Monster Hunter Wilds: A Spectacular Return

Monster Hunter Wilds builds upon its predecessor, with encounters that feel grander and more epic than ever.

Shortly after delving into the world of Monster Hunter Wilds, I engaged in a battle with a colossal arachnid in blood-red waters. I narrowly evaded a swirling dragon in a desert tempest, dodging fierce lightning strikes that shook the earth beneath me. I clashed with burrowing sandworms, massive primates, and a venomous insect capable of self-inflation to set off explosive chains of blasts beneath the ground. Each confrontation was formidable, intensifying with every progression in my journey.

The Allure of Spectacle

What truly sets Wilds apart is its emphasis on breathtaking visuals. Serving as the sequel to Monster Hunter World, which revolutionized the franchise with an expansive open environment, Wilds elevates this concept, showcasing even grander battles. Avoiding unnecessary reinventions, Wilds doubles down on creating larger-than-life monster hunts.

In the Monster Hunter series, the gameplay revolves around a distinct cycle. Hunters meticulously arrange their equipment, study their quarry, and engage in protracted battles to gradually deplete the health of massive creatures. Upon defeating them, players harvest resources from the fallen beasts to forge stronger armor, readying themselves for the next hunt. All the while, they're accompanied by a sizable, chatty feline companion.

A Familiar Structure in an Exotic World

Continuing with this classic model, Wilds relocates to a largely untraveled expanse known as the Forbidden Lands. The storyline, which involves assisting a young boy and tracking a formidable monster called The White Wraith, primarily serves as a backdrop for tackling increasingly formidable hunts in a remarkably varied terrain.

Wilds introduces several new elements. A targeting system allows more precise focus on monster parts, enabling strategic attacks on weaknesses. A secondary weapon can be stored on your mount, enhancing combat options, given the significant role weapons play in shaping gameplay styles. New creatures, items, and settings await, ranging from arid deserts to vibrant jungles brimming with wildlife and an apocalyptic-looking volcanic oil field.

Epic Battles in Cinematic Worlds

The latest iteration distinguishes itself with its enormous, film-like battles. Though large foes have always defined the game, Wilds enhances these encounters with more striking backdrops. Scenes are borrowed from cinematic sequences, offering diverse experiences—be it the horror of a spider attack set against a blood-red backdrop or battling amidst crashing waves and torrential rain. Such scenarios evoke a mix of fear, exhilaration, and excitement.

While refining its contemporary formula without drastic changes, Wilds remains slightly rigid, especially in menu navigation. Accidental item usage, like wielding a grill mid-battle, can happen. Despite this, it stands as the most approachable entry in the series, with seamless area transitions giving it a unified feel.

Enduring the Thrill of the Hunt

Even when compared to its rivals incorporating building mechanics, the exhilaration of hunting in Wilds remains unmatched. Although hunts prove exhausting, demanding precise controls that test players physically, they also deliver unparalleled satisfaction. The elation from successfully toppling a massive creature is a sensation few other experiences can mimic. Wilds amplifies this emotion, offering an even more substantial adventure.