by
After having played a large number of games for many years, I can almost claim that I have tried every type of game. But when I received "Wolf" from Sanctuary Woods, I ran into problems identifying the category of this software. It is a simulator for sure, but not really like the ones we are used to. It also mixes parts of an adventure game and a role-playing game but the most unique characteristic is the role you are playing. In this game, you will be the animal feared by humans for centuries, the Wolf. Of course, you will not be the big bad wolf encountered in the fairy tales that eats children and grandmothers. In this wildlife adventure, you will not have to ensure survival for yourself alone, but also for your wolf pack.
The game is divided into two main sections. The first section lets you play the simulation where you can customize various elements such as the season, duration of the game, number of hunters and people, and the number of other animals such as moose, deer, rabbit and elk. You will also have to choose which species of wolf you belong to, and other options concerning your wolf pack. Before starting the simulation, you will select what kind of land you prefer between Arctic, timber and plains. When you start the simulation, you will discover a 3D isometric-like view close to a vertical view of the landscape.
On the screen, you will notice trees, grass, rivers, birds flying around and also other animals that you will have to hunt. All of the animation is very realistic and the graphics are superbly done. While you appreciate the artwork, sounds and music will render the wildlife atmosphere with sound effects like the wind, rivers and birds.
As you explore the land, you will become either hungry or thirsty. Using your nose, you will smell the odors of other animals from miles around and icons showing a view of them will be displayed in their direction. A number indicates how far away the animal is. The larger the number, the further the animal.
The see option will allow you to look around, and the map will give you directions of the main locations, e.g: water and your den. Moreover, you can also listen to locate humans and animals, bury food or dig it up, eat and drink, sit, bark and sleep.
Unfortunately for you, the world is populated by humans who usually hunt the wolf. They will try to shoot you from helicopters, and when you hear the sounds of an approaching engine, you will have to escape if you want to stay alive.
The second section of the game is where you play a scenario. You will have to complete specific actions like missions in a flight simulator game. Dozens of choices will be offered ranging from killing a hare to attacking a moose, finding water and raising cubs. In most of these cases, you will have to complete this in a certain period of time.
As the game is on CD-ROM, it includes video footage about wolves and their habitat, and all throughout the game, detailed explanations about wolves and their habits will be provided to the player.
U.S. Gold Ltd.,
GRAPHICS ------------------ 86% Unit 2 & 3 Holford Way, Holford,
SOUND ------------------ 92% Birmingham B6 7AX, England.
MUSIC ------------------ 93% Tel: +44-(0)21-625-3366
GAMEPLAY ------------------ 90%
INTEREST ------------------ 91% Sanctuary Woods Inc.,
1825 South Grant Street, Suite 410,
San Mateo, CA 94402.
OVERALL ------------------ 90% Tel: 415-286-6000
