theHunter: Call of the Wild - Emerald Coast Australia Review (Snail Rancher)
TL;DR: Emerald Coast Australia is a phenomenal DLC map, easily one of, if not the best released for COTW.
Longer version with more words:
The Emerald Coast Australia DLC is truly a remarkable addition to the game, standing out as the best DLC map released in years. Its seamless transitions between various biomes and hunting environments create an immersive sense of place, and the sheer expanse of the map feels so vast that it could easily be mistaken for multiple DLCs; the inclusion of very different outposts adds an authentic touch, making the landscape feel genuinely inhabited.
While some familiar species make a return appearance, the majority of additions to the game are fresh and exciting. The true showstoppers for most players are undeniably the kangaroos and saltwater crocodiles, both painstakingly crafted with astonishing attention to detail in terms of their animations and AI. Fans of theHunter Classic will be happy to encounter magpie geese once again. The introduction of new deer species, such as the Javan Rusa, Sambar, and Hog Deer, is a welcome inclusion, providing players with a thrilling array of hunting opportunities. However, it is disheartening that water buffalo, such prominent and iconic creatures in real-life Australian hunting and theHunter Classic, were overlooked in this DLC.
In terms of equipment, the DLC introduces the .22-250 bolt-action rifle, which serves as an excellent varmint rifle for hunting Classes 2 to 4. My only minor gripe is the absence of a wooden stock variant for the rifle, as the weapon customization feature does not allow for the use of wood materials. On a positive note, the addition of a new hunting outfit, the first of its kind in years, is a surprise that further enhances the immersion.
One aspect that deserves special notice is the inclusion of a wide range of both Story and Side missions. These missions not only immerse players in the hunting experience but also seamlessly integrate with the map's environment, offering an engaging narrative and tasks that feel purposeful and meaningful. It is refreshing to encounter missions that revolve around actual hunting rather than mundane fetch quests, adding a welcome layer of depth and purpose to the gameplay.
Nevertheless, there are a few areas where the DLC falls short of expectations. Firstly, the absence of water buffalo, a significant and highly anticipated species in Australian hunting, feels like a missed opportunity to fully capture the essence of the region. Additionally, some of the animal audio files seem replaced with placeholders, with hog deer sounding like roe deer, banteng sounding like European bison, and magpie geese sounding like Canada geese. While these issues may be relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, it is hoped that the developers will address them in due course to enhance the overall immersion and authenticity of the gameplay experience.
All in all, the Emerald Coast Australia DLC offers an unparalleled hunting experience within a breathtakingly vast and diverse landscape. It should be an essential addition for all theHunter: Call of the Wild players.