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- REVIEW
- WOLF from SANCTUARY WOODS
- FORMAT: PC/CD
- DATE: NOVEMBER
- PRICE: N/A
-
- 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.
-
- ──────────┐
- Conclusion│
- ──────────┘
-
- "Wolf" is quite unique, even weird when looking at it for the first time,
- but as soon as you start the simulation, you will become addicted and feel
- for yourself, as an animal feels hunting for its very own life.
- Rumors say Sanctuary Woods is working on a sequel, and I will be anxiously
- waiting for it!
- ─────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: │
- ─────────────────────┘
- 386 SX-25 MHz or better,
- Min 4 MB memory,
- MS-DOS 5.0 or later,
- Hard drive required with 2MB free,
- Single speed CD-ROM drive (150 Kb/s) or faster,
- VGA 256 color graphic card and monitor,
- Microsoft Mouse or 100% compatible and joysticks supported,
- Sound Blaster and compatibles.
- ───────────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────
- ┌────────┐ ┌─────┐ │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
- └────────┘ └─────┘ │
- │
- ───────────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────
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