In recent weeks, my journey with Wild Hearts has unfolded, revealing a title that, despite its rocky start, holds a wealth of potential. Developed by Koei Tecmo’s Omega Force, known for their work on the Warriors series, and published by EA, this game entered the arena in February 2023, aiming to carve out its niche alongside the formidable Monster Hunter franchise. However, its launch was marred by performance issues that overshadowed even the initial struggles faced by Monster Hunter Wilds. Now, three years later, I find myself revisiting this title, and while I can recommend it to dedicated hunting enthusiasts, it’s hard not to feel a sense of melancholy regarding its seemingly neglected fate.
Innovative Mechanics and Engaging Combat
Wild Hearts introduces a variety of intriguing concepts, particularly in its weaponry. While the weapons may be less complex than those found in Monster Hunter, they offer unique mechanics that enhance gameplay. For instance, the hammer can extend in length with well-timed button presses during combos, creating a dynamic combat experience. The claw blade allows players to latch onto targets with a grappling line, enabling aerial maneuvers that deliver a flurry of strikes reminiscent of a Super Saiyan in action. The Karakuri Staff, with its ability to transform into various forms—including a bo staff, a throwing weapon, and an oversized great sword—adds another layer of depth to combat that is both exciting and challenging to master.
Central to the gameplay is the innovative Karakuri system, which grants players control over ancient technology. This feature allows hunters to summon structures at will, reminiscent of a blend of traditional gameplay and modern mechanics. Players can conjure a heli-glider to traverse the map with ease or create barriers to block enemy charges. The ability to deploy ziplines enhances mobility, transforming tedious climbs into swift ascents. Mastering the strategic use of these tools is crucial, especially when facing the fast-paced roster of monsters in Wild Hearts.
Captivating Creature Designs
While the weapons and mechanics are impressive, it is the creatures of Wild Hearts that truly captivate. The game showcases stunning fantasy designs that often merge animalistic traits with elements of nature in fascinating ways. Take the Sporetail, for example—a massive rat that serves as a host for a vibrant fungus. Then there’s the Gritdog, a beaver-like creature that employs a belly drum to create a vortex of suction, drawing players into its grasp. The humor of encountering a giant, colorful cockerel dubbed the ‘Dreadclaw’ quickly dissipates when faced with its relentless slide tackles, a testament to the creativity behind the monster designs.
Upon its release, the game received a lukewarm reception, with a score of 7/10 attributed to persistent technical issues that hindered its potential. Fast forward to July 2025, when Wild Hearts made its debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, sparking hope for renewed attention on additional platforms. Unfortunately, the performance still leaves much to be desired, particularly given the game’s emphasis on fluid movement. Currently, only 55% of players on Steam have rated it positively, reflecting ongoing frustrations.
Despite these challenges, I believe Wild Hearts deserves a better fate. However, recommending it remains difficult when performance issues persist and there seems to be little intention from developers to address them. For those who have access to EA Play or Game Pass, or can snag it during one of its frequent sales—often reaching up to 90% off—there is much to appreciate. Ultimately, I can’t help but wish that Wild Hearts had been afforded the opportunity to flourish rather than being relegated to the realm of performance-related disappointments.
