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Deer Hunter II: The Hunt Continues! Wizard Works / GT Interactive The hugely popular Deer Hunter has spawned a "sequel" with Deer Hunter II: The Hunt Continues!, in 3D. As one might suspect, the update sports some nice graphics, richer detail, and generally more choices than its predecessor on almost every level. Yet the basics of the game are the same -- hunt and kill. And why not? Apparently the makers of Deer Hunter are quite aware they've tapped into something here, given the amazing sales figures of the original. But a sequel? That might imply that the original had some kind of plot that left us hanging from our tree stands in anticipation. Not the case, though, so let's just call DH II a new and improved version of the original, like getting a few more raisins in your bowl of bran. First of all, it's recommended that you run the game with a 3D hardware accelerator loaded onto your PC. It's not required, and we didn't have one for our evaluation of Deer Hunter II, so whether or not we could have stalked our prey "in stunning 3D" wasn't clear. But the graphics seem as realistic as possible, so much so that it becomes easy to get lost in the woods. Thankfully, there aren't what you could call any dense forests to traipse through. Plus there's a GPS and a topo map available to track your location. And there are more locations than the original. DH II comes with 12 locations to hunt in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, and Washington State. Your nine choices of weapons will include a rifle, shotguns, bows, a crossbow, and revolvers. And the accessories you have a choice of bringing along are numerous, including various deer scents, deer calls, a decoy, and rattling antlers. As in the original version, there's a target range, but this too has more choices in DH II. Again, the range is a good place to site in your weapon, and this time you can view the results of your shots close up on a variety of targets. The crossbow seems like a good bet for beginners, since the quietness of the weapon may allow you more than one shot at your deer. It also has a scope, which seems a vital element to the hunt since the deer are spooked by sound, and probably your scent if you get too close to one. There's a cover scent accessory if you're considering one of the short range weapons, and a fleece jacket if you've a habit for wearing noisy clothes. Regardless, once you're on the hunt you can scout around on foot, laying scents and/or a decoy here and there, perhaps rattle those antlers a bit, or blow one of those calls. Sorry, there's no salt lick for you less ambitious "hunters." The approach of deer is usually indicated by the sound of hooves or grunts, which may seem like they're right behind you, but they probably aren't. As with the original game, patience can be a virtue once you hear the deer, and suddenly the game turns into a sit and wait affair. Here, I discovered, is a good time to munch on that new and improved bran cereal. The fact is, at times the DH II experience became so passive that I realized I could actually eat breakfast while playing, which may or may not be to the game's credit depending on your outlook (or your appetite). As I loaded my spoon with a good mixture of flakes and raisins, I was actually able to listen to the deer make their deer-type noises. And while I sat munching that chewy-crunchy combo, I was able to fully rotate my view of the terrain in the hopes of spotting "dinner," if you will. I spotted it. I was able to raise my weapon as I lowered my spoon. I was able to approach the deer and site it into range with my scope. I got off a shot with the crossbow, missed, reloaded, and got off another. The computer voice came over the speakers telling me I'd made a nice shot, and the deer took off. Naturally I tracked it ,and soon found I had bagged a buck. As I approached the virtual carcass and clicked on it with my mouse, I was transported to the trophy room to view the statistics of my hunt: A ten-point buck. I was so pleased with this I reached for my bowl and spoon and found the bran flakes hadn't even gone soggy yet. New and improved, no doubt. Ardent and experienced real hunters may find Deer Hunter II compelling and challenging. It's certainly not without strategy, for to know the tools of the hunting experience and the natural cycle of the animal deer both are elementsthat come into play, and knowing or learning these things makes your play more successful. Would-be hunters may even find it a good initiation into the world of deer hunting, since it's designed to simulate the actual experience of hunting according to your choice of accessories and the actions you take. For the less initiated, there are even a set of cheat codes in the manual, one of which actually makes you attractive to the deer, as if you yourself were a virtual salt lick. Whatever your preference, don't forget the milk. -Dan D. |
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