Or try out a completely different and wild weapon type (like a killer umbrella) while still contributing to the hunt (or doing fine solo). I’d throw Karakuri up just for fun to see what happened. I was also encouraged to go out of my comfort zone constantly. Instant matchmaking options as you enter a hunt are key, as I’d simply press a button and be on my way. You’ll see completely different weapon types, builds, and ways to use Karakuri if you play online. Teamwork really makes Wild Hearts, and feeds into the creative expression I was mentioning earlier. More than any other hunting game I was inspired to play online (which I was able to do even in this pre-release period), and I’m happy to say I had a blast. To expand and conquer you’re encouraged to explore, which will in turn lead you to more materials to create stuff, Tsukumo (cute little robot things that serve as combat companions and a collectible), and more Dragon Karakuri resources. You’ll be forging fast travel tents, upgrade stations, and points of attack, all of which can be enjoyed online with up to two other people. While normal Karakuri are often fleeting, the tier above (Dragon Karakuri) operates more like a base building simulator. The key is that you’re creating your own structures, both permanent and temporary. While the PC version of the game is apparently having some issues with certain rigs, the PS5 edition didn’t give me any major technical trouble to speak of.

One thing I really harped on in the review in progress was how stunning the setting was: and that feeling lingered throughout my entire experience with Wild Hearts.

The flow of the game generally relies on hunting monster after monster (traversing new themed regions, which are like giant sandboxes in a semi-open world format) until the end, but those regions are a blast to walk, zip, and jump through. A few hours in though (or way sooner depending on your pacing), and Azuma is your oyster. The game’s tutorials are thorough, but woven throughout the storyline so that the onboarding isn’t tedious, even upfront. You mainly just need to learn a few terms (Azuma is the game world, Karakuri are basically magic structures/tools, and Kemono are big monsters) and you’re on your way. Wild Hearts doesn’t ask too much of the player outright, and is one of the more accessible hunters I’ve played to date.

Wild at heart game review