Monster Hunter has always had a cinematic quality to it, not in terms of big-budget cutscenes, but in the spectacle woven into its world. The thrill of witnessing two titanic beasts battling each other is unmatched, akin to a kaiju showdown unfolding before your eyes.
With the upcoming release of Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom is taking this cinematic experience to new heights. In a 90-minute demo, I delved into the first two missions of this action RPG, where a greater focus on captivating cutscenes and cinematic moments elevated the gameplay. This sequel is set to unlock Monster Hunter’s blockbuster potential.
Enhanced Cinematics
Upon starting the demo, I found myself sailing on a sea of sand with a diverse group of characters. The narrative led to a confrontation with the fearsome White Wraithe, showcasing an action-packed sequence reminiscent of a scene from Dune. The protagonist’s daring leap from the ship onto a Seikret was just the beginning of an exhilarating chase through a desert besieged by sandworms.
As I engaged with the game, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the 2020 film adaptation of Monster Hunter, particularly in the desert setting. However, unlike the movie, Wilds immerses players in familiar hunting grounds, sending them on thrilling quests against formidable creatures like the Chatacbra.
Despite the grander scale of Monster Hunter Wilds, the core gameplay remains loyal to the series’ essence of battling colossal monsters. Each encounter is a test of skill and strategy, with beasts serving as formidable adversaries that require deliberate tactics to defeat.
In the second quest, I embarked on a hunt for the furry Alpha Doshaguma, showcasing the dynamic combat and innovative gameplay elements that Wilds introduces. The seamless integration of cinematic moments, like battling amidst a raging lightning storm, added an extra layer of intensity to the gameplay.
Exploring the open world of Monster Hunter Wilds
Advanced Hunting
While some may expect Wilds to offer a more accessible gameplay loop compared to its predecessors, the game takes a different approach by challenging players with intricate systems and deep mechanics. This hardcore experience caters to veteran Monster Hunter players, requiring quick adaptation and mastery of diverse weapons.
Despite the initial learning curve, players can experiment with dual-wielding weapons and seamlessly switch between different loadouts, adding depth to combat encounters. Each weapon type offers a unique playstyle, from the methodical strikes of great swords to the swift attacks of dual blades.
While combat mechanics stay true to the deliberate pace of Monster Hunter, Wilds introduces a more cinematic and open-world approach, allowing for seamless exploration and uninterrupted gameplay flow. These refinements aim to make the game more engaging for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
As I look forward to delving deeper into the game and uncovering its intricacies, Monster Hunter Wilds promises an exhilarating journey filled with adrenaline-pumping moments that encapsulate the essence of the series. With its blend of high-octane action and captivating visuals, this sequel has the potential to become one of the standout titles of 2025.
Monster Hunter Wilds is slated for release in 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
