EA and Koei Tecmo Reveal That Mystery Monster Hunting Game: WILD HEARTS

Earlier in September, EA, Koei Tecmo, and Omega Force teased that they were working together on a new AAA hunting game. That game was recently revealed to be Wild Hearts, a new monster hunting game inspired by feudal Japan. The team is stating that it’s a “new kind of hunting game featuring unique crafting mechanics.” I’m very intrigued to find out more about what those could be. Players will find themselves in Azuma where they’ll have to hunt Kemono in an attempt to create balance in the world. Hunters will be able to go solo or team up with up to two friends for co-op fun. One feature I’m always a huge fan of is crossplay! Also, Wild Hearts features voice overs in six languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

WILD HEARTS takes place in Azuma, a fantasy landscape inspired by feudal Japan, that is now rampaged by the once peaceful Kemono - altering their environment at the cost of citizens’ lives. The Kemono range from plant-infused squirrels to the massive Kingtusk wild boar. After a dreadful fight with the winter wolf Deathstalker, players become bearers of a life-sustaining technology and are compelled to restore balance across the region.

Talking about the game, Yosuke Hayashi of Koei Tecmo said:

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.

Stuart Lang of EA added:

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.

Fans will be able to hunt Kemono in the world of Azuma on February 17, 2023. Wild Hearts will be available on PC (via Epic Games Store, Origin, and Steam), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S with an MSRP of $69.99. You can watch the reveal trailer below and look forward to an extended look at gameplay on October 5.