Wild Hearts S Reviews
Look forward to nice quality-of-life changes in this Nintendo Switch 2 port of Wild Hearts.
Wild Hearts S achieves its primary goal: bringing a solid and distinctive hunting experience to the Nintendo Switch 2. It's not the best way to play Wild Hearts, but it's a competent port that understands its limitations and works within them.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
While the ‘S’ version doesn’t offer enough to bring back returning players, it still delivers a compelling monster-hunting experience for newcomers.
2 1/2 years after its original launch, Wild Hearts has found a second life on Nintendo Switch 2
Perhaps my biggest takeaway from Wild Hearts S is that I didn't once find myself lamenting Monster Hunter. Wild Hearts was perhaps a risky endeavour but it's one that's paid off with impressive results. While genre newcomers can treat the land of Azuma as a gateway to monster hunting, long-standing genre fans will find plenty here to keep them happy until the next Monster Hunter adventure arrives. Best of all, this game is a fun experience on the Nintendo Switch 2, even with some of the graphical slowdown – it's portable monster hunter killer.
If you once gave up on Wild Hearts but now own a Switch 2, Wild Hearts S might be worth a try. With significantly improved optimization, a new 4-player co-op mode, and still-solid hunting gameplay, it's a decent way for co-op fans to get through a content drought.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
The issues with Wild Hearts S are minor enough that I’ve been more than willing to put up with them to enjoy the greater context. This is an excellent take on the Monster Hunter formula with stunning production values, an excellent and challenging range of monsters to track down, and, ultimately, a satisfying world to inhabit. It’s just incredible to now also have it in a portable format.
Wild Hearts S' deft art direction carries it through the down-porting process onto lower spec hardware. Despite some minor complaints, the main game offers a robust 30-40 hours of content, with seamless four-player co-op adding replayability. Hunting with friends is always fun, as coordinating Karakuri setups and weapon synergies elevates the chaos to new heights and offers a lot of bang for one's buck.
"Ambitious but technically flawed" Wild Hearts S proves itself a solid portable alternative to the big-budget hunting games, thanks to its unique Karakuri system, weapon variety, and rich seasonal environments. However, graphical sacrifices and unstable performance prevent it from being the perfect version. Despite the technical flaws, the game offers a deep and satisfying hunting experience, especially for those looking for a systematic challenge and a team-based experience on the Switch 2.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Even if it doesn’t perform perfectly, and even if it’s not all that different from the original game just because it has an “S” in its name, we’re still talking about a game that’s taken the Monster Hunter formula and added enough wrinkles here and there that it’s more than just a clone. It makes for a fine time if you want to take down some monsters, either solo or with up to three Switch 2-owning friends, and all things considered, that’s a perfectly fine thing for a game to be.
Wild Hearts S is a testament to the Nintendo Switch 2 potential, as it runs well enough in handheld mode despite releasing so early in the console life cycle, especially for a third party title. It can't be considered a threat to Monster Hunter's throne in this genre, but it certainly could be a good choice for those who prefer handheld gaming, especially if they haven't played it on other platforms.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Wild Hearts S serves as a good option for those waiting for a new Monster Hunter experience on the Switch 2. It offers similar gameplay, but manages to stand out with its own identity by mixing elements of crafting, with several ways to have fun with the hunts presented. It is worth noting, however, that issues like performance, questionable graphics, and the limited player base due to the lack of crossplay are obstacles that prevent this version from reaching its full potential.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Wild Hearts S is a strategic hunting game in which you beat huge samples with self -built traps and constructions. Play solo or with 4 players and develop unique weapons and Gear. Ideal for those who love action, cooperation and smart gameplay on the Switch 2.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Wild Hearts S surprised me. It took a formula I’d grown to believe wasn’t for me and gave it enough personality and ingenuity to pull me back in. From the creative monster designs to the satisfying Karakuri building system, it delivers a hunting experience that feels purposeful, epic, and endlessly replayable. If you’re looking for your next big gaming project you can jump in and out of the give it a go. A free demo is also available on the eShop and progress transfers to the full game.
"Give a second chance for some carpentery and monster hunting."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
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.