Way of the Hunter: Aurora Shores Review (aspendosia)
TL;DR - if you like WotH, buy it.
Longer? This is gorgeous.
Though the map is smaller than the main game maps (64 square km compared to the 144 square km of both Nez Perce and Transylvania) and yet it feels anything but small. I played out the main story and the story to unlock the island at the south-east of the map and I'd be generous to say I'd unlocked a third. This is a gorgeous wilderness, with plenty of variety of topography and flora, a couple of interesting little Easter Eggs, and more than enough space for the animals to hide in.
With regards to the story, it doesn't take too long (couple of hours if you're not speed running) and though there's a couple of moments when you might get stuck (*those* caribu) there are guides to show you what you need to know. PSA: If you're unlocking the island, don't do what I did, mistaking 'shoot me an elk' as meaning you could shoot one on the island. You can't. I did, and promptly lost an initial spawn 5 star elk to being claimed from under me. As to the story itself, it's got depth, humour, and a nice little payoff at the end. And *that* crossbow which I'm now carrying on every map.
As we're all here for the hunting first and foremost, although I know the devs *didn't* place every tree and rock individually, whatever algorithm they are using to do that deserves awards, the whole map feels thought out, the south-east island almost an area of its own. As to the animals, a nice variety, not too many, and once drinking time is over, you have to work for your kills.
If you're thinking this is Way of the Hunter's version of another game's Alaskan map, it isn't. They're different, I've played both, and my personal taste is for Aurora Shores - it simply feels more thought out.
All in all, more of what we've already seen, namely a well put together map, a balanced and sensible variety of biome-appropriate game animals, and enough of a story for a map this size that is neither too little, too much, fetch quests, or an afterthought, but just right to get the player out and exploring the map.
Personally, this might be my favourite map.