So, here I am, two months in with the Nintendo Switch 2, and my gaming library’s growing faster than my houseplants in spring. I swear, I mostly see it as my go-to for Nintendo exclusives. Maybe I’m biased – probably. But here’s the thing, the newness of it all just begs me to dust off those games I missed the first time around, you know? Like Wild Hearts S, Koei Tecmo’s beast of a hunter game from 2023, but now all freshened up for the Switch 2. (Picked it up on a whim, because why not?)
Anyway, Wild Hearts S – imagine it as the Switch 2’s postcard. It’s shouting to the world about what it can do with third-party games. Like, could you even play Cyberpunk 2077 on the old Switch without your console exploding? (Kidding! But really, it couldn’t handle it.) Now, Wild Hearts S, it’s not exactly PS5-level graphics. But it’s decent. Maybe like, one notch above your Xbox One, if that makes sense? Still, even if it lacks in high-def polish or gets all wonky with framerate when the heat’s on, there’s something here if you’re more of a “give me epic battles over fancy pixels” kind of gamer. Whatever floats your boat, right?
Ah, kemono hunting! That’s the heart of it, like the original game. You’re out there, in this beautifully rendered world adding critters to your trophies… or notches on a belt? Dunno, just sounds cool. Small ones barely give you a scare; big ones, though, bring the real thrill. These beasties are like Mother Nature’s fever dream – a rabbit sporting vines, or a boar that’d rather slap you than look pretty. Seriously, the creature designs will either mesmerize you or haunt your dreams. I mean, I actually had to apologize to this turtle-kemono for bopping it unprompted. Should’ve tried petting it instead – hindsight’s 20/20, right?
The kemono, they’re this wild mix of jaw-dropping and terrifying. You’re hunting them, so of course they fight back. There was this boar boss (I’m so bad with names, don’t judge), and you barely get a moment to appreciate its design before it’s trying to flatten you. Respect.
And those hunts! You’re sneaking around trying to find these massive fellas, setting up towers to track them down. The magical karakuri – they’re these cool wooden whatsits that help out with fighting or exploring. Hunt more, unlock more. Just the other day, I figured out how to stack up six crates to make a defensive wall. Felt like a genius, for five whole minutes.
Talking about epic face-offs, those kemono battles? Man, they’re intense. Not only are you testing your endurance and skills – the whole atmosphere shifts from day to dusk, then night. It’s like time stands still. Nope, wait, time doesn’t stand still. Haha, it flies when you’re fighting a Kingtusk. A whole in-game day passes, feels more like hours in the real world. No complaints here!
Had this wild moment with a Lavaback, a real powerhouse of a foe. Love it when games have creatures battling each other; gives them that ‘I’m living in this world’ vibe. Watching it swing a Spineglider around was a sight to behold. Just took down a Spineglider myself and now this? Seriously, game – challenge accepted!
Okay, not everything’s peachy, there’s that camera jank. Fights with these massive kemono? Sometimes it’s like dancing with giants in a FromSoftware game. Camera phases right through, showing you the insides. Real personal welcome to the kemono’s world. And cliffs? Ha, don’t get me started. One second you’re fine, next the camera’s more interested in showing off a kemono’s backside than what you need to see. But hey, that’s gaming life, right?
Despite the hiccups, Wild Hearts S has been a blast and a solid addition to the Switch 2’s library. Graphics might not win awards, but it’s handheld, so who really cares? Chasing down mythical beasts gives this addictive energy that leaves me wanting more. Looking forward to more monster-slaying on the go. Because that’s the life, I guess.
