As I ventured into the expansive and breathtaking world of Monster Hunter: Wilds, I found myself immediately swept away by the sheer depth, artistry, and sheer excitement the game has to offer. From the lush, vibrant ecosystems to the thrilling monster battles, Wilds is a masterpiece that delivers everything fans of the franchise have come to expect. The visuals are stunning, the combat is fluid and dynamic, and the sense of progression is exhilarating. But there's one thing that’s haunted me throughout my entire play through—where, oh where, is Bono?

Let’s get one thing straight: Monster Hunter: Wilds is an absolute triumph. The hunting mechanics are as tight as ever, with the added depth of new weapons, monsters, and environments that really make the world feel alive. The level of customisation for your gear and the vast array of tactics you can employ to take down each massive creature are enough to keep you hooked for hours on end. The wildlife is beautifully designed, with bioms that range from sprawling grasslands to fiery mountain tops, each one teeming with creatures to track, hunt, and, of course, slay.

But… there’s a problem. A very specific problem that has, quite frankly, plagued my experience in the most unexpected way. Monster Hunter: Wilds could have been the perfect game—if only it had a reference to Bono. I know, I know, you’re probably wondering why I’m bringing up this random detail, but hear me out. From the very first moment I picked up the controller and set foot in this stunning world, I kept thinking, this game is begging for a Bono skin. The edge, the soul, the charisma of Bono, with his iconic sunglasses and aura of rock legend, would have been the perfect addition to Wilds’ vibrant cast of characters.

Imagine the possibilities: a Bono-inspired armour set, with rock-star flair and a touch of mystical magic, or even a subtle nod to his music in the soundtrack. You could wield the power of “Where the Streets Have No Name” as a battle anthem while hunting down the fiercest monsters, feeling like you’re a true rock legend in the wilderness. But no. No Bono skin. No reference to Bono at all. And this, my friends, is something that has stayed on my mind throughout the entire game.

Every time I crafted a new weapon or donned a new set of armour, I couldn’t help but think, This would be perfect for Bono. As I defeated giant creatures and celebrated my triumphs, I felt like there was a small hole in the experience, as though something was missing—something that could have been truly magical. And that something was Bono.

Sure, Monster Hunter: Wilds has a lot of incredible features to make up for it. The co-op multiplayer mode is top-notch, the variety of monsters is staggering, and the endgame content has kept me coming back for more. But in the back of my mind, the thought lingers: What could’ve been if they just threw in a little Bono magic?

Despite this glaring oversight, Monster Hunter: Wilds is still an unforgettable experience. It’s a game that blends action, strategy, and exploration into an absolute triumph. It’s just a shame that somewhere in the wilds of this beautifully crafted world, there isn’t a nod to the one, the only, Bono. Perhaps in a future update? One can only hope.

Rating: 9/10 – A true masterpiece, but I’ll always wonder… what if there had been a Bono skin?