Wild Hearts S Nintendo Switch 2 Review: Omega Force’s Monster-Hunting Epic Faces New Challenges on the Next-Gen Hybrid

Wild Hearts S on Nintendo Switch 2: Review of Koei Tecmo and Omega Force’s Monster-Hunting Evolution Since its original launch in 2023, Wild Hearts has stood apart as a fresh take on the Monster Hunter formula, blending Omega Force’s signature action gameplay with inventive building mechanics called Karakuri.

Developed by Koei Tecmo’s Omega Force and initially published under EA Originals, the game carved a distinct identity among Monster Hunter-likes, driven by a unique cast of monsters (Kemono) and a dynamic weapon arsenal.

Now, in 2024, Wild Hearts S brings this ambitious hunting experience fully self-published by Koei Tecmo to the Nintendo Switch 2—a platform where third-party action RPGs are often sorely tested. Wild Hearts S retains the core appeal of the original: you’ll team up (now with up to four players online, improved from the original’s three-player limit) to face massive Kemono, gathering resources to craft better gear and tackle more fearsome challenges.

The Karakuri system isn’t just a gimmick; it defines the fast-paced, reactive combat, giving players tools like the Spring for agile dodges and the Torch to imbue attacks with fire.

Exploration, too, is meaningful—a network of Dragon Pits unlocks resources, while customizable tents turn the sprawling maps into personal hunting grounds.

As you traverse these landscapes, bespoke traversal elements like the Flying Vine add mobility that distinguishes Wild Hearts S from its competition. Despite its innovative design, Wild Hearts S’s technical performance on the Nintendo Switch 2 remains mixed.

In the city hub of Minato, performance dips are common—an issue mirrored in the game’s PS5 and Xbox Series X versions, where large numbers of NPCs and detailed environments strain the hardware.

The demanding nature of the game engine is further exposed in handheld mode, where busy hunts, especially in four-player co-op, can bring frame rates below 30fps.

While the docked experience typically provides a smoother adventure (with frame rates occasionally reaching 60fps but still variable), handheld players may encounter more consistently jarring dips, tempered only slightly by the well-implemented HD Rumble support.

Load times, at least, are impressively swift on the new hardware. Visually, Wild Hearts S takes clear cutbacks to remain playable on Switch 2, with noticeable sharpening and lower asset quality.

Yet, the game’s core artistry, impressive monster design, and the outstanding soundtrack by Masashi Hamauzu survive the transition mostly intact.

With all prior content updates and Deluxe (Karakuri Edition) cosmetics included at launch—and at a lower price point—there’s major value for those new to the franchise.

However, there’s no additional new content or exclusive monsters introduced in this version. Crucially, Wild Hearts S offers a substantial demo with save data carryover, allowing players to test performance for themselves before committing.

This consumer-friendly approach is particularly valuable given the game’s hardware demands.

Online co-op is further reinforced, drawing in series veterans and newcomers alike, though the lack of seamless story progression for full parties remains notable. In summary, Wild Hearts S successfully brings Koei Tecmo’s ambitious monster-hunting vision to a new audience on Nintendo Switch 2, combining signature Karakuri mechanics and improved online functionality in a package rich with content.

Persistent performance and visual setbacks—especially in handheld play—temper its potential, but upcoming optimization patches could refine the experience.

As it stands, Wild Hearts S is a compelling, content-packed, and innovative action RPG, best enjoyed docked and with a party of friends ready for epic co-op hunts. Score: 7/10 Version Tested: Nintendo Switch 2 (Review copy provided by Koei Tecmo)

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