I'll admit I was a little bit anxious about Monster Hunter Wilds. I honestly wasn't sure for a while if I would even play it. I've always been curious about Monster Hunter, and put about as much time into Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate as I could bear with the New Nintendo 3DS' second analogue nub. There's always been a mysterious appeal to the series that's gone alongside an intimidating reputation – big, tough boss battles, hardcore online players, and arcane menus.
But it didn't really click for me until Monster Hunter: World, with its seamless maps and ease-of-navigation – not to mention, it solidified my love of the hammer. I was excited to move onto Monster Hunter Rise, but it just wasn't for me. Had I bounced off the series completely? Thankfully not – after banging through most of the campaign, Monster Hunter Wilds really does feel like the Monster Hunter: World 2 I've been craving for so long. Hammer in hand – or perhaps even two – I'm pleased to report: I'm back on the hunt.
