Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 puts the player in the shoes of Flint Abrahams, a famous hunter who travels around the world in search of hunting challenges. The player spends much time exploring the wilderness looking for traces of prey. Because they can be hard to make out, a Hunter's Sense is included to reduce the world to grayscales and make animals stand out. The game however maintains an arcade approach and lets the player shoot everything in his way, without regard for a patient approach.
The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, with timed levels in Career mode that require quick reflexes. Players must face various stages set all around the world, from the forest to the savannah. When facing larger animals such as bear or lions, a Hand-to-Claw Combat mode is often triggered automatically to fend them off through a series of quick time event key presses.
The game also features different types of equipment that can be used to aid in the hunt, and certain missions allow for a more humane approach, where tranquilizing animals instead of killing them is sufficient. The Playstation 2 console allows for an immersive experience with its graphics and gameplay.
Released on September 23rd, 2008, the game offers a thrilling hunting experience that appeals to both beginners and experienced gamers.