Info about WILD HEARTS™:

Official game description:
Play WILD HEARTS today!
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WILD HEARTS Karakuri Edition includes:  
*   2 full cosmetic armor sets (Karakuri Samurai + Karakuri Ninja)  
*   A Decorative Tsukumo Lantern  
*   3 Emotes (Fighting Spirit, Grovel, Conch)
About the Game
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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.  
No one remembers why the Kemono began their rampage through a once-prosperous Azuma. Fueled by desperation, they wield the power of primal nature at its most destructive. For a while, it seemed that none could stand against their overwhelming might. But hope arrives in the form of a formidable hunter armed with deadly weapons and ancient technology called Karakuri that could turn the tide of battle.  
Developed for this generation of platforms by Omega Force, the Japanese studio behind the DYNASTY WARRIORS franchise, WILD HEARTS™ takes you on an epic adventure set in a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan.

Release date: 16 Feb, 2023

Categories: Monster Hunting, Cooperative Multiplayer, Single-player, Base Building, Crafting, Real-time Combat, Character Progression


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Enjoyable core gameplay experience (weight 0.61): The game delivers enjoyable combat, satisfying progression, and appealing visuals. Many reviewers found the gameplay loop addictive, praising the weapon variety, monster designs, and overall aesthetic. These elements contribute to a positive and engaging experience.
- Innovative Karakuri building system (weight 0.44): The Karakuri system allows players to construct various structures for combat and traversal. This mechanic is praised for adding depth, versatility, and a unique strategic element to hunts, differentiating the game from others in the genre.
- Challenging and unique monster designs (weight 0.2): The game features well-designed and challenging monsters inspired by Asian folklore. These creatures have unique abilities and can transform the environment during battle, creating visually impressive and strategic combat experiences.
- Unique and varied weapon designs (weight 0.19): The game features a diverse array of weapons inspired by Japanese folklore, each offering unique combat styles and upgrade paths. Reviewers appreciate the weapon customization system and the ability to experiment with different skills and playstyles.
- Beautiful maps, customizable traversal (weight 0.14): The game features beautifully designed maps with vibrant colors and variations, encouraging exploration. Players can customize these maps by building camps and ziplines, creating fast travel points and shortcuts.
- Seamless and accessible multiplayer (weight 0.12): The game offers seamless cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to easily join and play with friends. Cross-play functionality is a major plus, enabling players on different platforms to hunt together.
- High-quality music and voice acting (weight 0.07): The game features a high-quality soundtrack and voice acting that enhances the overall experience. Many reviewers consider the music to be a masterpiece, perfectly fitting the battles and adding to the game's atmosphere.
- Competent story, likeable characters (weight 0.06): The game features a competent story with likeable characters, contributing to an entertaining experience. While the story may not be substantial, the NPCs are enjoyable and the overall narrative is engaging.
- Extensive character customization options (weight 0.05): The game offers a wide range of character customization options, allowing players to create unique and appealing characters. The ability to redo character creation mid-game is also a welcome feature.
- Addictive and rewarding progression (weight 0.05): The game becomes increasingly addictive and enjoyable as players progress and unlock more content. The gameplay loop is fun and engaging, encouraging players to continue exploring and mastering the game's mechanics.

Common complaints:
- Severe, unaddressed optimization issues (weight 0.97): The game suffers from severe and persistent optimization issues, leading to low frame rates, stuttering, crashes, and freezes, even on high-end PCs. Many reviewers found the game unplayable, even after attempting various fixes and lowering graphics settings. The issues have persisted since launch and were never adequately addressed by the developers.
- Limited monster variety, unfair attacks (weight 0.39): The game features limited monster variety, with many being reskins of existing monsters. Monster attacks are often frustrating due to large hitboxes, excessive AOE, relentless combos, and high damage output. The camera system also contributes to the difficulty, often clipping through walls and making it hard to track monsters.
- Abandoned; no updates or fixes (weight 0.26): The game was abandoned by the developers and EA shortly after release, with no further updates or bug fixes. This has left the game in an unoptimized and unstable state, with frequent crashes and save data corruption issues. Many reviewers express disappointment and frustration over the lack of support.
- Unpolished, lacks depth and feedback (weight 0.21): The game feels unpolished and lacks depth compared to similar titles like Monster Hunter. Reviewers criticize the clunky combat, poor camera controls, limited weapon combos, and lack of satisfying feedback. The game also suffers from graphical issues and a general lack of polish.
- Karakuri system is clunky (weight 0.15): The Karakuri system, while unique, is often clunky and disrupts combat flow. Building structures can be cumbersome and unreliable, with button presses sometimes not registering. The game also lacks guidance on essential Karakuri techniques, leading to a lack of understanding of the game's mechanics.
- Limited, grindy armor customization (weight 0.12): Armor customization is limited and uninspired, with boring visual designs and a lack of build diversity. The game also requires excessive grinding for materials, especially for cosmetic items. The endgame content is thin and repetitive, primarily consisting of monster hunts for gear and cosmetics.
- Minor bugs and glitches (weight 0.08): The game suffers from various minor bugs and glitches, including graphical issues, long animations, and hit detection problems. Some reviewers also report crashes during character creation and in the starting village. These issues contribute to the feeling that the game is unfinished.
- EA launcher and account required (weight 0.08): The game's distribution by EA and the requirement to use the EA launcher are seen as downsides. Reviewers express concerns about EA's history of abandoning games and the buggy nature of the EA app. The need to log in via the EA platform every time is also a nuisance.
- Inferior Monster Hunter clone (weight 0.06): Many reviewers feel the game is a blatant and inferior clone of Monster Hunter. They criticize the high level of plagiarism and the lack of originality. Some reviewers also note that the game's soundtrack lacks the soul and impact of Monster Hunter's music.
- Overpriced for current state (weight 0.05): The game's high price point is a common complaint among reviewers. Many feel that the game is not worth the full price, especially given its technical issues and lack of content. Some reviewers also note the lack of language support despite the high price.
- Mediocre, unremarkable story (weight 0.04): The game's story is considered mediocre and unremarkable by many reviewers. Some note that the plot is short and thin, with a series of urgent quests that require players to proactively upgrade equipment. The story also takes a sudden, jarring turn after defeating a mid-boss, ruining immersion.

Gameplay feedback:
- Karakuri: core strategic mechanic (weight 0.34): The Karakuri system is a core mechanic, allowing players to construct various structures and devices during hunts for traversal, offense, defense, and support. Mastering Karakuri is essential for creating openings, customizing hunting grounds, and enhancing combat effectiveness, differentiating the game from others in the genre.
- Deep weapon and armor progression (weight 0.32): The game features a progression system centered around hunting monsters, gathering resources, and crafting/upgrading weapons and armor.  Weapons have unique movesets and elemental customization, while armor can be upgraded along human or monster paths, offering diverse build options and endgame content.
- Similar to Monster Hunter, but unique (weight 0.14): The game shares similarities with Monster Hunter but introduces unique elements like the Karakuri system and a more action-oriented combat style.  The focus is more strategic and the hunting experience feels lighter compared to Monster Hunter.
- Aggressive monsters, tricky camera (weight 0.05): Monsters often attack with continuous, wide-ranging attacks, sometimes from blind spots, demanding precise dodging and awareness.  Some reviews mention the camera can struggle to keep up, requiring reliance on lock-on.
- Feudal Japan setting, good story (weight 0.04): The game is set in a world inspired by feudal Japan, incorporating historical and mythological elements. The story is well-executed and the monsters have great designs.
- Weapons have unique characteristics (weight 0.03): Weapons have their own unique characteristics. Some weapons include the Claw Blades, which allow the player to move like an Attack on Titan character, and the Bladed Wagasa, an umbrella focused on parrying and gliding.
- Cooking system provides buffs (weight 0.02): The game features a cooking system where players can gather and process ingredients to create food that provides buffs. There are 4 different stations: drying, pickling, smoking, and fermenting.
- Straightforward gameplay loop (weight 0.02): The game allows session-based play and enjoyment. Gameplay loop is straightforward with no bloated mechanics.
- Karakuri cancel is core issue (weight 0.02): The game has many strange and unintroduced techniques, with the omission of the universal basic technique of Karakuri cancel being a core issue.
- Tsukumo support the player (weight 0.01): Travel companions called "tsukumo" (little gyroscopic robot balls) support the player during singleplayer.
- Damage skewed towards special moves (weight 0.01): Damage distribution is heavily skewed towards special moves, with basic attacks being weak and special moves dealing significantly more damage.
- Fast-paced combat (weight 0.01): Fast-paced combat with good feedback and soulslike iframe dodging.
- Spring Karakuri important for stamina (weight 0.01): Using the spring Karakuri to replenish stamina is very important.
- Healing system similar to Estus (weight 0.01): The healing system is similar to 'Estus' (from Dark Souls), making repeated playthroughs more comfortable.
- Karakuri cancel provides invincibility (weight 0.01): Karakuri cancel can provide over 1 second of invincibility frames, which can be canceled at any time to perform other actions.

Performance notes:
- DLSS: performance boost, instability (weight 0.24): Some players report that enabling DLSS can improve frame rates, but it may also introduce memory issues. These memory issues can sometimes be resolved by restarting the game periodically. The stability and effectiveness of DLSS seem to vary.
- Game crashes frequently (weight 0.09): Several reviewers have reported experiencing game crashes, sometimes frequently. These crashes can occur at various points in the game, including during loading, gameplay, and even after the ending credits, potentially leading to lost progress. In some cases, crashes have resulted in blue screens and save file corruption.
- Laggy menus, long loading (weight 0.02): Some players have reported laggy menus and long loading times. These issues can make navigating the game's interface and starting the game a frustrating experience.
- Multiplayer suffers network issues (weight 0.01): Multiplayer experiences are negatively impacted by network fluctuations, causing slowdowns for all players. Additionally, monsters in multiplayer often teleport or rotate erratically, making it difficult to track their aggro and affecting dodge timing.

Recommendations:
- Buy only on deep sale (weight 0.49): Many reviewers suggest only buying the game on sale due to performance issues and concerns about whether the full price reflects the game's quality and content. Some suggest specific discounted prices that would make the game a worthwhile purchase.  The game's value is perceived to be much higher when heavily discounted.
- Compared to Monster Hunter series (weight 0.37): Many reviewers compare the game to the Monster Hunter series, with some recommending it as a substitute or a game to play while waiting for the next Monster Hunter release. However, some reviewers suggest that existing Monster Hunter games are better options due to superior performance and content. Some reviewers feel that this game cannot replace Monster Hunter.
- Game has unrealized potential (weight 0.28): Many reviewers express disappointment with the game's current state, citing technical issues and a lack of polish that undermine its potential. Some reviewers express hope for future improvements or a sequel that addresses these shortcomings. Some reviewers feel that the game is incomplete or rushed.
- Try via subscription service (weight 0.09): Some reviewers suggest trying the game through EA Play or other subscription services to mitigate the risk of purchasing a flawed product. This allows players to experience the game without committing to the full price, especially given concerns about ongoing support and updates.
- Mixed feelings about sequel (weight 0.04): Some reviewers express interest in a sequel, while others are skeptical due to concerns about the developers or publisher. The desire for a sequel often hinges on the potential for improvements and the resolution of existing issues.
- Decent as temporary substitute (weight 0.02): Some reviewers suggest the game can serve as a temporary distraction or a substitute when there are no other games to play. It may be suitable for those seeking a casual experience or something to play with friends.
- Enjoyment is subjective, try game (weight 0.02): Some reviewers emphasize that the game's appeal is subjective and depends on individual preferences and tolerance for its flaws. They suggest trying the game to form your own opinion, as experiences can vary.
- Better experience in co-op (weight 0.01): The game is recommended for co-op play, as playing with others can mitigate some of the game's issues, such as clunky recovery or revival mechanics.
- Try demo, adjust audio settings (weight 0.01): Some reviewers suggest trying the demo and testing audio output settings as potential fixes for performance issues. If these adjustments don't improve performance, skipping the game and waiting for better optimization is recommended.

Other player notes:
- Monster Hunter-like, but different (weight 0.05): The game is seen as EA's attempt at the Monster Hunter formula, with some reviewers noting similarities and differences. While it expands on the formula in unique ways, it lacks a sense of ecosystem compared to Monster Hunter. Some reviewers feel it could have been a viable alternative to Monster Hunter.
- Unique Japanese-inspired aesthetic (weight 0.04): The game features a distinct visual aesthetic inspired by Japanese/oriental themes. The creatures, called Kemono, are unique mashups of animals and nature. The soundtrack complements the art direction, creating an otherworldly Japanese atmosphere.
- Available on Game Pass; cross-play (weight 0.02): The game is available on Xbox Game Pass and via EA Launcher with cross-play functionality. This provides players with multiple options for accessing and playing the game with friends on different platforms.
- High PC spec requirements (weight 0.01): The game requires a high-spec PC and a significant amount of storage space (80GB). This can be a barrier to entry for some players.
- Easy character re-customization (weight 0.01): Players can easily edit their character's appearance later in the game using an unlockable mirror. This allows for experimentation with character creation without permanent consequences.
- Personal purchase experiences (irrelevant) (weight 0.01): These points relate to the reviewer's personal purchase experience, including sale prices, gifts, and perceived playtime discrepancies. These points are not constructive feedback on the game itself and may indicate review bombing.
- End-game: armor farming, housing (weight 0.01): The end-game content primarily consists of layered armor farming and housing customization. This may not appeal to all players, as it focuses on cosmetic rewards and customization rather than challenging gameplay.
- No mod support (weight 0.01): The game does not support mods or offer modding tools. This limits the potential for community-created content and customization.
- Suggests open betas for debugging (weight 0.01): One reviewer suggests that EA and Koei Tecmo should consider open betas instead of cutting back on debugging budgets. This implies that the game suffered from technical issues that could have been identified and addressed through broader testing.

Emotions:
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