Cabela's Big Game Hunter: Pro Hunts

If you were a consider of games from the sixth generation of gaming onwards, you'll probably be aware of Activision and their niche licenced hunting game series Cabela's Big Game Hunter. Cabela's Big Game Hunter: Pro Hunts adds to this long list of titles with a game that pushes the game forward into the seventh gen.

This game plays much like the rest of the games in the series. Merging hunting with modern FPS mechanics that are commonly seen in the likes of Call of Duty or Battlefield. Except this one has less terrorist enemies and more bears and deer. This game meshes realism with an arcade feel and does so rather successfully.

Gear up

The game really has its roots firmly in the hunting world. The arguably questionable pastime has a lot of nuance to it and this title manages to capture an awful lot of that in the gameplay. Players are able to load out with different weapon and ammo types that are more suited to different species of animal. Not to mention a GPS that will help players locate animals by showing they most likely congregate.

The animals themselves also have quite advanced mechanics too. Their body language is very well captured. They will show signs of fright or suspicion as well as a relaxed nature perfect for the hunter to take advantage of. Not to mention that animals will give off unique scents that the hunter can use to track their game.

Great for beginners and pros

The game does a great job of balancing the open sequences so it allows new players to the series a chance to get their bearings. All the while, not holding returning players back from getting straight into the action by showing them the new tricks the title has to offer. Keeping them engaged until the real hunt begins.

There is also pointers and a guiding commentary as you hunt from professional hunters within the community. Which although sometimes intrusive and preachy, does help new players get the job done without altering any targets to their whereabouts.

Short and lonely experience

This game series has often been praised for its replayability and its cooperative aspects. So it will come as a surprise to long time fans that neither of these is present in this outing. The game has a short run of missions that once completed are unable to be replayed. The game points you toward a free hunt mode instead but the objective heavy and structured levels clearly offer the better experience.

Then to rub salt in that wound, you have to do this alone. There is no ability to hunt as a group with friends. This is a solitary experience and with the long and arduous periods of stealth and skulking around, this can become a mundane and rather lonely experience.

Looks bad, sounds great

The game doesn't bring the series into the next generation with a shiny new coat of paint. It offers a better art style for sure, though this leads to lower frame rates and performance issues. Plus a lot of the textures present are still not brilliantly imagined and are generally inconsistent throughout.

The sound quality does an awful lot to help patch over this issue. With sounds and ambient noises of the wild that really do give an authentic feel of nature. It does wonders for players seeking immersion. Though its a shame the visuals couldn't compliment this

A bit of bang for your buck

Unique mechanics, professional commentary and ambient sounds do elevate this game to a level where those who are interested in the sport of hunting will really appreciate this title. Though thanks to the niche fan base for this game plus the performance issues present, it wouldn't be something we would recommend to casual FPS players.

Pros

• Ambient nature soundscape
• Unique hunting mechanics
• Professional commentary
• Strong tutorial

Cons

• An acquired taste
• Performance and frame rate issues
• No co-op