The Best Hunting Video Games on the Market

Primitive man survived on two things- Brontosaurs burgers and coconut cola. Well, "The Flintstones" aside, they survived due to foraging and hunting. But because a game about 'foraging' would be extremely boring, developers have given us a wide range of games based around the concept of hunting. Only a select few of these games go beyond the simply formula of 'wild animals', 'gun', and 'trees'. Three of those gems can be found below.

1. Monster Hunter Tri
Console? Nintendo Wii
Multiple Control Schemes? Yes
Online Multiplayer? Yes

This Wii exclusive has quickly become one of the most popular Wii games to be released. The game features addictive 4 player online co-op, fantastic graphics, and innovative gameplay. Capcom and Nintendo teamed up to develop a most impressive game with RPG elements, action/adventure game play, and expert controls. Your job is right in the title- you hunter monsters. You set traps, use bait, track monsters, carve commodities and accessories from them, and fight for your life in this contender for Game of the Year.

The game supports several control options- Wii remote and nunchuk, Classic Controller, and Classic Controller Pro. It's hard to imagine any greater hunting game experience than facing off against the ravenous Gobul in a treacherous swamp with three of your friends at your side. For more info, check out my review.

2. Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, SoulSilver, or HeartGold
Console? Nintendo DS
Multiple Control Schemes? Yes
Online Multiplayer? Yes

The Pokemon titles are renowned for their collecting and hunting gameplay innovations. You, a novice Pokemon Trainer, are setting out into a huge open-world with hundreds of potential pocket monsters to track down and capture. Pokemon breed, migrate, and live just like their real animal counterparts. At different times of day different Pokemon are more likely to appear, certain ones can only be found in caves, volcanoes, or forests- and, best of all, the game has near endless replay value.

For anyone just getting into the series, I suggest Pokemon Platinum as a good start. For an even more authentic hunting experience, look no further than the in-game Safari Zone. Here you'll bait, track, and use your wits to capture Pokemon. The game can be controlled primarily through touch screen- or, for traditional gamers, via button commands.

3. Red Dead Redemption
Console(s)? Playstation 3 & Xbox 360
Multiple Control Schemes? No
Online Multiplayer? Yes

This sandbox, old west title gives you a huge open-world with plenty to do. A hefty portion of the game revolves around tracking down and bringing down the local wildlife- birds, cougars, wolves, buffalo, rabbits, and so much more can all be found! From skunks to bears, animals small and large can be found. The gameplay is very tight and responsive with plenty of depth and excellent controls. Anyone looking for a fun, realistic hunting experience out in the desert, forest, or mountains will find a lot of joy in this cowboy-styled sandbox title. Feel free to check out my review for Red Dead Redemption. If you enjoy the game, you may also enjoy its DLC content, titled Liars & Cheats- my review of which can be found here.