Wild Hearts S

Even though it may not be as polished as Monster Hunter, Wild Hearts S is an amazing game that tests the true potential of the Nintendo Switch 2. With beautiful, realistic graphics and a more action-oriented approach than Capcom’s counterpart, it offers technical combat, addictive gameplay, and rewarding exploration and progression. Not to mention the incredible online multiplayer mode: easy to jump into and packed with opportunities for fun. Wild Hearts S is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch 2 owner.

Wild Hearts S is a welcome and surprisingly capable port of what I always considered to be a truly fantastic and criminally underappreciated title when it launched a few years ago. EA may have dropped support for Wilds Hearts in a hurry, but I’d absolutely love if Omega Force continued to forge ahead with this IP independently. Azuma ain’t gonna save itself, after all, and it’s far too charming a world to leave to its own devices.

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.

A Monster Hunter "clone" that stands firmly on its own legs, Wild Hearts S delivers a challenging, engaging, and content-rich experience that should appeal to fans of the genre looking for an alternative. Nothing was lost in the transition to Switch 2; if anything, the expanded lobbies are a welcome upgrade, and the technical performance holds up well. It's not all smooth sailing, but as a “first attempt”, Omega Force shows real promise. Let’s just hope Koei Tecmo stays on board, because there’s plenty of potential here for a great series; it just needs a bit more polish.

If you're looking for another type of game where you hunt intimidating monsters, tracking them along a map while you master the mechanics, this might be the game for you. Wild Hearts S is exactly what the original release aspired to be. Mixing and matching mechanics that you would never expect to be combined, wonderful landscapes and a fun gameplay loop. You're rewarded for being creative with your contraption placement. The performance is great in both of the Nintendo Switch 2 methods you choose to play, with the game still being beautiful despite the lighting and asset flaws. Wild Hearts S is the definitive version of the game, with consistent performance and the full package of content. It's most certainly worth playing if you're seeking a challenge alone or with friends.

Wild Hearts S gives Switch 2 owners the chance to play Dynasty Warriors developer Omega Force’s monster-hunting game. It’s far from a perfect port, with a noticeable visual downgrade and choppy performance. But it’s still perfectly playable, and the game’s fantastic Karakuri system and interesting take on weapons and armor sets remain as refreshing today as they did in the original release.

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 if you're a fan or newcomer.

Unplayable and Ugly – A Massive Disappointment Wild Hearts S on the Switch 2 is a disaster. The game comes as a game key card, not a full cartridge – already a red flag. Visually, it's shockingly bad; think Hogwarts Legacy on the original Switch levels of ugly. Blurry textures, flat lighting, and muddy environments ruin any immersion. Worse are the constant frame drops and ridiculous loading times, making combat frustrating and exploration a chore. This feels like a lazy, half-baked port rushed to market. Even the menus stutter. Don't waste your money. If you're expecting a next-gen Monster Hunter. alternative, look elsewhere.

Honestly, Wild Hearts S does nothing to improve upon the original game, and you should stick with Toukiden instead. Read my original Wild Hearts review, and knock a point down for weaker performance.