Koei Tecmo and EA Origins (NOT EA) have shown off the upcoming hunting game, Wild Hearts, today. After watching this video a few times, it’s safe to say that Wild Hearts is KT’s spin on Monster Hunter, but another monster hunting title that Omega Force once adored, Toukiden. I’m sure that’s a name many haven’t heard in a long time.
For those who’ve not heard of Toukiden, it’s a monster hunting game based in Japan and full of Japanese Folklore before Monster Hunter Rise was even a thing. It was a fantastic series created when Koei Tecmo decided to develop its own monster hunter game, but in a slightly different direction than Capcom. It’s actually available on Steam, and I think you can still play it on the PS4.
Similar to Monster Hunter and Toukiden, players will utilize several weapons, such as the bow and katana that transformed into a whip-type weapon. A building aspect is also involved, as players will use some sort of technology that will act as additional forms of damaging creatures. Players can play solo or join a coop session with two other players.
WILD HEARTS takes place in Azuma, a fantasy landscape inspired by feudal Japan, that is now rampaged by the once peaceful Kemono – altering their environment at the cost of citizens’ lives. The Kemono range from plant-infused squirrels to the massive Kingtusk wild boar. After a dreadful fight with the winter wolf Deathstalker, players become bearers of a life-sustaining technology and are compelled to restore balance across the region.
In WILD HEARTS, players journey through Azuma as a lone wolf or pack-hunt with up to two friends thanks to the game’s co-op and crossplay features across all platforms. Players can expand their battle plans and go on special missions while pack hunting, join other hunters in the world or take on Kemono on their own. The game will feature voice overs in English, Japanese, French, Italian, German and Spanish.
Speaking of monsters, they look to be based on Japanese mythology, as we’ve seen a wolf-like beast it was pulled from KT’s Nioh series.
Master ancient tech to hunt down giant beasts. WILD HEARTS™ is a unique twist on the hunting genre where technology gives you a fighting chance against fearsome beasts infused with the ferocious power of nature itself. Take on these creatures alone or hunt with friends in seamless co-op.
Overall, this looks interesting, and it feels like Omega Force is returning to its roots. I can’t wait to see more! I expect to see more Japanese Folklore based creatures as KT and EA reveal more of the game.
However, what is bugging me is that I’m hoping EA does force KT to add tons of MTX to the game. Sure, skins and cosmetics are cool, but they must stop there. Sure, it’s way too early to assume anything, but I’m just pointing out the obvious.
Wild Hearts will be released on February 17, 2023, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam / EGS), with an extended look of the game coming on October 5th, 2022.
