WolfQuest
- September 7, 2016
- eduweb
- 52h median play time
WolfQuest is a remade wildlife simulation game where players can learn to hunt, find a mate, establish a territory, and raise wolf pups in episodic settings. The game features multiplayer modes, a classic map from WolfQuest 2.7, and optional DLC for wolf customization and expanded maps. It requires higher hardware specifications than the classic version and currently features two episodes with more content to come.
Reviews
- graphics2,190 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics in "WolfQuest: Anniversary Edition" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning realism and attention to detail, particularly in the portrayal of Yellowstone's landscapes and wolf behaviors. Players appreciate the game's ability to run smoothly even on lower settings, although high graphics require a powerful computer to avoid lag and crashes. Overall, the visuals significantly enhance the immersive experience, making it a standout in the animal simulation genre.
“I loved the graphics and realism in this game.”
“The graphics are beautiful, and the gameplay is even more fun and challenging.”
“The graphics are stunning, and the animals look like animals.”
“The graphics don't look like those of a AAA game, but they also don't scare you (like the previous version) with jagged graphics reminiscent of 2008; it's nice to look at details like snow and its interaction with the environment (e.g., footprints in the snow or how snow sticks to the fur of animals), which is quite amusing because the developer forgot to add such a simple detail as breath vapor when animals breathe in winter and snow reflecting sunlight.”
“The only thing I’d have to complain about are the game graphics, they have a big impact on game glitches and I can only have mine on low but other than that it’s a 100% buy this game.”
“The graphics can cause a lot of issues if your computer isn't up to spec but the developers are trying to get on top of it, and fast!”
- gameplay1,284 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "WolfQuest: Anniversary Edition" is praised for its engaging mechanics, beautiful graphics, and educational value, providing a realistic simulation of wolf life. Players appreciate the variety of gameplay modes, including options for casual and hardcore experiences, though some note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time. Overall, the game is seen as a significant improvement over its predecessors, with a dedicated development team continually enhancing the experience through updates and new features.
“The hunting mechanics and the 'scent view' is just genius!”
“It's educational, it's challenging, it runs well on my four-year-old gaming laptop, and it provides a really satisfying gameplay loop with raising your puppies to adulthood.”
“The gameplay itself is really flexible and allows you to survive using different strategies such as where you live or what and how you hunt.”
“The only complaint I could possibly have is that it's repetitive, but that has not made this game any less fun and I still see a lot of variety in my gameplay.”
“This is a negative for me as the core gameplay aspect, raising and protecting pups, is severely cut short.”
“The gameplay loop can get boring.”
- story1,266 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story aspect of "Wolf Quest" is largely centered around the player's ability to create their own narrative through the life of a wolf in Yellowstone National Park. Players engage in quests that simulate realistic wolf behaviors, such as hunting, finding a mate, and raising pups, allowing for a unique and personal storytelling experience with each playthrough. While some players note the repetitiveness of certain quests, the game encourages creativity and role-playing, making each wolf's journey feel distinct and immersive.
“This game has a clear quest line from start to finish - hunt to survive, claim territory to survive, procreate to survive, keep your pups alive so they survive (and eventually so they help you survive as members of your own pack - cannot wait for the saga!)”
“I love creating stories for my wolves, play out their lives and add their experiences to the story, then seeing their surviving offspring carry on their legacy after they die.”
“The story building opportunities, the realism; it's a fantastic game.”
“The several missions in the game repeat time and time again.”
“Those games have no stakes, no story, and no challenges.”
“After a couple weeks of playing, it gets quite boring, with your wolves having the same story over-and-over-and-over.”
- music314 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in WolfQuest is widely praised for its immersive and beautiful quality, enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional connection. Players appreciate the dynamic soundtrack that changes based on in-game actions, such as hunting or exploring, although some note that certain tracks can become repetitive. Overall, the soundtrack is considered iconic and a significant aspect of the game's charm, contributing to a nostalgic and engaging experience.
“The music is very fun and immerses you into the wolves' world.”
“The environment is just amazing, and the soundtrack really adds to the game's charm.”
“The music alters to what you are doing! If you're stalking an elk, the music changes to set that tone.”
“While the soundtracks are alright, they can become repetitive at times.”
“- the sound balancing is terrible - the howls are trying to make my ears bleed while the music is comparatively very quiet - and for some reason, the sound was off by default.”
“- the transitions between some songs could be smoother.”
- stability234 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players acknowledging the presence of bugs and glitches typical of early access titles. While some report frequent freezes and game-breaking issues, others note that minor glitches are manageable and have been largely addressed through updates. Overall, players appreciate the developers' commitment to improving stability, but caution that performance may vary significantly depending on individual hardware.
“The game has no long-term issues and runs great!”
“This is to help the developers create a polished and bug-free game.”
“Despite being a verified game on Steam Deck, I would sadly encounter freezes every ten to fifteen minutes, which made it physically impossible to enjoy the game.”
“I loved this game until I started getting glitches that were game-breaking.”
“The game is full of bugs and glitches.”
- optimization184 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with many players noting significant improvements since earlier versions, yet still experiencing performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. While the graphics are praised for their quality, players often report lag and stuttering, especially when settings are maxed out. Overall, the developers are actively working on optimization, and many users express hope for further enhancements in future updates.
“This version compared to the old one is such a huge improvement in so many ways from performance to features to new things to do and find, it's incredible!”
“The variety of graphic options allows for you to have a pretty game that can run smoothly on almost any device.”
“The latest update of the game improved optimization a bit and I was actually able to hold 50+ fps with everything maxed with only occasional major frame drops.”
“It is so badly optimized it will stutter on a PC that vastly exceeds the recommended specs.”
“This game is extremely poorly optimized for most machines.”
“Despite some good things, the anniversary edition is a poorly optimized game that desperately needs a bigger and better team to fully achieve its full potential.”
- replayability112 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its high replayability, with players enjoying the various customization options, multiple paths, and dynamic gameplay elements that keep the experience fresh. While some note that it can become repetitive over time, the inclusion of new features and updates enhances its longevity, making it a compelling choice for fans of animal simulation games. Overall, players find it engaging and addictive, often returning to it after breaks.
“It has tons of replayability, and even if I decide to take a break from the game for a bit, I always end up coming right back to it eventually.”
“The detail, AI, and wolf creation make it infinitely replayable, and hunting as my wolf scratches an itch that very few other first-person animal games can.”
“The gameplay is fun and has tons of replayability, and the world your wolf inhabits has so many small details that tie everything together into an immersive experience.”
“It gets super repetitive after a while, despite their attempts to make it replayable with perks and such.”
“A single playthrough is about 4-6 hours, and replayability isn't phenomenal but it's passable.”
“As of 8/27/2024, replayability is limited and some players may get bored.”
- grinding108 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 69 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is often described as tedious and repetitive, particularly in tasks like territory marking and managing resources, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. While some players appreciate the realistic simulation of a wolf's life, others find the gameplay loop can feel more like a chore than fun, especially for those not deeply invested in the game's mechanics. However, many agree that despite its grindy elements, the game offers a unique and engaging experience for those willing to invest the time.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“It's incredibly tedious and painful, and if you aren't able to get said achievement, you're forced to restart your save to the beginning.”
“If you're not invested in your wolves or territory or, in general, only really care about finishing the quests and being done with the game, then this game can quickly become repetitive and even downright tedious.”
“Over all, if you aren't the specific kind of person who loves playing animal simulator games and has a lot of time on your hands (the current single-player campaign takes at least four to five hours of rather repetitive, grindy gameplay)—I wouldn't suggest trying to get into this game right now.”
- emotional94 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with players expressing deep attachments to their virtual wolf pups, often leading to real tears when faced with loss or hardship. The game's realistic portrayal of wolf life, combined with a supportive community and dedicated developers, creates a heartwarming yet intense experience that resonates with players on a personal level. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke nostalgia and joy, making it a memorable and emotionally charged journey.
“You get weirdly emotionally attached to your pups, and the realism in the way they stumble out of the den for the first time is really heart touching.”
“Though it's heartbreaking as your pup-pack dwindles over time as you try so hard to keep them alive and free from sickness, predators, and hunger, at the end when you've succeeded with a few, it's so worth it!”
“The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack further enhances the emotional connection to the game, evoking a sense of awe and wonder.”
- humor78 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players highlighting the funny personalities of the characters and the amusing glitches that add charm to the experience. The community is described as kind and fun, contributing to a lighthearted atmosphere, while the developers engage with players through humorous devblogs that showcase their dedication and progress. Overall, the game is celebrated for its entertaining elements, making it a joyful experience for fans.
“Between devblogs coming out every other week showing us progress on the 'saga', new mechanics, and even sharing funny footage of glitches they have overcome, this is a ridiculously dedicated team.”
“The hilarious glitches that are shown in the devblogs make everything feel so personal, giant wolves, messed up animations, and the forever loved floppy the moose.”
“You can get a mate, have puppies, it's just a really perfect and amazing game with some funny glitches as well!”
- atmosphere28 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its stunning graphics and immersive realism, effectively capturing the essence of being a wolf in the wild. Players appreciate the dynamic environment, realistic ambient sounds, and engaging music that enhance the overall experience. The attention to detail, including wildlife interactions and changing landscapes, contributes to a captivating and authentic atmosphere that resonates with players' nostalgia and sense of adventure.
“Love this game, it's not even finished and the atmosphere and feeling of being a wolf in the wild is everything my inner child wished for.”
“The game's audio immerses you in the world of the wolf, with realistic ambient sounds, howls, and animal calls that create an authentic and captivating atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere the game creates is so realistic and immersive, and the saga will only improve that.”
“Not hear more political news in an already turbulent atmosphere.”
“They are definitely going for a sense of realism in the atmosphere, gameplay, etc, although the 'easy' mode is very easy; I recommend 'challenging' once you know how to play.”
“The atmosphere of Yellowstone is really upheld in the game's nature noises.”
- monetization16 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Wolfquest's monetization strategy is generally well-received, as it avoids aggressive microtransactions and advertisements, focusing instead on aesthetic in-game purchases. Players appreciate the upcoming release of the lost tower map as a purchasable content, while the game's customization options remain enjoyable without additional costs. Overall, the developers are praised for treating the game as an educational experience rather than a cash grab.
“Also, wolf customization is great even without in-game purchases!”
“They are releasing the lost tower map as an in-game purchase, supposedly later this year, which is nice!”
“Microtransactions should be purely aesthetic.”
“Wolfquest always feels refreshing to return to and doesn't wave microtransactions or advertisements in your face whatsoever.”