VIDEO GAME REVIEW: CABELA'S BIG GAME HUNTER

Activision has been publishing hunting and fishing titles for years and they all seem to give gamers a taste of what it's like to be outdoors. The recent release of "Cabela's Big Game Hunter" is no different.

Having played several of the past titles, I tend to agree with the game's claim that this one allows you to take on the most challenging targets yet. That doesn't just mean squaring off with a monstrous bear that wants to rip your face off (and that does happen), it also includes the small animals that run in the fields and dart behind high weeds and boulders. In fact, I would almost prefer taking on one of the giants in the game instead of dealing with the frustration of repeatedly firing shots that land well behind a shifty little animal. Seriously, I probably could have put on a blindfold and had just as much success when I first started playing. Don't get me wrong, it's not a drawback. In fact, it's something that tends to make the game more challenging than many others.

While you're chasing these animals in some of the world's top hunting spots, you'll also be able to unlock hunts and gear. You'll even need to rely on the aid of local guides to bag the biggest game of your hunting career. The box states that the game "may be a virtual adventure, but you'll still need to implement real-life hunting strategies to be successful," and that's pretty true. Obviously it's not the equal of really being in the outdoors, but it's a pretty good option when the real thing isn't possible.

You'll track 24 big-game species (such as elk, moose, mule deer, caribou, and grizzly bear) and have chances to unlock hunts for more than 20 species of small game...you know, the kind that won't threaten your life! In order to bring down whatever prey you are chasing, you'll be able to equip yourself with authentic weapons and gear that provided an impressive level of realism.

For hunters looking to pass the time until they can actually get out into the field, this is an excellent option. You'll feel the pressure of the hunt as you stalk wild animals and, in some cases, as they stalk you. Big Game Hunter won't make you forget about life in the real outdoors, but it's definitely worth playing. For those not at all interested in hunting, real or simulated, you may obviously want to look elsewhere.

GAMEPLAY: Controls are pretty simple and easy to use/understand. Even a casual gamer should have no problem picking up the controller and playing. The realism of Big Game Hunter should allow for entertaining hunts and a title that has lasting power.

GRAPHICS: The look of this game is excellent. It's definitely not at the top of the list graphically, but it still looks good and provides a quality representation of what you'll find in the real outdoors.

SOUND: Like many other titles, you have to take it for what it is. You're not going to get insane explosions, a moving soundtrack or great chatter. But the sounds of nature are well done and the guides are easy to understand.

EXTRAS: The in-game unlockables are a nice touch and provide a little something more to aim for, other than just the animals.

Here's a quick look at some the features of the game:
- Accurately simulates a real hunting experience with authentic weapons, detailed environments, changing seasons and realistic animals

- Hunt for 24 big-game species in 10 trophy legend hunts: elk, moose, mule deer, caribou, kudu, red stag, big horn sheep, cape buffalo, wild boar and grizzly bear and 20 species of small game as well as waterfowl and upland birds
- Hunting locations including British Columbia, Montana, New Zealand, Africa and Argentina
- Stalking, tracking, long-range shooting, baiting, stand, blinds and other hunting strategies used in real-life hunts
- Dangerous game that attack until you strike them down
- Use adrenaline, stalking and tracking modes and hunter sense to lock on and track animals as they move

SCORE: 79%

This is a game with animated hunting violence and parents should make their decisions accordingly. Hunting and gun control are hot topics and this is a game that, to some extent, fits into that discussion. It should be noted, though, that there was no excessive or over-the-top violence noticed while reviewing this title.