I mean, where do I even start with this? The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for a couple months, and honestly, I can’t stop thinking of it as my go-to for all the exclusive Nintendo stuff. You know how it is. But hey, its newness means I’m diving into ports of games I somehow missed before. Wild Hearts S, the Switch 2 version of that monster hunter game from Koei Tecmo, is my latest adventure — and I’m not mad about it.
So, Wild Hearts S kind of flexes what the Switch 2 can do with third-party games. I mean, this thing is running stuff like Cyberpunk 2077, which never could’ve happened on the old Switch. But let’s not lie to ourselves — it’s not looking as shiny as on a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Seriously, it’s more like a steady mid-ground between PS4 and Xbox One. The graphics don’t pop as they should, and the framerate wobbles when things get intense. But if you’re all about the gameplay, there’s lots to dig into.
The game still revolves around hunting these creatures called kemono. Most are small, just wandering about, not really a hassle. The real thrill is tracking down the big ones — huge beasts that are like freaky hybrids of animals and nature. Picture a giant rabbit with vines, or a boar swinging leaves menacingly. Wild, right?
Some kemono designs are awe-inspiring, like this turtle with coral sprouting from its shell. Poor thing never saw me coming! Sorry, turtle. Others, like the boar boss, don’t give you a second to admire them before charging at you. Fair enough — I’m the one hunting them.
So, the hunt is on. You’re scouting places, hunting the big beasts, using these things called karakuri — magical, wooden constructs. They’re super handy for both exploration and battles. Like, who knew stacking six crates makes a wall that a giant boar can’t charge through? Wild Hearts S really makes you work for it, unlocking new karakuri as you go, with options like swinging hammers and, get this, gliders that release healing mist.
Now, battles with kemono are epic. You find one, throw all your karakuri into action, and it’s go time. These fights last forever, like your 20-minute fight under the sky that magically turns to stars, hinting at hours passing. Just one of those small touches that makes the game feel real.
And oh boy, meeting a Lavaback for the first time — it was a trip. It picks up a Spineglider and uses it like a toy. Imagine Hulk tossing Loki around. I was just glad it wasn’t me! But seriously, seeing enemy creatures interact like that adds so much life and danger to the game.
Not gonna lie, the game has a few kinks. The camera sometimes loses its mind, especially when a giant kemono is doing its thing. Picture fighting a monster but getting a tour of its insides because the camera says, “Why not?” Plus, get too close to a cliff, and you might as well say goodbye because you’re not seeing much else before getting trampled.
Despite the hiccups, Wild Hearts S is a blast on the Switch 2. Sure, it’s not the next-gen looker, but does it matter on a handheld? I’m all about tracking these beasties down on my commute, camera chaos and all. Can’t wait for more of these epic hunts.
