I am not the type of person that would normally play this type of game, but a friend of mine is really into it, and so I took the plunge....As you can see by my hours, I really really liked it! So much so, that I went on my first real hunting trip last year.

COTW is jokingly between my friends referred to as the hiking simulator, and that is sort of true. That said, it's a damn beautiful hike. Each map is highly detailed to feel like the real world region it represents, and they mostly pull it off. Some areas of some maps feel similar to each other, but still feels like you're somewhere new too.

As far as realism is concerned, this game isn't the most realistic depiction of hunting, and if you're looking for that, this isn't it. That said, it can have it's realistic feeling moments and can still teach you a bit of what it is like to hunt an animal. Patience I think is the biggest thing you'll learn about hunting while playing the game or doing it in real life. COTW really has the player focus on learning where to shoot the animal, what type of ammo, and strategically placing tents to get around the map quickly. ATV's can be purchased as DLC and it is 100% worth it.

On the note of DLC, there is a lot, and I would argue the entire library is worth it. The main release for this game was a while ago, and the best way to keep the lights on for the devs is to put out new maps with new species, features and fixes and make it a DLC that only usually costs $11 USD, give or take a few dollars. That said, I find this totally reasonable for what you get each time, and each time they announce a new reserve, I find myself extremely excited.

Last point I would say is that his game is niche and again, requires patience. If you can't stand walking for a while and not seeing a single animal, this may not be for you. Once you learn the ropes though, you'll know exactly how to find whatever you want to find. Skills will enable you to have better....well, skills at all aspects of hunting. I highly recommend this for anyone who's looking for an extremely relaxing hunting game that you can just go on a beautiful hike, and see some beautiful vistas and animals.

10/10

Happy Hunting!!