WILD HEARTS is the monster hunting game from EA and Koei Tecmo to be released on February 17, 2023

Koei Tecmo and Electronic Arts recently announced that they would be collaborating on a new game that would compete directly with Capcom’s Monster Hunter. The game in question is called Wildhearts, and will take players on “an epic adventure” and will be developed by OmegaForce, the parents of Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors.

It is set in a fantasy world of feudal Japan, in a region called Azuma where great creatures proliferate. These creatures are infused with an energy that corrupts them and they are called Kemono. The player’s duty as the bearer of the Karakuri is to restore balance to Azuma.

In addition to playing solo, we will have cooperative mode for up to three players and cross-platform play. It will come dubbed in English, Japanese, Italian, German and Spanish languages.

In the trailer, the Karakuri can be seen along with weapons such as a katana, a bow, and an umbrella. This creates specific structures like a glider, giant mallet, bomb, and harpoon to even the odds against the Kemono. It can also apparently upgrade weapons. Azuma’s landscapes also range from coastlines and snowy plains to fields of flowers.

In a press release, Koei Tecmo Games Executive Vice President Yosuke Hayashi said:

“WILD HEARTS opens up a vibrant fantasy world to players that is as wild as it is beautiful. With WILD HEARTS, we not only wanted to show 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’ve put a lot of care into designing our Karakuri to fit into combat, and we’re excited for players to use these powerful mechs to battle giant beasts and traverse the world.”

Stuart Lang, Vice President of Global Brand at EA, added:

“EA Originals is a label for those who dare to explore. It’s a home for studio partners like Omega Force who forge new ways to play from bold creative visions, and for gamers who love discovering untold stories and unseen worlds. We are excited to follow Hazelight Studios’ wonderfully acclaimed it takes two, with the ingenious mechanics, giant nature-infused beasts, and epic battles of WILD HEARTS, the first AAA hunting experience for a new generation.”

WILD HEARTS It will release on February 17, 2023 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC via Origin, Steam, and the Epic Games Store for $69.99. You can check out the announcement trailer below.