A simple simulation game for driving trucks

Driving a massive 18 wheeler truck is a wild dream most people will probably never be able to live out. Driving it on the great wide roads of the United States is an even wilder dream. Fortunately for people who happen to have these wild dreams, 18 Wheels of Steel: Across America exists to fulfill both of these fantasies. Developed by SCS Software and Sunstorm Interactive and published by Retroism and Valusoft, 18 Wheels of Steel: Across America is a driving simulation game that allows users to take a sneak peek into what driving a huge truck could be like. 

Old School Graphics

The 18 Wheels of Steel: Across America was released in September 2003. I’m not going to lie, the game’s age is showing quite a bit in its graphics. The game includes a wide range of trucks to choose from and the models are well made and beautifully rendered. However, they do have that early 2000s 3D aesthetic where they look more like toy models than real-life trucks. The text design and backgrounds are also very unpolished. All that said, it was pretty good for its time and it’s still perfectly understandable. Besides, the most important thing is still the gameplay.

Gameplay

Before starting the game, you’ll be able to customize your name and avatar and choose what scenario you’re going for. You can also choose your headquarters, company, and difficulty. Once you’re happy with your choices, you’ll be taken to a load screen. The loading time is pretty quick. It’s over in a few seconds and you’ll be taken directly to the start of your game.

The gameplay is relatively simple. You’ll be driving the truck with your controllers and the screen is designed to look like the window of a truck. Sadly you can only look from side to side and your view is extremely limited. If you need it, the map can also be placed on the screen for easy viewing. Additionally, you can load a screen where you’ll be able to find all of the notes regarding routes, trucks, the economy, and competition. You can choose the kind of products you can deliver and the routes you can take to get to your destinations.

If there’s one thing I don’t like about this game, it’s the fact that there’s so little detail. It doesn’t feel like you’re driving through real places. There’s a distinct lack of pedestrians, store signs, posters, plants, animals, and other knick-knacks that might make the place feel lived in.

Oldie But Goodie

Despite its age, a lot of players still swear by this game, and for good reason. It’s a game that stands the test of time. The graphics, design, and lack of detail are forgivable due to the outdated technology and lack of resources the developers probably had to deal with. However, these things don’t make the game unbearable or unplayable. It’s still a fun simulation game that any driving simulation game fan will appreciate. Go ahead and check out this classic driving game!