Monster Hunter Wilds' Voiced Protagonist: A Game-Changing Evolution for the Series

In a departure from its usual focus on gameplay, Monster Hunter Wilds endeavored to present a captivating narrative, which Capcom commends as one of its primary attractions. Although not all players found the novel storytelling techniques appealing, Wilds seems to mark a shift towards more narrative-driven content for the series, with the hunter serving as the central figure in this transformation. Despite some issues like linear gameplay progression and player coercion that slightly detracted from the overall experience, the story of Wilds presents numerous opportunities for growth and expansion in future downloadable content (DLC).

[Warning: this article contains spoilers for the ending of Monster Hunter Wilds]

Despite not boasting a groundbreaking narrative, the chronicle of Monster Hunter is rich with instances of exceptional world-construction and captivating ecology, making the environments feel particularly vibrant in Monster Hunter World (Wilds). Each discoverable region within World is brimming with concealed details, mechanisms, and character, making the hunter an ideal adventurer to traverse these fresh territories. Initially, the game may not have been met with the most welcoming response, but the introduction of a voiced protagonist in Monster Hunter World might just be one of its most notable improvements.

A Voiced Protagonist Was A Controversial Move For The Series

Not Everyone Was Pleased With The New Change

While not as prevalent as in other fan communities, some fans expressed disapproval because they felt that a voiced protagonist didn’t align with Monster Hunter’s traditional gameplay style. With numerous changes and updates in Wilds or recent installments, there were valid concerns that Monster Hunter might have strayed too far from its original essence. However, the enhancements made to the narrative and character development in Wilds made the voice acting seem less jarring compared to previous games.

In contrast to the apprehensions regarding the fully-voiced protagonist and Palico in Monster Hunter Wilds, it’s worth noting that Monster Hunter Rise had previously explored this concept, though to a significantly lesser extent. Instead of engaging in extensive conversations with NPCs through cutscenes or dialogue-heavy segments, the character voices in Rise were primarily limited to brief phrases uttered during gameplay.

Interestingly, just like Wilds, players in Rise had the option to customize their characters’ voices and voice types, a feature that was refined and expanded upon as one of the numerous enhancements introduced in Wilds.

The Personality Of The Hunter Shines Through Their Dialogue

Offering More Choice For Meaningful Character Interactions

In contrast to the significant change of having a vocal protagonist for the series, the hunter’s dialogue remains well-balanced, neither overwhelming nor understating the player’s control, while also allowing the hunter to be an engaging character. Although the majority of the hunter’s character development comes from pre-rendered and in-game cutscenes, the optional dialogues play a crucial role in developing the supporting cats of Wilds as well. Instead of merely receiving instructions and replying with grunts or nods, the main hunting party emerges as a lively team of companions on an adventure together, striving towards a common goal in a mysterious new world.

In various parts of the game “Monster Hunter Wilds“, you can engage in conversations with Non-Player Characters (NPCs). These chats offer insights into recent events and reveal the characters’ personalities and histories. A notable example is the optional dialogue between the hunter and Genma, where you get to delve deeper into her past and understand what drove her to become the sole Smithee of the Forbidden Lands expedition. These discussions not only enrich your knowledge about the game’s characters but surprisingly, “Wilds also offers dialogue choices, adding a layer of personalization that makes each conversation more meaningful.

In the game Wilds, not only does the enhanced characterization apply to the newly created hunter, but also to Alma, the handler, who stands out as an improved version compared to her portrayal in World. Alma offers useful tips during monster excursions and maintains a close proximity to the hunter, making her an indispensable ally who seldom overstays her welcome. The pre-set storylines and cutscenes for Wild also contribute to fleshing out the hunter as a distinctive figure in the series, moving away from being just a novice with a generic backstory, instead becoming one of the most captivating characters in Wilds, thanks to a mix of luck, skill, and an intriguing personality.

A Veteran Hunter Feels Like A Natural Progression For The Franchise

A Satisfying Continuation From Previous Entries

One significant improvement in the character development that smooths the transformation of the hunter into a fully-voiced lead is the choice to portray them as a seasoned hunter instead of another newcomer to a village. As an accomplished hunter spearheading a groundbreaking expedition, the protagonist of Wilds carries a higher level of self-assurance and credibility among their peers, significantly altering the narrative’s dynamics. This change provides numerous enjoyable moments by itself, but the story in Wilds becomes even more captivating for veterans who have followed the series.

As a dedicated fan, I find it captivating how even if you’ve only experienced one installment of a series like “World,” the enigmatic yet seasoned background of the hunter makes it an ideal continuation for their personal narrative. It provides a versatile foundation to seamlessly incorporate your previous character into the storyline.

In the sequel, “Wilds,” the hunter maintains a customizable essence but comes alive with a dynamic personality that allows for comedic moments while still delivering powerful lines during critical points in the plot.

Introducing guild authorization enhances the hunter’s sense of becoming an invincible beast, tasked with eliminating dangerous monsters that Alma is the only one preventing from destroying entire ecosystems. As the game progresses and layered armor becomes accessible, the already impressive cutscenes in “Wilds” gain even more appeal, surpassing the usual expectations for a low-rank experience. Although it’s speculative, the extensive experience of the hunter might also account for why monsters in “Wilds” die swiftly. Future updates may increase the difficulty to align with the hunter’s growing skills.

The Perfect Foundation To Reach Even Greater Storytelling Heights

Tackling Climactic Hunts With A Newfound Confidence

In Monster Hunter Wilds, although some of its most thrilling moments were reached prematurely due to an unconventional progression system, this issue may be addressed in future updates. The hunter in Monster Hunter Wilds has shown it can handle formidable foes such as the civilization-destroying Zoh Shia, comparable to the fearsome Fatalis. This implies that the hunter could face even more dangerous adversaries in the future, potentially surpassing the series’ previous expectations. The escalating tension of these hunts is further amplified by the hunter’s newfound confidence, no longer relying on allies or operating as a team, but instead taking on threats head-on with their loyal Palico companion.

As a devoted fan, I can envision how Monster Hunter Wilds might outshine its predecessors significantly by embracing the long-whispered collaboration with Final Fantasy 14’s Bahamut. While it wouldn’t be astonishing if another crossover event happened given the apparent camaraderie between the two studios, Wilds still harbors numerous untold narrative arcs that I eagerly anticipate unfolding completely. From unveiling guardian forms of past monsters, introducing new Elder Dragons, and even revealing Zoh Shia in its completed form, Monster Hunter Wilds has a wealth of potential to deliver one of the franchise’s most exceptional experiences yet.

2025-03-19 15:07

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Voiced Protagonist: A Game-Changing Evolution for the Series