Wild Hearts S Shines on Nintendo Switch 2: An Addictive Action RPG Worth Discovering

Wild Hearts S Shines on Nintendo Switch 2: An Addictive Action RPG Worth Discovering Wild Hearts S, developed by Omega Force and published by Electronic Arts, has found a new home on Nintendo Switch 2, surprising many with its engaging gameplay and innovative mechanics.

Released alongside the latest generation Nintendo hardware, the game pays homage to the monster-hunting subgenre, borrowing inspiration from Capcom's Monster Hunter while carving out its own distinct identity.

Originally launched in 2023 on other platforms, the title's arrival on Switch 2 offers an accessible and rewarding experience for both newcomers and seasoned fans of action RPGs. Stepping into the world of Azuma, players are tasked with crafting and customizing their own hunters to battle against the Kemono: colossal beasts that blend animal forms with elements of nature.

The setting, heavily inspired by feudal Japan, serves as a striking backdrop, featuring sprawling landscapes and intricately designed hubs like the cliffside town of Minato.

While the narrative centers on vanquishing the Kemono threat and protecting the local population, engaging with town NPCs and participating in side quests elevates the sense of immersion and community. One feature that distinguishes Wild Hearts S is its innovative Karakuri technology.

Players can construct a variety of strategic devices mid-combat, including barriers to stun monsters or catapults to launch themselves for aerial attacks.

This mechanic breathes freshness into encounters, rewarding experimentation and creative problem-solving.

According to those familiar with the game, using Karakuri devices adds a layer of satisfaction to every triumphant hunt: "Employing the unique tech turns the tide of battle and makes every victory feel truly earned." The game's core combat remains approachable without sacrificing depth.

While advanced weapon combinations offer powerful options, their execution can require precise timing, reminiscent of cinematic platformers where animation locks impact player input.

Despite this, Wild Hearts S impresses with intuitive controls, and the terrain plays a meaningful role in strategy—combat often shifts as monsters retreat or regroup, challenging players to adapt to environments from narrow towns to open fields.

Strategic campsite placements minimize downtime between skirmishes and help maintain a brisk gameplay pace. Multiplayer in Wild Hearts S supports up to four players online via Nintendo Switch 2, though local cooperative play requires multiple systems, which may be a limitation for some fans.

Nevertheless, solo or alternating play remains enjoyable, as evidenced by the ease with which new players can pick up the game and make measurable progress against even intimidating foes. Visually, Wild Hearts S delivers an experience that mostly impresses on Switch 2 hardware, although some character presentations and occasional performance dips are noticeable, especially in handheld mode.

Still, the game's lush environments and impactful monster designs shine, helping to offset technical inconsistencies.

Voice acting in Minato varies, but at its best, it enhances the emotional resonance of the story and provides moments of levity between intense battles. While player character progression primarily focuses on weapon and armor upgrades—typical for the genre—side content and questing provide incentives to continue exploring Azuma and bolster the longevity of the title.

Wild Hearts S may have had a modest start on other systems, but its accessible learning curve and satisfying gameplay loop are poised to attract a broader Switch audience. Wild Hearts S stands out as a rewarding action RPG on Nintendo Switch 2, boasting intuitive mechanics, innovative features like Karakuri tech, and memorable monster encounters.

For those seeking a fresh take on cooperative monster hunting, it's a surprising standout and a worthy addition to the Switch 2 library.

Try the demo to experience its depth firsthand—many players may find it difficult to put down, just as this reviewer did.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Xbox Series X|S Wild Hearts S S Karakuri Wild Hearts Omega Force Electronic Arts Monster Hunter Azuma Minato Capcom