Questions
What is Big Buck Hunter?
It is a hunting-themed arcade video game series where players use a light gun to shoot game animals across different outdoor scenes. It first launched in December 2000.
Who created Big Buck Hunter?
Play Mechanix founder George Petro conceived the game. It was published by Incredible Technologies.
What gave George Petro the idea?
Petro came up with it after Midway’s 1999 release Invasion: The Abductors, reportedly noticing that hunting games were popular in homes but were lacking in arcades.
What older game inspired it?
Big Buck Hunter was inspired by Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, adapting the light-gun shooting concept for the arcade.
Why do you have to be careful which animals you shoot?
Players are meant to shoot male animals while avoiding the females. Per the game rules, if a player shoots a female animal, they are out.
What are the game’s levels called?
The game features five screens, also known as treks, with varying hunting conditions such as fog and snow.
Are there bonus rounds?
Yes. A hunting session concludes in a bonus round, and the game has 16 bonus rounds overall.
How well did it sell in arcades?
By 2006, the Big Buck Hunter series had sold around 7,500 arcade units.
Did the publisher ever change?
Yes. In January 2006, Raw Thrills took over production and distribution, which let Play Mechanix focus on game design while Raw Thrills handled manufacturing.
What is Big Buck Safari?
Big Buck Safari, released in 2008, moved the action to Africa and introduced animals like zebras, elephants, and hippos, expanding beyond North American deer hunting.
Which version added social media?
Big Buck HD in 2012 was the first edition to integrate Facebook and Twitter, letting players share their scores.
Is there a Big Buck Hunter tournament?
Yes. Beginning in 2008, an annual World Championship brings together 64 elite players from around the world in an elimination-style competition.
Can I play Big Buck Hunter at home?
The franchise has come to many platforms over the years, including iOS (2009 to 2011), Nintendo Wii (2010), Windows (2013), PlayStation 4 and Xbox One (2016), and Nintendo Switch (2018).
