Deer Hunter 2005 Season (PC)

(Herald rating: * * * *)

If you wept at Bambi, it's probably best that you don't play Deer Hunter. It's really a game for those who hunt, or would like to, and offers an excellent perspective on North American game, weapons and techniques.

The level of realism is quite startling, with highly detailed locations from hunting areas in the US and for the first time, Australia. The hunting experience is carefully simulated, down to licensing, allowed start times, clothing selection, and most importantly, correct weapon selection.

If you didn't know much about chambering and calibres, you will after playing this for a while.

And it does take conservation seriously — the bag limit is two bucks and a doe or fawn. After that, you have to start a new hunt.

Don't be tempted to shoot a passing bird — that wipes out your kills to date, as does shooting over water, as apparently the ammo can cause pollution.

* Atari, M15+