The Nintendo Switch 2. Oh man, has it really been two months already? Time flies. Anyway — or was it just me losing track? — the game library’s expanding like nobody’s business. As someone who dabbles across platforms, I can’t help but think of it as my go-to for Nintendo exclusives. But hey, the novelty’s got me reaching for ports I missed out on. Enter Wild Hearts S. Never played it when it first came out, but now here I am, diving in on the Switch 2.
So, Wild Hearts S. It’s kind of like the guinea pig for showing off the Switch 2’s third-party capabilities. You’d be expecting something wild like Cyberpunk 2077. But let’s be real; it’s not gonna blow your mind graphically compared to a PS5 or the almighty Xbox Series X. We’re looking at slightly better than a PS4 or Xbox One. Textures are, well, okay? Not dazzling, and things get a bit choppy when the action heats up. Still, for those who care more about gameplay, it’s got something going on.
The game’s heartbeat is about crafting your character and going on wild hunts. And who doesn’t like a good hunt, right? Map’s dotted with small kemono—yeah, they’re pretty chill, won’t challenge you too much. But big kemono? Whole other beast. These colossal mixes of animals and plants are both stunning and kind of terrifying. I mean, covering a boar with vines and giving it a bulb appendage? Who comes up with this stuff? (And apologies to the turtle. I should’ve petted you instead of, you know, the other thing.)
Anyway — or wait, where was I? Right, the big guys. Tracking them is quite the ride. You scout the area, build towers, all while using these magical karakuri constructs. They’re like these wooden gadgets that aid both in the hunt and fights. Thwarting a charging boar with a wall of crates? Genius. Who knew six crates had that power? And let’s not forget combining springs for a hammer or gliders for healing mist. Feels like a mystical toolbox.
And when you finally find these beasts, oh boy. The battles are epic. Hours seem to fly by seemingly in minutes as daylight fades into a starry sky. The Lavaback encounter left me laughing. Enemies fighting each other? Adds such life to the game, I love it. Watching it swing a Spineglider like it’s weightless? Priceless.
Sure, not everything’s perfect. The camera sometimes dances around like it’s got a mind of its own. Been there, battling these giant kemono, getting an uninviting peek inside one’s model. And don’t even get me started on cliffs. It’s like the camera’s playing hide and seek with my character.
But hey, flaws make things interesting. Wild Hearts S is downright fun despite it all and truly worth exploring on the go with the Switch 2. No, it won’t make your jaw drop graphic-wise, and that’s okay. Sometimes, it’s just about the hunt and the thrill, right? I’m already craving the next big game.
