Being a lover and role player of wolves, naturally, I longed to try the DOS simulation game, Wolf. Until just recently, I did not know one thing about the game, until I found the link to Wolf. After many hours of waiting for my dial-up speed internet to process the download of Wolf, I finally began playing the simulation game.
Naturally, DOSBox games are quite difficult to handle, but after a few rounds of practice, I finally mastered the mouse. When you first begin the game, a cute little introduction greets you at the start.
Many pictures of wolves, and clips from the game can be viewed in the introduction, as well as a few helpful wolf facts. After the introduction, you are presented with a menu in which you decide how you want to play the game. I, myself don't usually do the mission modes, for I prefer to let my character wander freely in a pack without the pressure of time limits. In "Simulation Mode", you are able to set the difficulties and world around you to fit your desires. For example: You may choose what sort of weather and season you would like to play in. You may also control the amount of hunters and humans that wander the area. I recommend setting the
human setting as low as possible, since the humans are able to kill your character. After you have confirmed your settings, you then move on to the character selection page. Here, you may choose your wolf, and what rank he/she is in the pack. I usually choose a male wolf with a good health - including thirst, hunger, and energy.
The graphics in the game are quite good, considering that this game was made in 1994. They are 2D graphics, with a pixel-like look to them. The wolves and animals, from a distance look almost real, but when viewed closely, you are able to see the boxy like shapes that make up their bodies. Sound and music are also impressive, although they tend to get very irritating after a while. I find that whenever you catch and kill a beaver, a very high-pitched and scary music plays in the background. That music always creeps me out, and I instantly turn the sound down.
I love the simulation feeling that you are actually living the life of a real wolf. You act like a real wolf would in the wild. Though sometimes, it is difficult to hunt and catch prey, the excitement of trying to catch your own dinner and survive is quite strong. Mating is especially hard, for the wolves always seem to be uninterested in your wolf. They stick their tails up and snarl before jumping away. I have never actually mated my wolf before, but someday I am hoping to be successful.
As a player of Wolf, I give the game 3 stars out of 5, for excellent simulation, good graphics, and sound, and the overall excitement and thrill of living in the wild.
