Monster Hunter Wilds Review: A New Frontier for the Series

Image credits: DCapcom

Monster Hunter Wilds is the latest installment in the beloved series, and it's clear that Capcom has made a concerted effort to welcome new players into the fold. The game's campaign is more engaging than ever, with a cast of likeable characters and a story that's actually worth paying attention to. The approachability of the game is also evident in its streamlined systems, which make it easier for new players to jump in and start hunting monsters without feeling overwhelmed.

The game's combat is also more flexible and forgiving than ever, with a new Focus Mode that makes it easier to target specific parts of a monster. The Wound system, which allows players to deal more damage to weakened areas, adds a new layer of strategy to the game. However, some players may find that the game is too easy, even on the highest difficulty settings. The lack of challenge may be a turn-off for veteran players who are used to the series' trademark difficulty. Despite this, the game's customization options are more extensive than ever, with a wide range of armor sets, weapons, and decorations to collect and craft.

The game's world is also more seamless than ever, with no loading screens between the base camp and the open world. This makes it feel like you're truly part of the ecosystem, and the game's cooperative play features make it easy to team up with friends and take down monsters together. The game's director, Yuya Tokuda, has stated that co-op is "really the heart of the series and at the core of its DNA," and it's clear that this has been a focus for the development team.

One of the most impressive aspects of Monster Hunter Wilds is its ability to balance accessibility with depth. The game's systems are easy to learn, but difficult to master, making it a great choice for both new and veteran players. The game's approachability is also evident in its tutorials and guidance systems, which help new players learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. However, some players may find that the game's lack of challenge and limited endgame content may make it feel a bit shallow compared to other games in the series.

Overall, Monster Hunter Wilds is a great addition to the series, and a must-play for fans of action RPGs. With its engaging campaign, flexible combat, and extensive customization options, it's a game that's sure to please both new and veteran players. While it may not be the most challenging game in the series, its approachability and cooperative play features make it a great choice for players who want to team up with friends and take down monsters together. As the series continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Capcom balances the needs of new and veteran players, and how the game's customization options and cooperative play features continue to shape the series.