EA and KOEI TECMO have announced a brand-new monster hunting game titled Wild Hearts, coming from Omega Force, the studio behind games like Dynasty Warriors, Persona 5 Strikers and Fire Emblem Warriors.
Wild Hearts is set in the fantasy region of Azuma, inspired by feudal Japan. This world is being ravaged by once-peaceful creatures called Kemono that now threaten the lives of Azuma’s people. It’ll see players hunt the Kemono, either alone or with up to two other players (with full crossplay) in an effort to restore balance to the world around them. The game will reportedly put a major focus on its unique crafting mechanics and sophisticated “Karakuri” mechanisms, in an attempt to bring something new to a genre that is largely dominated by the likes of Monster Hunter.
“Wild Hearts opens up a vibrant fantasy world to players that’s as untamed as it is beautiful. With Wild Hearts, not only did we want to showcase the evolution, infusion and real threat caused by Kemono, but we also wanted to create a game where crafting was at the core of the experience, redefining what can be possible in a beast hunting game. We have placed great care in designing our Karakuri to fit within the combat, and we’re excited for players to use these powerful mechanisms to fight giant beasts and traverse the world.”
– Yosuke Hayashi, Executive Vice President KOEI TECMO GAMES CO, LTD
An extended gameplay trailer is also set to debut on October 5th, but you can watch today’s official reveal trailer below:
Wild Hearts is being published under the EA Originals label, which has spawned some indie gems such as It Takes Two and Lost in Random, so it’ll be interesting to see something of this scale and genre from the brand.
“EA Originals is a label for those who dare to explore. It’s a home for studio partners – like Omega Force – forging new ways to play from bold creative visions, and for players who love to discover untold stories and unseen worlds. We are excited to follow the wonderful and critically acclaimed It Takes Two, from Hazelight Studios, with the ingenious mechanics, giant nature-infused beasts and epic battles of Wild Hearts, the first AAA hunting experience for a new generation.”
– Stuart Lang, Vice President, Global Brand, Electronic Arts.
Wild Hearts is set to release on February 17, 2023 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
