Behold, probably the best 16-bit game?
Hunter was developed by Paul Holmes for Activision in 1991 and many consider this to be one of the first open-world/sandbox 3D productions. Now, that's pretty big news when you think about it? It's also relevant to today's gamer who might assume there was nothing before the likes of GTA or Battlefield. As if...
The gameplay takes place within a huge three-dimensional world that's filled with danger but also lots of different vehicles to use at will. We are essentially a James Bond with various mission objectives, should you decide to play the game properly. All are far-reaching with the key to success is a strategic exploration with interaction and communication with everything you come across. Oh, and common sense won't go amiss before heading out into the wild:
The gameplay takes place within a huge three-dimensional world that's filled with danger but also lots of different vehicles to use at will. We are essentially a James Bond with various mission objectives, should you decide to play the game properly. All are far-reaching with the key to success is a strategic exploration with interaction and communication with everything you come across. Oh, and common sense won't go amiss before heading out into the wild:
For example, I wouldn't drive off in a jeep without a spare jerrycan! It might be a good idea to find a medkit? It's dangerous out there... Of course, it's a good idea to stock up on extra ammo. Use a map!
No rules only fun!
I often boot up Hunter 'just' to drive around its fascinating world - what's better than exploring and blowing stuff up? Life can be boring, so create mayhem and have yourself some fun? Actually, this freedom is the best aspect of Hunter because we are completely free to roam. So, go anywhere you choose and do anything.
Incredible is the word. I love riding a wonky bike or going for a stroll to enjoy the fresh air and watch birds fly. The hippie in you might wanna go for a swim with the fish? Or maybe chase cute rabbits? But why would you do any of this when you can drive an army jeep, steer a speedboat or pilot a helicopter? Heck, you can even hop into a tank and blow stuff up, like somebody's house!! Yes, let's be a psychopath and terrorise the world lol.
Incredible is the word. I love riding a wonky bike or going for a stroll to enjoy the fresh air and watch birds fly. The hippie in you might wanna go for a swim with the fish? Or maybe chase cute rabbits? But why would you do any of this when you can drive an army jeep, steer a speedboat or pilot a helicopter? Heck, you can even hop into a tank and blow stuff up, like somebody's house!! Yes, let's be a psychopath and terrorise the world lol.
Hunter is limited only by your imagination. Be heroic. Be ambitious. Be an explorer. Whatever you like!
There's nothing quite like this game - jump into a jeep and be a mud muppet for a day?
Polygons and squeaks?
Visually, Hunter's world is fantastic thanks to a concise design by both Paul and Christian Roux who have your Atari ST displaying fast and fluent visuals. The 3D itself looks nice with amazing vehicles, buildings and chequered landscapes. Faster computers will benefit a bundle; my 16Mhz Mega STe performed beautifully.
Sonically, we have sampled music on the title screen. Okay, everyone knows I prefer chip but I quite enjoyed this tune. In-game sound effects are good with some funky effects that are hilariously silly - like the birds.
Sonically, we have sampled music on the title screen. Okay, everyone knows I prefer chip but I quite enjoyed this tune. In-game sound effects are good with some funky effects that are hilariously silly - like the birds.
The CryptO'pinion?
In some respects, this is years ahead of its time with comparisons having already been made to GTA and Battlefield 1942. It's remarkable exploring this strange new place and heading out into the unknown never fails to please. Who knows what you might find when on that open road? Tread carefully and leave no stone unturned.
However, even when played properly (yeah I should do that more!) this is an immersive and engrossing experience with taxing missions that require a tactical and explorational approach. Thankfully, the emphasis is always on your freedom and this priority extends into how you choose to complete each mission - there are no linear paths to blindly follow. That, I find utterly exciting and enthralling, to say the least. They're hard but enjoyable.
An extraordinary adventure and I guarantee it's one of the best 16-bit games there is. Hunter is epic.
- Interesting Map Coordinates -Security pass = 90, 153Master key = 164, 169Old man = 181, 197Second man = 99, 61Third man (In rock) = 195, 119Professor = 49, 115Prisoner = 135, 239Injured man = 10, 36Antibiotics and saw = 151, 121Monk (in tree stump) = 85, 174Scroll = 91, 173Disk = 100, 225Computer = 244, 199General's bunker = 135, 239Officer's red uniform = 190, 65