I've seen some gameplay and I'm not sold on it. While graphics are incredibly gorgeous and lifelike, the most important thing in hunting game is lacking. AI or animal behavior is wonky, there's ton of them at the same spot, different kind even. Like you're on African safari. That's not exactly how it goes in your typical forest.
First of all, animals aren't as bloodthirsty we make them to be but they aren't exactly friendly to each other like in cartoon. And thanks to us humans, wildlife animals are very hungry and famished more often than not. Which means that if bear cross path with a deer, chances that he will ignore him or even worse cuddle with him (some people actually believe this shit) is a lot lower than trying to kill and eat poor deer. Yet in this game I haven't seen animals reacting to each other. That wasn't thing in Deer Hunter games but those are 12 year old games, innovate a little bit you bastards.
Above is minor concern, because it is still a game and I'm being too picky. But bigger problem is garbage pathfinding which leads to animals getting stuck in trees, rocks and other obstacles. That kills whole immersion. Deer Hunter wasn't perfect, that happened too but as I said it is an old game. I expect more in 2017.
It is great we have top tier hunting game, but it could be a lot better. Realistic animal behavior implemented would make it truly awesome experience. Add VR support to that and it would be just like hunting, but without scent, tiredness and dead animals.
Deer Hunter 2004 (and 2005) were something special because they succeeded old Deer Hunter series which were good but had 2D graphics. New games had above average presentation, life-like animals, nicely done animal behavior, decent ballistics and were very atmospheric games for their time (graphical style and lightning were realistic). Back in the day competitor were Cabela games which were arcade hunting experience, placed in natural environment that makes no sense, poor ballistic and too many animals that were eager to get killed. Like comparing iRacing or Assetto Corsa with latest Need for Speed.
