the full experience.
Why are they sticking with the UI…
However, even with these efforts to broaden its appeal, Monster Hunter’s notorious UI remains a significant hurdle. Navigating menus, deciphering obscure icons, and understanding the intricacies of crafting are still unnecessarily complex. It’s a persistent problem that plagues the series, and sadly, Wilds doesn’t offer a solution. While experienced players may have grown accustomed to its eccentricities, newcomers will likely find themselves frustrated by the antiquated and unintuitive design.
Despite these UI woes, Monster Hunter Wilds truly shines with its expansive and breathtaking open world. Unlike previous entries with segmented maps, Wilds embraces a seamless open world, allowing players to freely explore diverse biomes teeming with life. From arid deserts and lush jungles to snow-capped mountains, each area is meticulously crafted and visually stunning. The dynamic weather and environmental effects further enhance the immersion, making each hunt feel unique and unpredictable.
A narrative which sticks the landing at times
Monster Hunter Wilds also distinguishes itself with its surprisingly compelling narrative. While past titles have often relegated the story to a background element, Wilds boasts a more fleshed-out plot with memorable characters and genuinely engaging cutscenes. The action sequences are breathtaking, and certain story beats offer emotional resonance. While the plot might not be the game’s primary focus, it adds a welcome layer of depth and context to the monster-hunting experience.
The characters, both main and supporting, are arguably the best in the series. Your companions are well-developed individuals with distinct personalities and motivations, adding a layer of camaraderie and investment to the journey. Even the side characters, with their quirky dialogue and occasional appearances, contribute to the game’s overall charm.
As with all Monster Hunter games, the true heart of Wilds lies in the post-game content. Once the credits roll, the game truly opens up, revealing new challenges, tougher monsters, and even more powerful gear to craft. The endgame grind is incredibly rewarding, offering a constant sense of progression and accomplishment as you hone your skills and build ever-more-powerful equipment. The cycle of hunting, crafting, and upgrading feels more refined and engaging than ever before, making it easy to lose countless hours in pursuit of the perfect build.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Monster Hunter Wilds is a fascinating anomaly in the modern gaming landscape. While it attempts to be more accessible and welcoming to newcomers, the series’ inherent complexity and the baffling UI still present a significant hurdle. However, for those willing to overcome this initial challenge, Monster Hunter Wilds offers an exceptional and rewarding experience. The stunning open world, engaging combat, compelling story, and great characters make it a truly unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for a game that will challenge you, reward your dedication, and immerse you in a world of epic monster hunts, then Monster Hunter Wilds is definitely worth taking the plunge. Just be prepared to spend some time wrestling with those menus!
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