In its first dozen hours, Monster Hunter Wilds felt like a new friend anxious about showing their true, weirder colors. Throughout Low Rank Wilds seemed convinced it had to curb its own character, throwing up guard rails in an effort to keep its dinosaur swordfights pleasantly agreeable. Even before selling eight million copies in three days, it was clear that Wilds would attract Monster Hunter's widest audience yet. Maybe that attention made Capcom nervous.
Like a real friendship—the kind that won't shame you for a 1 am text about whatever Wikipedia hole you just fell down—Monster Hunter is at its best once it gets to the sicko stuff. Wilds eventually finds its confidence, but it takes until after credits roll to get there.
