EA shares story trailer, character details, and voice cast for Wild Hearts

EA and Koei Tecmo have today released a new story trailer for Wild Hearts, alongside details of the game's characters and voice cast.

The trailer and details can be found below, via EA and Koei Tecmo.

Wild Hearts is set to release on February 17, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (OriginSteamEpic). For more information, you can check out the Tame a World Gine Wild trailer, or the Ferocious Creatures trailer.

Azuma is a magical place. Inspired by feudal Japan, the setting of Wild Hearts is split into four main regions: Fuyufusagi Fort, Harugasumi Way, Natsukodachi Isle, and Akikure Canyon. And when you visit these different areas, you’ll notice something particularly magical: The seasons are different in each one. Representing winter, spring, summer, and fall respectively, each area plays host to its own ecology, from fantastical flora to the fauna unique to Azuma: the Kemono.

Nature Gone Wild

From small, peaceful insects to giant, fierce beasts, each type of Kemono has evolved in such a way that it has effectively fused with its natural surroundings. Whether it be Fuyufusagi Fort’s ice-armored Deathstalker or the fern- and bark-strewn Sapscourge of Harugasumi Way, these giant Kemono don’t just draw from their own surroundings, they are capable of affecting nature themselves. This vicious cycle means that these four regions are effectively encroaching on each other, wreaking havoc on the native plant and animal life that’s suddenly having to deal with seasons it’s not adapted for—including humans.

It’s a problem.

Strength in Numbers

Now, never fear; you won’t face this challenge alone. In addition to being able to enlist the help of other human-controlled hunters in online co-op, you’ll have the entire town of Minato at your back. While the community has seen better days—it is, after all, being pressured on all sides by the ever-expanding territory of the Kemono—it remains home to a population of brave townsfolk. Here are some of the folks you’ll encounter between your hunts:

  • Ujishige Daidouji – Voiced by Yuki Matsuzaki (The Last Samurai, The Man in the High Castle, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles)
    Ujishige is a drifter who washed up in Minato. Formerly a Samurai, these days he spends most of his time drinking—but he can still be a source of many a tall tale and the occasional hunting tip. He’s portrayed by Yuki Matsuzaki, who appeared in films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and shows like The Man in the High Castle.
  • Natsume – Voiced by Miracle Vell Magic (singer and YouTuber)
    Natsume is the village blacksmith. She’ll help you upgrade your weapons and armor, and forge new gear from materials you bring back from your hunts. 
  • Suzuran – Voiced by Crystal Kay (singer/songwriter)
    Suzuran is a scientist, a scholar, and the Junior Leader of the Farmers’ guild. She's dedicated to uncovering the mystery of the Karakuri and has been studying the Kemono for many years to find a use for their nature-altering abilities. 
  • Seren – Voiced by Yurié Collins (HodoBuzz, Inside the Rain, Orange is the New Black)
    Seren is the Master of the Carpenter’s Guild, and will be your contact for all construction projects in Minato.
  • Mujina – Voiced by Yuta Koga (King of Fools, Fires on the Plains)
    Mujina is something of a mystery. A traveling musician, he’ll show up when you least expect him—but perhaps when you need him most. He’s played by Yuta Koga, a Japanese actor, photographer, and director of music videos.
  • Nobumitsu Tsumori – Voiced by Kane Kosugi (Tekken 2, Street Fighter Alpha)
    Nobumitsu is the leader of the Fishermen’s Guild. He offers side jobs you can take on while you’re out in the world. 
  • Yatarō – Voiced by Mai Nakazato (Devastation: Mortal Flames, The First English Lesson in Japanese History)
    Yatarō is the Junior Leader of the Crafts Guild and an accomplished crafter of ornaments. He’ll help you look your best with custom cosmetics. 
  • Kōgyoku – Voiced by Marika Dandoy (School of Rock: The Musical, Jersey Boys)
    Kōgyoku is the proprietor of the Crimson Treasury, where you’ll be able to buy and sell important items.
  • Tamakazura – Voiced by Takayuki Yanagi (Amanagowa, Kamen Rider Ghost)
    Tamakazura is the proprietor of Minato’s bathhouse. This is where you’ll head for healing baths or helpful boosts. 
  • Toga-Hime – Voiced by Asia Grace Sawane
    Toga-Hime may be only 12-years-old, but her royal upbringing gave her the skills and confidence to be Minato’s steward. She oversees the town’s affairs and will be the one awarding your new Hunter ranks as you progress through the story.

So you will have a whole team of characters ready to help you out in your hunts. The rest? That’s up to you.