Deer Hunter (series)

Deer Hunter is a series of hunting simulation video games. Originally available for Windows platform published by WizardWorks, it was also published on Mac, and later on Game Boy Color, PlayStation 2, and mobile phones.The first Deer Hunter game was an early success in the casual game market.[1]

Deer Hunter
Developer(s)Southlogic Studios, Glu Mobile, Sunstorm Interactive, Coresoft, Sorrent (now Glu Mobile), Morning Star Multimedia, Sylum Entertainment
Publisher(s)
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Color, Mobile phone, BlackBerry, iOS, Android
First releaseDeer Hunter: Interactive Hunting Experience
November 13, 1997
Latest releaseDeer Hunter 2014
November 22, 2013

The original game was released in November 1997. In 2003, Southlogic Studios was commissioned by WizardWorks to develop Trophy Hunter 2003; and because of Trophy Hunter's success, they took over the development of the Deer Hunter franchise, with Deer Hunter 2004 and Deer Hunter 2005, distributed by Atari. Glu Mobile acquired the entire franchise in April 2012.[2] The original Deer Hunter and its sequel Deer Hunter II have also been released for Macintosh computers.

Gameplay usually takes place in a thick forest or meadow during different seasons of the year. Animals and objects other than deer can be seen while playing, including Bigfoot and UFOs in some incarnations, but these serve no purpose other than scenery. Some animals may be shot and killed, but the player receives no trophy and will be penalized if the animal was a protected species. In the latest versions, players can also manage a deer herd with deer growth and genetics deciding the traits of offspring.

The franchise's main line games are: 1997's Deer Hunter, 1998's Deer Hunter II, 1999's Deer Hunter 3, 2001's Deer Hunter 4, 2001's Deer Hunter 5, 2002's Deer Hunter 2003, 2003's Deer Hunter 2004, 2004's Deer Hunter 2005, and 2008's Deer Hunter Tournament. After the release of Deer Hunter Tournament, every game bearing the franchise's name has been a mobile version, and there has not been a full-fledged game since; however, some of these versions have seen ports on Steam, to poor reviews.

Games
Title Details
Deer Hunter

Original release date(s):[3]
  • NA: November 13, 1997
 Release years by system:
1997—Windows[4]
1998—Macintosh[5]
1999—Game Boy Color[6]
Notes:
Deer Hunter Companion

Original release date(s):[9]
  • NA: September 30, 1998
 Release years by system:
1998—Windows[9]
Notes:
  • Published by WizardWorks[9]
  • It is an expansion pack for Deer Hunter: Interactive Hunting Experience
  • Contains the Deer Hunter Companion book and an add-on CD-ROM which has five new hunting locations, videos and tips[9]
Deer Hunter II: The Hunt Continues

Original release date(s):[10]
  • NA: October 31, 1998
 Release years by system:
1998—Macintosh, Windows[10][11]
Notes:
Deer Hunter's Extended Season

Original release date(s):[12]
  • NA: May 13, 1998
 Release years by system:
1998—Windows[13]
Notes:
Deer Hunter II: Extended Season

Original release date(s):[14]
  • NA: December 31, 1998
 Release years by system:
1998—Windows[14]
Notes:
  • Developed by Sunstorm Interactive and published by WizardWorks[14]
  • It is the expansion pack for Deer Hunter II: The Hunt Continues
  • It adds monster mule deer, 12-gauge slug shotgun w/ scope, three new accessories, a map editor, companion CD-ROM and a strategy guide.
Deer Hunter 3: The Legend Continues

Original release date(s):[15]
  • NA: October 1, 1999
 Release years by system:
1999—Windows[15]
Notes:
  • Developed by Sunstorm Interactive and published by WizardWorks[15]
  • It is the third game in the series and was developed using SCS Software's TERRENG 4.0 engine
  • It features 10 weapons, over 15 accessories and has the ability for play over the Internet provided via GameSpy.
Deer Hunter 3 Gold

Original release date(s):[16]
  • NA: February 29, 2000
 Release years by system:
2000—Windows[16]
Notes:
  • Developed by Sunstorm Interactive & Sylum Entertainment and published by WizardWorks[16][17]
  • It is an updated version of Deer Hunter 3: The Legend Continues which adds 3 new Wisconsin stages, a 7mm Mag Rifle, a few accessories, and a Play-The-Deer mode where player becomes the hunted
Deer Hunter 4: World-Class Record Bucks

Original release date(s):[18]
  • NA: January 15, 2001
 Release years by system:
2001—Windows[18]
Notes:
  • Developed by Sunstorm Interactive and published by WizardWorks[18]
  • It is the fourth game in the series which has three deer species, more detailed antler modelling and an online trophy trading system[18]
Deer Hunter 5: Tracking Trophies

Original release date(s):[19]
  • NA: August 29, 2001
 Release years by system:
2001—Windows[19]
Notes:
  • Developed by Sunstorm Interactive & Sylum Entertainment and published by WizardWorks[20]
  • It is the fifth game in the series and features new locations and multiplayer support for computer controlled 'bot' hunters[19]
  • It was later released by Atari for digital download[21]
Deer Hunter 2003: Legendary Hunting

Original release date(s):[22]
  • NA: October 16, 2002
 Release years by system:
2002—Windows[22]
Notes:
Deer Hunter 2004

Original release date(s):[24]
  • NA: October 13, 2003
 Release years by system:
2003—Windows[24]
Notes:
  • Developed by Southlogic Studios and published by Atari[24]
  • It is the seventh game in the series and the first to be developed by Southlogic Studios
Deer Hunter

Original release date(s):[25]
  • NA: December 22, 2003
 Release years by system:
2003—PlayStation 2[25]
Notes:
  • Developed by Coresoft and published by Atari[25]
  • It is the first game in the series to be released on PlayStation 2
  • Features 17 weapons, a multiplayer mode is supported via broadband connection only and online tournament play
Deer Hunter 2005

Original release date(s):[26]
  • NA: September 28, 2004
 Release years by system:
2004—Windows[26]
Notes:
  • Developed by Southlogic Studios and published by Atari[26]
  • It is the eighth game in the series and features six hunting sites and five deer species[27]
Deer Hunter

Original release date(s):[28]
  • NA: November 30, 2004
 Release years by system:
2004—Mobile phone[28]
Notes:
  • Developed and published by Sorrent[28]
  • It is the first game in the Deer Hunter series to be made for the mobile phone
Deer Hunter 2

Original release date(s):[29]
  • NA: October 10, 2006
 Release years by system:
2006—BlackBerry, Mobile phone[29][30]
Notes:
Deer Hunter Tournament

Original release date(s):[31]
  • NA: October 14, 2008
 Release years by system:
2008—Windows[31]
Notes:
  • Developed by Southlogic Studios and published by Atari[31]
  • It contains several trophy animals and hunting locations
  • The animals have AI in that they can use their senses for protection, aggressive towards humans, eat, sleep and swim
  • It has tournament options allowing play in online tournaments
  • A version was planned to be released for the Xbox 360 but was cancelled[32]
Deer Hunter 3

Original release date(s):[33]
  • NA: August 12, 2009
 Release years by system:
2009—BlackBerry[33]
Notes:
Deer Hunter 3D

Original release date(s):[34]
  • NA: May 15, 2009
 Release years by system:
2009—iOS[34]
2010—Palm WebOS
2011—Android, Windows Phone[35][36]
Notes:
  • Developed and published by Glu Mobile[34]
  • It is the first game in the series on the iOS
Deer Hunter: African Safari

Original release date(s):[37]
  • NA: August 19, 2010
 Release years by system:
2010—iOS, BlackBerry[37][38]
2011—Android[38]
Notes:
Deer Hunter: First Shot

Original release date(s):[39]
  • NA: September 30, 2010
 Release years by system:
2010—iOS[39]
Notes:
  • Developed and published by rockifone.com[39]
Deer Hunter: Bow Master

Original release date(s):[40]
  • NA: October 1, 2010
 Release years by system:
2010—iOS[40]
Notes:
  • Developed and published by rockifone.com[40]
Deer Hunter Challenge

Original release date(s):[41]
  • NA: December 1, 2010
 Release years by system:
2010—iOS[41]
2011—Android[41]
Notes:
Deer Hunter

Original release date(s):[42]
  • NA: November 29, 2011
 Release years by system:
2011—iOS[42]
Notes:
  • Developed and published by Pajenco[42]
  • A high-definition version was released for the iOS in December 2011[43]
Deer Hunter Reloaded

Original release date(s):[44]
  • NA: February 3, 2012
 Release years by system:
2012—iOS[44]
2013—Android[44]
Notes:
Deer Hunter Online

Original release date(s):[45]
November 2012		 Release years by system:
2012—Web browser[46]
Notes:
  • It is an online game that plays through your web browser and allows you to connect through Facebook[46]
Deer Hunter 2014

Original release date(s):[47]
November 22, 2013		 Release years by system:
2013—Android[48] & iOS.
Notes:
  • Available through the Android Google Play Store
  • Developed and published by Glu Mobile[48]

Compilations
Title Details
Deer Hunter: Monster Buck 4-Pack

Original release date(s):[49]
  • NA: July 30, 1999
 Release years by system:
1999—Windows[49]
Notes:
  • Developed by Sunstorm Interactive and published by WizardWorks[49]
  • It is a compilation which includes Deer Hunter: Interactive Hunting Experience, Deer Hunter's Extended Season, Deer Hunter Companion, and Deer Hunter Screensaver[49]
Deer Hunter II: Monster Buck 3-Pack

Original release date(s):[50]
  • NA: January 13, 2000
 Release years by system:
2000—Windows[50]
Notes:
  • Developed by Sunstorm Interactive and published by WizardWorks[50]
  • It is a compilation which includes Deer Hunter II: The Hunt Continues, Deer Hunter II: Extended Season, and the Deer Hunter: Huntin' Country Desktop screensaver[50]
Deer Hunter: Trophy Collection

Original release date(s):[51]
  • NA: October 31, 2003
 Release years by system:
2003—Windows[51]
Notes:
  • Published by Atari[51]
  • It is a compilation which includes three full games; Deer Hunter 2003: Legendary Hunting, Trophy Hunter 2003: Legendary Hunting and Bird Hunter 2003: Legendary Hunting[51]

Cancelled games
Title Details
Deer Hunter 64

Original release date(s):[52]
 Release years by system:
Nintendo 64[52]
Notes:
  • Was to be published by Microwares before being cancelled[52]

Reception

The original Deer Hunter released in 1997 sold nearly 64,700 units.[53]

In the United States, Deer Hunter 4 sold 250,000 copies and earned $4.5 million by August 2006, after its release in November 2001. It was the country's 81st best-selling computer game between January 2000 and August 2006. Combined sales of all Deer Hunter games released between January 2000 and August 2006 had reached 1.4 million in the United States by the latter date.[54]

See also

References
  1. Grover, Mary Beth (1999-12-27). "Rules of the Game". Forbes.
  2. "Glu Mobile Acquires Deer Hunter® Brand". BusinessWire. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  3. "Deer Hunter: Interactive Hunting Experience - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  4. "Deer Hunter: Interactive Hunting Experience - Summary for Windows edition". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  5. "Deer Hunter: Interactive Hunting Experience - Summary for Macintosh edition". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  6. "Deer Hunter: Interactive Hunting Experience for Game Boy Color - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  7. MacDonald, Ryan (1998-03-10). "Deer Hunter Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-01-23. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  8. "Deer Hunter - Game.Com". IGN. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  9. "Deer Hunter Companion". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  10. "Deer Hunter II - Summary". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  11. "Deer Hunter 2 - Summary". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  12. "New Releases". GameSpot. May 13, 1998. Archived from the original on January 9, 2001. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  13. "Deer Hunter's Extended Season - Game profile". IGN. 1998-12-31. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  14. "Deer Hunter II: Extended Season - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  15. "Deer Hunter 3: The Legend Continues - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  16. "Deer Hunter 3 Gold - Tech info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  17. "Deer Hunter 3 Gold". Sylum Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  18. "Deer Hunter 4: World-Class Record Bucks - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  19. "Deer Hunter 5: Tracking Trophies - Summary". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-01-23. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  20. "Deer Hunter 5: Tracking Trophies". Sylum Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  21. "Deer Hunter 5: Tracking Trophies". Atari. Archived from the original on 2008-07-01. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  22. "Deer Hunter 2003 - Summary". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  23. "Deer Hunter 2003: Legendary Hunting - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  24. "Deer Hunter 2004 - Summary". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
  25. "Deer Hunter - Summary". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
  26. "Deer Hunter 2005 - Summary". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
  27. "Deer Hunter 2005 - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
  28. "Deer Hunter for mobile - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
  29. "Deer Hunter 2 - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
  30. "Deer Hunter II". IGN. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  31. "Deer Hunter Tournament - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
  32. "Deer Hunter Tournament Tech Info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  33. "Deer Hunter 3 Tech Info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  34. "Deer Hunter 3D Release Information for iPhone/iPod". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2009-08-19.
  35. "Deer Hunter 3D". IGN. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  36. "Deer Hunter 3D Tech Info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  37. "Deer Hunter: African Safari - iPhone". IGN. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  38. "Deer Hunter: African Safari Tech Info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  39. "Deer Hunter: First Shot Tech Info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  40. "Deer Hunter: Bow Master Tech Info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  41. "Deer Hunter Challenge Tech Info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  42. "Deer Hunter Release Information". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  43. "Deer Hunter HD Tech Info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  44. "Deer Hunter Reloaded Tech Info". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  45. "Deer Hunter Online". IGN. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  46. "Deer Hunter Online". Atari. Archived from the original on 2011-03-01. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
  47. "Deer Hunter 2014". Glu Mobile. Retrieved 2013-11-22.
  48. "Deer Hunter 2014". Glu Mobile. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
  49. "Deer Hunter: Monster Buck 4-Pack - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  50. "Deer Hunter II: Monster Buck 3-Pack - Game profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  51. "Deer Hunter: Trophy Collection - Summary". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  52. "Deer Hunter 64 - Nintendo 64". IGN. Retrieved 2013-02-16.
  53. Jebens, Harley (January 26, 1998). "Deer Hunter Takes Its Shot". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 7, 2000. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  54. Edge Staff (August 25, 2006). "The Top 100 PC Games of the 21st Century". Edge. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012.
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