Deer Hunter 3D

Vegans and their vegetarian compadres have often touted the argument that if carnivores were to face the reality of slaying the very animals they so dearly love to eat, they wouldn't have the heart to do it. Break out the dishes and silverware because not only will you bag game in Deer Hunter 3D with ease, but you'll love doing it.

Starting with a basic bolt rifle, Deer Hunter 3D takes you into the wilds of the American Midwest, Northern Europe, and Western Russia to hunt game. Deer, elk, and bear are on the hit list in this gorgeously rendered game that has you tracking down these beasts with taps of your finger.

You're free to hunt for fun in Quick Game mode, though the real meat is found on Hunting Trips that open up new equipment, bonuses, and awards.

Initiating a hunt brings up a GPS map of the area from which you can track game. You're represented as an icon on the map, which can be moved by tapping the screen. Run into a set of animal tracks and the game zooms in for the hunt.

Switching into the first-person, you're able to target creatures with your gun's reticle by sliding a finger across the screen and steady your aim with a tap of the reticle.

You begin without a scope, but can acquire one by successfully completing your first hunt. Tapping your gun in the lower-left activates the scope, after which you can slide around the edge of the eyepiece to adjust the level of zoom. Once you've got a shot, a quick tap anywhere on the screen fires.

Deer Hunter 3D wisely avoids use of the accelerometer here. Dealing with flighty deer and aggressive bears with a shaky hand is challenging enough without having to fight against tilts of your handset. The animals will get wise to your presence if you loiter too long without taking a shot. Conversely, they scatter when you fire and miss.

The thrill of the kill is complemented by a host of added features and bonuses that makes Deer Hunter 3D stand out. Along with the ability to unlock new weapons and equipment, you're able to earn upgrade points that go toward improving your hunting skill in four distinct areas. There are also achievements and a trophy wall that depicts your best hits in full 3D.

Improvements to the performance could be made to keep the game running faster and controls more fluid. When entering an area, there's initially a delay in the controls that needs tightening up. The incorporation of email challenges or the ability to send Twitter updates about notable kills would take the game to the next level.

Neither of these omissions detracts from the enjoyment you get out of Deer Hunter 3D. This easy-going shooter pelts the competition with intuitive controls, slick visuals, and plenty of bonus features that ensure you'll come back for several helpings.