Publisher Electronic Arts and developers Koei Tecmo studio Omega Force have released the first episode in the “Monogatari Episode” or story episode trailers for the upcoming hunting game WILD HEARTS. The first “The Power of Karakuri” trailer details the game’s unique Karakuri system, which comprises “sophisticated mechanisms crafted from a lost, ancient technology.” WILD HEARTS will launch on February 17, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Origin.
The trailer’s full details can be seen below:
“Monogatari Episode 1” sheds light on the game’s unique Karakuri system, sophisticated mechanisms crafted from a lost, ancient technology; designed to be diverse and multi-functional, Karakuri give players the upper hand in battle, as well as when gathering resources and traveling across hunting grounds.
The video showcases how Karakuri give players a creative, dynamic edge during combat—as they learn new forms and combinations, players can better prepare their hunting grounds and create advantageous conditions for their fight against giant Kemono beasts. With the persistent nature of Karakuri, players who fall in battle or receive aid from allies can continue to use their past hunting experience to set new traps and ways to travel with greater efficiency and strategy. Crafting changes the way players think about their hunt – they’ll need to learn how to adapt to new complexity as they unlock different Karakuri combinations and team up with allies to create even stronger Karakuri systems.
The game’s details via EA can be seen below:
WILD HEARTS is a new kind of hunting game that introduces innovative crafting mechanics in your fight against the Kemono, giant beasts that have fused with their environment. Developed by Omega Force, the Japanese studio at Koei Tecmo responsible for the Warriors franchises, the game whisks you away on an epic adventure set in fantasy feudal Japan. You can journey through its vibrant world alone or experience it with up to 2 friends in seamless co-op. You are the only hunter who can wield ancient technology to create an array of Karakuri – sophisticated mechanisms you’ll use to fight giant beasts and traverse the world. Do you have what it takes to stand against the forces of nature?
Story
WILD HEARTS takes place in Azuma, a fantasy landscape inspired by feudal Japan. Nature-infused beasts, usually living peacefully, are now rampaging across the countryside, altering their surroundings at the cost of citizens’ lives. After a dreadful fight with the winter wolf Deathstalker, you become the bearer of a life-sustaining technology. As your powers grow, you are compelled to restore balance across the region.
Key Features
Hunt Down Giant Nature-Infused Beasts – Kemono are beasts that have undergone a unique evolution by fusing with their environments, and that wield the power of nature to reshape their environment to suit their needs. You will encounter Kemono of all sizes – from plant infused squirrels to the massive Kingtusk wild boar, or the Deathstalker savage wolf and many more creatures. These enormous creatures use the power of nature itself to defend their new territory.
Prepare Your Fighting Ground – The ancient Karakuri technology enables you to craft and build new, highly flexible and creative hunting grounds to take down giant Kemono. Stock up on materials to build many kinds of karakuri, depending upon your needs, skills, and which kemono you are fighting. Every new Kemono you defeat unveils new Karakuri and new resources to use.
Pack Hunter or Lone Wolf – WILD HEARTS‘s co-op and crossplay features allow you and up to two friends to hunt down Kemono together. Pack hunting enables you to expand your battle plans with more building capabilities and special missions. As a lone wolf, you can seamlessly join in and help other hunters in multiplayer mode through the Torri System, or you can take on the giant beasts on your own.
Gear Up to Hunt, Hunt to Gear Up – You can become the greatest hunter by gathering materials from each hunt and the environment, and craft unique sets of armor with different variations. With unique weapons to choose from, and tons of variations, there’s a combat style for everyone, each with different gameplay pace and attacks. You can craft gear with the material of defeated Kemono, further customizing it to suit your play style.
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A Nintendo Switch trailer was also released.
According to SteamDB.
An announcement trailer was also released.