TGS 2024 | "Monster Hunter Wilds"
Sound the horn, and get your Palico ready! In just a few months, the hunt will commence once more with Monster Hunter Wilds! At Tokyo Game Show’s PlayStation area, the buzz was hot revolving around Capcom’s next behemoth buster. After playing this year’s demo, it was easy to see why Monster Hunter Wilds will be the most challenging and gorgeous in the franchise’s history.
I was given thirty minutes to take on the Doshaguma Quest, and then continue on with free-roaming mode. Those who have played past Monster Hunter games will know that 30 minutes isn’t a lot of time at all when dealing with these creatures! After choosing my outfit and weapon, I set off to take on the head of the Doshaguma pack. Naturally, I did the dumbest thing possible: attack before separating the pack. Quickly, I paid for that error, as I was knocked senseless by the behemoths.
Learning from my mistake, I next distracted the head Doshaguma away from his comrades. Once they were far-enough away, the hacking and slashing could begin! For the next twenty minutes, I was in constant combat with the massive beast! Chopping, blocking, evading, and refueling nonstop, my Palico and I fought the Doshaguma with all that we had! Using focus mode, I quickly saw where the beast’s weak points were, and proceeded to hit those areas with as much might as I could!
The more I injured it, the more the Doshaguma attempted to run away. Even when nearing death, it was fast, requiring me to call my Seikret every time to follow the beast. I got very close to defeating the Doshaguma, and right as soon as it seemed like I was about to deliver the final blow…the 30 minutes were up! Never did I feel more frustrated while playing a game here at Tokyo Game Show!
One of the cool things about the demo was seeing how the terrains affect your fights. Throughout the Doshaguma battle, the seasons changed from super hot to wicked snowy. Watching how it affected my hunter, it was clear that what you wear in certain conditions will affect your fighting style. Although he was prepared for the cold weather, once it turned hot, I noticed he became slightly sluggish. As such, one will need to prep their armor appropriately when the hunt is on.
Thus far, Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be another stellar chapter in its series. The beasts are tough and vile, yet simply a marvel to look at. On top of that, the gameplay itself was just as challenging-yet-rewarding as the previous Monster Hunter World. If you are a fan of this series, then you will have no problem falling in love with what Monster Hunter Wilds will be offering. But if you’re new to the franchise, I suggest finding a friend who can guide you through its tough terrains.
Monster Hunter Wilds arrives on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X on February 28, 2025.