Wild Hearts’ Karakuri Gives Combat a Slapstick Edge

gamerant.com:

Players have begun journeying deep into the world of Wild Hearts, a new game by Omega Force that channels the energy of the Monster Hunter series. While sharing some similarities with the famous action role-playing IP, it also has its own flavor of combat systems, and certain mechanics have shown Wild Hearts is much more than a simple retreading of the monster-slaying formula. A key system that players are introduced to early on is the Karakuri, an ancient technology that aids in traversal and battle.

Basic and Fusion Karakuri can be built with the press of a button, as long as players have the requisite resources — known as Thread in-game. Basic Karakuri includes utility objects like crates and torches, while Fusion Karakuri types are most useful during combat. Newcomers may want tips before starting Wild Hearts given its complexity, but they might find its beasts less intimidating once becoming more comfortable using the Karakuri. From bombs to defensive walls, there are several structures that can be assembled almost effortlessly, which also makes for some comical strategies.

Wild Hearts: How to Fast Travel

Wild Hearts provides an array of siege-like contraptions that bring situational advantages, incentivizing players to plan or adapt. Building with Fusion Karakuri specifically requires good timing, positioning, and resource management — all factors that feed into other aspects of the gameplay loop. For instance, a misplaced Star Bomb is liable to explode on anything in its range, and this includes allies. The sheer power of players' improvised tech is fantastic, but it does have the potential to turn an otherwise epic battle into one of gaming's unintentionally funny moments.

Regardless of the associated risks, it