There are a number of bird species to hunt, and each bird type has different behaviors, as in real life. Each round also includes a bird that you are NOT supposed to shoot, like blue jays, or female birds. Mirroring reality, the birds often look similar to the birds you're trying to hunt, so care must be taken not to kill the wrong ones. This can be tricky, as they tend to fly right in the path of the birds you are trying to take down. Kills can be chained for more points. Long range kills are worth more, as are taking down two birds with one shot.
During the game, a number of upgrades can be attained. First, of course, is firearm upgrades. Players can pick up more powerful weaponry by shooting birds with a gun indicator. The change in guns is even reflected in the sound and vibration levels produced by the Wii Remote, which I thought was a nice touch. After shooting enough birds, players can gain "hunter vision," which will slow down time and increase the contrast. Once attained, this can be used at the player's leisure, so it is best saved for large flock fly-bys, where it is harder to clear all of the birds. You can also call out your hunting dog, Rockford, who will run into the field and chase out golden birds, which are worth more points.
My primary concern with the game is its difficulty level. The game seemed very easy, even on the harder modes. The birds are relatively slow and predictable. The game seems pretty lenient in its targeting, especially compared to Mastiff's other upcoming sporting game, Shimano Xtreme Fishing. One the one hand, this means anybody can play it and do pretty well right off the bat. However, I am not sure about the lasting challenge.
Great American Bird Hunt makes a good party game. With a competitive multiplayer mode, players can go head to head individually or in teams. It is possible to shoot the same bird simultaneously, but with four hunters rushing and strategizing over which birds to shoot, the game becomes frantic.
Remington Great American Bird Hunt is a nice arcade-style bird hunting game with a good atmosphere and many variations of play. The budget release price makes it a good game to pick up for those wanting bird hunting action. And for those of you who might be wondering: No, you can't shoot the dog.
Check out some gameplay below.
