Greetings gamers, Greg Vander Velde here to talk about Hunting Simulator 2 for the PlayStation 5, published by Nacon and developed by Neopica. This title has been out on last-gen for a while but has now been updated for next-gen. These updates now making the simulator even more immersive with the PS5 dual sense enabled and beautiful ray-traced environments. This is really important since players spend a lot of time just walking around stalking the trails of possible prey. I am staying away from calling this release a game since it is truly a simulator with an upcoming “Ranger mode” that will have more of a story to it making it more in line with a gaming experience. Hunting isn’t for everyone and I can’t say that I have ever been hunting before, but I do feel like this simulator gave me an experience close enough to the real thing for me.
The entire simulator rests heavily on the hunt and reality of the whole experience. My first two hours after the tutorial I spent running around one of the six massive maps trying to find animals. But my method much like how I imagine real hunting would be was not the best way to find animals. Thundering around in the open world is a great way to turn this hunting simulator into a jogging simulator and quickly teaching me what not to do while hunting. These digital animals are all pretty smart and can hear a human running around in the brush no problem and decide they want to go somewhere else. They can also smell and hear other things, such as some of the items you can get in the shop, they can be used to trick the animals into thinking it may be a mate or fellow animal.
This leads me to by far my favorite part of the game, the dog companion that can be pet and praised to build determination, stamina, and loyalty. I really spent as much time as possible petting my dog and praising him at every opportunity possible. The dog does a great job of tracking trails and finding clues, and is really a far better hunter than I was in this simulator.
When you do find and shoot an animal, the simulator takes much of the work out of a real hunt without needing to drag, gut, and clean the animal; it really streamlines the process. The hunter is required to have a license for each type of animal and the correct gauge and weapon to be able to even take the shot. The game will also warn the player when setting your sights on a female as to not reduce the possible population for next season’s hunt much like what real permits are like I believe.
Players have the choice of collecting trophies or money for their bagged game. Money can be used to buy items, clothes, and weapons all of which represent real equipment and brands hunters use. I right away bought the longest scope for my rifle to help with sighting up prey at a distance. Feeling particularly proud of a bag take it to your hunting lodge as a trophy and admire it anytime while listening to the record player or at a glance while on your way out on another hunt.
Hunting Simulator 2 is beautiful and peaceful for the most part. I haven’t been on a real hunt before but this game seems like it would be good preparation for going out on a real hunt. Getting in the mindset that it won’t be running around and shooting willy-nilly, it takes time and patience. Once a hunter cracks off their gun it is quite possible to scare every animal off in earshot. It is probably better to set up in a blind or tower, use an animal call, and sit back and wait for an opportunity to come to you. In the real world, it would be a relaxing time where one could enjoy their morning coffee and take in the peace of nature. This simulator does give you that feeling to a certain extent without the hassle of trekking out in the cold and taking up your entire weekend.
Hunting simulator 2 for the PS5 gets a 7/10.
Check Out the Hunting Simulator 2 Trailer:
Hunting Simulator 2 is now available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
A Ranger’s Life DLC is releasing today on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S PC, and Nintendo Switch.
PlayStation 5 Review
I've been a life long nerd and video game junkie known to associate with the likes of Link, Nathan Drake, Batman, and Master Chief. I'm a filmmaker by profession, but spend lots of time behind a controller escaping the real world. @GregVelde on Instagram/Twitter/YouTube
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