PS5, PC and Xbox Series versions tested.
The concept art behind each Kemono is brilliantly translated in-game, too.
It’s hard to overlook Wild Hearts' visual shortfalls, however.
Firstly, texture-work doesn’t hold up to scrutiny when viewed up close.
Any time your weapon overlaps with detail-dense textures you’ll see banding.
Even at its best, I found the blur’s rather heavy impact makes the action harder to read.
In terms of visual modes and features, we have two options on PS5 and Series X.
However, there also seems to be a dynamic element to this.
Meanwhile, there’s also a performance mode on PS5 and Series X.
It’s hardly the next-gen dream but for an action RPG, I’d prioritise 60fps all the way.
Otherwise, parameters between the modes are the same.
It’s just resolution and frame-rate targets that change.
The catch is, there are two huge exceptional points that favour each machine.
First up, it’s bad news for PS5 users.
Even while stood perfectly still, in fact, any long high contrast edges tend to flicker aggressively.
And to be clear, there is a workaround.
So, all signs point to a bug on PS5 that requires fixing.
The second issue concerns dialled back ambient occlusion on Series X.
All of which leads us to the Series S situation.
I’ll be very blunt here and say that Series S is very hard to recommend right now.
The visual cutbacks and lack of any mode toggle between 30fps and 60fps are hugely disappointing.
Series S uses lower resolution assets for areas of terrain, creating a blurry, soup-like result.
It’s barely to the standards of a last-gen Xbox One release at times.
The second stark drawback to Series S is the absence of ambient occlusion.
Added to that, there are further cutbacks on Series S, with pared back reflection quality and shadows.
PS5 runs without issue otherwise with barely a hitch or hiccup across my hours of play at 30fps.
Moving over to Series X’s own 30fps mode, we have an issue.
Another factor here is the higher rate of visible frame-time spikes on Series X - especially around the shrines.
The 30fps cap on Series S has the same issue.
Frame-times bounce up and down and it never feels especially smooth in motion.
And it’s a shame, because the actual stability of the frame-rate is largely on-point.
It’s not dropping to any obvious GPU or CPU strain during battle, or taxing areas.
Performance mode on Series X and PS5 is the way to go.
Yes, it’s a native 1080p but the upside is it’s a more playable experience overall.
That said, it’s far from perfect.
This shows us some bottlenecks, putting us between 40 and 60fps on PS5.
The state of Series X in its own performance mode mirrors PS5 fairly closely.
Outside in the wilderness, there isn’t such a perceptible gap in usual play.
So, again for Series X, the turnout for 60fps play isn’t spectacular.
The Series S version is in particular need of attention here.
I can only hope that Omega Force isn’t done with this game.
