I appreciate retro games like Pac-man, Super Mario, and Wizball. Some of my favorites are approaching 30 years in age. However, I am not a fan of simply old games. The distinction lies in the fact that a retro game possesses an enduring appeal in its core concept, even as technology advances. For example, a 3D rendition of Pac-man doesn’t necessarily enhance the experience; the original remains the definitive version. Cabela’s: The Hunt -Championship Edition, initially released for Wii, PC, and Xbox 360 in October 2009, saw a port to Nintendo Switch nine years later.
Dated and antiquated graphics.
Where to begin? I am not an avid hunter and haven’t historically held a strong interest in the activity. Yet, Cabela’s: The Hunt – Championship Edition presents a reasonably functional game. Players are given a variety of hunting options, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and bows, alongside a diverse selection of prey ranging from moose to wolves. Stalking, scent lures, and decoys are available, and ATVs facilitate movement between hunting locations. Several hunting areas are accessible, with more unlocking as you progress. Accumulating reputation points is key as players compete to become the top hunter. A dedicated peripheral is also available for the Switch:
This accessory aims to maximize the immersive hunting experience, but there’s a significant caveat…
…the game is nearly a decade old. In portable mode, the dated graphics are passable. However, displaying the game on a TV – particularly, in my case, a razor-sharp 4K 65-inch TV – reveals significant visual deficiencies.
Graphics aside, the gameplay also leaves much to be desired. The hunting simulation present as a side activity in the original Red Dead Redemption surpasses the core gameplay of this title. Upon a successful hunt, the prey simply vanishes, reducing the experience to a mere point-based exercise devoid of any interaction with the animal post-capture. The experience feels underdeveloped. Furthermore, the AI of the animals is rudimentary. Approaching within meters on an ATV often fails to elicit any reaction from the target.
As a simulation, the game falls short due to its fundamental lack of engagement. It lacks excitement and realism, compounded by dated graphics and associated compromises. Encountering unrealistic water traversal with the ATV came as no surprise, reflecting the overall lack of polish.
Jesus or Tiger Woods…
To offer Cabela’s: The Hunt – Championship Edition some perspective, it may have represented one of the better hunting simulators upon its original release in 2009. However, its reign was short-lived, eclipsed by the visually superior and overall better Red Dead Redemption in May 2010 – a title that isn’t even primarily a hunting simulator.
In conclusion, this title doesn’t align with my gaming preferences. It suffers from slow pacing, visual shortcomings, and its age is apparent. However, for players specifically interested in hunting, and digital hunting in particular, the price of 59.50 SEK might be justifiable for a Switch game, so it’s…
Yep, you can die in the hunting simulator.
Wait – did you say 595 SEK?!?!?!?!?!?! Seriously?!? Full price for a game nearing ten years old is exorbitant, irrespective of any included peripheral. Not recommended under any circumstance. On the contrary: avoid this title.
Så här sätter vi betyg på Senses