Cabela's Big Game Hunter is Activision's latest attempt to bring the popular sport of hunting to mobile devices, following Glu Games' Deer Hunter 2014. It's offered on a free-to-play basis and provides a number of missions, whether you're hunting small game like quail and rabbits, or bigger, more dangerous fare, like black bears that don't take a liking to firearms.
The Good
Cabela utilizes a simple-to-grasp concept when it comes to gameplay, and there's something unique about the way the slow-motion "kill cams" come across when you hit a heart or lung. The power-ups are useful, and the bonus trophy room is rather cool, as you can set up animals however you see fit in a variety of poses. You can also share them on Facebook with your fellow hunting fans.
The Bad
The general gameplay for Cabela just doesn't feel right. The movement arrows often get in the way of you trying to line up a shot, and even then, the hit detection is iffy, either missing your target completely or poorly registering a heart shot when you weren't even close. This is particularly frustrating with the dangerous missions, where you need to contend with a more vicious animal. The presentation is also below standard, with subpar animations for each of the animals and bland, repetitive backdrops. Finally, the free-to-play structure is frustrating, as you'll have to pay real cash to unlock the better weapons and boosts in the game, or buy more charges to keep playing.
The Verdict
Had it come with a better gameplay system, richer graphics and an easier way to acquire weaponry, Cabela's Big Game Hunter could've easily hit the mark. For now, only dedicated hunters will be interested. Everyone else should find a more enjoyable sport to conquer.
