Deer Hunter 2

"A nice hunting game and a good mac game."

I was a veteran of Deer hunter for quite a while before Deer Hunter 2 came out. Needless to say, I was quite impressed. Instead of simply "walking" around on a map and then loading the area to hunt, you actually walk around in a full 3D environment! Not only that but everything is in 3D! You actually walk around in relatively decent environments stalking the deer! You can even pretend they are people that you hate!

Gameplay: 7/10
First off, this is a very good hunting game. In fact, at the time of release, there were no others like it. For the first time you could walk around instead of using the map! But you can't just walk up to a deer and blow it's head off. You have to actually hunt the deer using calls and scents and stuff. And if you mess up the deer will run, and they are much faster than you! You can set up a tree stand, use deer urine scent, which is always a plus, apply the mating hormones of female deer so the males will come running to you. You also have your choice of weapons. You can have a couple of different rifles, some shotguns, pistols, bows, and a black-powder rifle!

Story: N/A/10
You are a dude in the woods killing animals with weapons. That is the extent of the plot.

Graphics: 7/10
The graphics are ok, but never were top notch. The entire game is in 3D and everything has at least some sort of texture. The snow gets footprints and blood and stuff on it allowing you to trail deer that you missed the kill zone on and hit in the butt. There are weather effects such as rain, snow, and hail in the game as well. You can hunt at a variety of locations all of which are different graphically. Some are like Canada in the fall. There are maple leaves everywhere. Others are like Michigan in the winter. Snowing like crazy and the deer are as jumpy as heck.

Sound: 6/10
The sound is, you guessed it, in 3D. This was one of the first games to have true 3D sound that would work on a surround sound system, and it did it pretty well. If the deer is to the left and back of you, you will hear the foot noises to all your left side. Likewise if the deer is on the right side of you be it in any directions, front or back, you will hear it on the right side speakers. So it isn't true 3D, but it is a start.

Replay value: 9/10
This game is based around doing the same thing over and over and over and over and...Well, you get the idea. Obviously the replay value is pretty good if you are into the whole playing a simulation of an outdoor exercise. You can just sit out there and pretend you are camping. That combines with the fact that you can go out and slay deer to your hearts content until there are corpses strewn all over the place if you wish and never take a one to your trophy room! There are even foxes and birds you can bag!

Summary: 6/10
If you are into hunting sims, this might be worth looking into; Particularly if your computer is not gaming quality or sucks. This will run on older machines. If you don't particularly like hunting games, then this game isn't for you. Maybe if you can get it for a dollar or something you could play it while you are bored.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 12/05/04