Wild Hearts S Reviews
Wild Hearts S successfully ports the 2023 hunting game to Switch 2 with expanded 4-player co-op and all post-launch content included. The unique Karakuri building system sets it apart from Monster Hunter, letting you construct traps and platforms mid-battle. While performance issues and the lack of cross-play raise concerns about longevity, it's currently the best monster hunting option on Nintendo's new hardware.
Wild Hearts S is currently filling an important gap on the Switch 2, as it is the go-to monster hunting multiplayer game on the system.
Wild Hearts S is a title that definitely has its merits, offering a straightforward hunting experience suitable for new players, but it absolutely needs to drop the Katana Engine once and for all in order to make the leap it truly deserves.
Review in Italian | Read full review
I have a soft spot for Wild Hearts. It’s a solid monster hunting game that has enough unique mechanics to stand out and deliver something a little unique. However, at the same time, it doesn’t go far enough. Wild Hearts S is an attempt to bring some attention back to the game, but it doesn’t do much to do so. I do hope we see some more from Wild Hearts, though, because there’s a lot of potential here.
WILD HEARTS S delivers a satisfying fusion of feral fantasy and steampunk survival, leaning hard into monster hunting without losing sight of exploration and player empowerment. Accessibility tweaks, generous multiplayer support, and inventive combat elevate the experience, even if it takes time to fully click. It’s layered, demanding, and rewarding, especially for those willing to stick through the slower ramp-up and complex systems. With its bombastic boss battles, strategic build tools, and deep upgrade paths, WILD HEARTS S stands strong as a bold evolution of the hunting genre.
Wild Hearts S offers enjoyable gameplay reminiscent of its 2023 release on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. The co-op mode during battles significantly enhances the experience. However, Wild Hearts S missed the chance to take advantage of the newly released console, making it feel like a rushed port for the Switch 2.
The game sometimes feels a bit overambitious. It's playable, especially in docked mode, but don't expect an extremely smooth experience. Visually, it can't hold a candle to other titles on the system, despite the stylish art style. Nevertheless, Wild Hearts S is a game that deserves to be played. Not because it's perfect, but because it dares to do something new in a genre that has remained fairly traditional for years. It combines the adrenaline of monster combat with the creativity of building, and it does it surprisingly well. If the technical side had received a bit more attention, this would have been a true must-have. For now, it's recommended, with one (small) caveat.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Wild Hearts S is a great “could be”, a product that wasn't and unfortunately, from the looks of it, won't be. Although it's fun, it lacks a lot to really become a viable product, something worth defending and continuing. Its release on the Nintendo Switch 2, more than anything, only emphasizes how sad it is that a game full of potential has wasted yet another chance to shine as it could.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Wild Hearts S is the Switch 2 version of the original and is a solid monster-hunting game with a strong identity, thanks to its Karakuri building system. But a shaky camera, finicky combat, and a paper-thin story weigh it down. As a port, it brings little new to the table—so unless you’re a first-time player or a handheld-focused hunter, it’s hard to recommend a second purchase.
WILD HEARTS S isn't a new game; it's an update that was carefully thought out. It gives one of the best action games of 2023 a new home on the Nintendo Switch 2. The four-player co-op mode improves the main hunting experience by making it easier for teams to work together and making fights more exciting. The Karakuri system is still a great way to mix action, building, and imagination in a way that is both unique and creative.
Wild Hearts S is what the original always wanted to be: a bold, inventive monster-hunting action game with systems that encourage creativity and cooperation.
While Wild Hearts has a compelling visual style, aesthetic, and gameplay concepts, the actual execution of those concepts can be frustrating and make for a mediocre title. Further, the Wild Hearts S port for Nintendo Switch 2, despite its impressive visual quality, features numerous glitches and performance/quality problems that make it a hard game to justify, regardless of whether you're a fan or a newcomer.
Wild Hearts S brings an experience that is shockingly close to the Monster Hunter franchise. I must admit that, I went into this game with somewhat low expectations at first, but I'm happy to report that it met them and perhaps even more. While it is a shame that this version is isolated from the PlayStation and PC releases of the game, I do think it's a game that's quite worth it at the price of 50 US dollars, especially in the current market trend of 70-80 US dollar games.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review