I used to laugh at those guys that bought the Deer Hunter games. Maybe the graphics have caught up with the ambition? Maybe I know that my ass is NEVER going to go out hunting in Alaska, Canada, or Africa, so this digital escapism might just be what the doctor ordered. Not sure if this is Unreal Engine or not, but this is one of the most gorgeous outdoor worlds I’ve seen since Oblivion. I know that more graphically impressive games have come out since, but few have tried to truly capture the colors and atmosphere of ‘real nature’ than Oblivion, and this Caleb’s Big Game Hunter 2010 is turning out to be a contender.

Okay, so most of my ogling is because of the graphics. Whatever. The linear-but-slightly open-world exploration isn’t so bad either. It’s not quite ‘go anywhere’. Think more Far Cry 2 with it’s open world paths, less Fallout 3 or Oblivion. However, what you do get is the ability to sneak up on big beasts, find a good cover spot, and calmly shoot. It’s relaxing business.

I wish the devs would’ve let you roam a little more, force the user to heed day/night cycles, and gave more opportunities for us to actually ‘track’ something (think hunting in Oblivion), and this game would’ve been a something serious.

As is, it’s a possible sleeper. Then again, it’s a demo. Apparently in the full game, we’ll be hunting Rhinos in Africa.