Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition has one of the most exciting blurbs I’ve read in a while. It sells the idea of a survival experience crossed with the enthralling life of a trucker. However, in reality, you spend more time scratching your arse and yawning than you do fighting the elements. This was extremely disappointing as I had high hopes for this simulation game.
This survival simulation title was developed by Road Studio and published by Green Man Gaming Publishing and Movie Games. Furthermore, it is a solo experience that can be played from a first or third-person perspective. Sadly, I am unable to confirm whether it supports a steering wheel. If it does, the action would be vastly improved as the controls are somewhat twitchy with a controller.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition tells a familiar tale.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition doesn’t break with tradition. Instead, it utilises a standard genre plot and many well-trodden mechanics. This familiarity will impress genre fans. However, everyone else will frown at the droll story and the lack of energy.
Players take on the role of a rookie trucker. The protagonist leaves his job in the hopes of starting a successful business. Yet, before this can happen, he must complete one last job familiarising himself with the cab and basic mechanics. Once this element is complete, you can do as you wish. This freedom should have been enthralling, but the developers keep you on a tight leash. Accordingly, you cannot stray too far from the path and this was ridiculous and frustrating.
Promises, promises.
The game promises a vast world filled with excitement and danger. Sadly, this rarely happens as you explore mainly lifeless environments. When you happen to cross paths with a moose or deer, you cannot get close to them. Instead, the game automatically redirects you to the road, and you continue on your way. This was infuriating as I was desperate to investigate my surroundings.
Alongside the auto-recovery mechanics, you will experience some minor survival statistics. Fatigue, hunger, health, and temperature must all be maintained. If you let any of these elements drop, the hero becomes lethargic and this harms your driving ability. This was one mechanic that worked particularly well. However, as you can’t explore the vast Alaskan wilderness, the risk of freezing or starving is vastly reduced.
Upgrades.
At the start, your rookie status restricts every aspect of your career. Yet, with a little experience, you can improve your licence and your ride. As your licence improves, you may tow more expensive and dangerous cargo. This means you have to sit in the driver’s cab for longer, but the rewards outweigh the negatives.
New trucks and fancy liveries are where this excels. As you earn money, you may invest it in an elaborate new paint job, expensive wheels, or a whole new ride. Either way, you’ll look fantastic as you head from point A to B. Finally, no business would be complete without a fabulous HQ. As the bucks start rolling in, you are expected to upgrade your base. You’ll need to buy parking bays for each truck and a place to work on each vehicle. Though this wasn’t complicated, it ensures that you reduce your running costs whilst expanding your business.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition lacks polish.
I’m used to sim games looking rough. Yet, Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition takes the rough crown. Disappointingly, the textures are all over the place. Additionally, there is an odd ghosting effect that haunts your truck. Finally, you can drive through minor objects without damaging your vehicle. Talking of vehicular damage, there is little to no visual indication. Consequently, you may smash your front grill and you wouldn’t know. This lack of realism was a real let-down.
Thankfully, though, the landscape looks great. I loved the vast rolling hills and the beautiful icy lakes. Moreover, the changing weather fronts were challenging and authentic. Subsequently, I wished the rest of the visual elements were this good.
The audio was well-considered. I loved the realistic sound effects and the roar of each engine. Furthermore, the radio was fantastic as it helped reduce boredom. The blend of songs keeps you distracted, and I adored the background tunes if you decided to switch the radio off.
Twitchy controls.
The steering wheel and the subsequent controls were somewhat twitchy. Sadly, I found the gamepad was too sensitive and this made controlling your giant rig an arduous task. Unless you were focused throughout, you risk running off the road or swerving between lanes like you’ve necked 15 pints of special brew. Other than this issue, the UI is exceptional, and the shortcut buttons help to keep you on track.
Though I found Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition to be frustrating, I can see why people would love it. There is a vast array of jobs to complete and a massive map to explore. Additionally, you have loads of trucks to buy and plenty of skills to upgrade. Finally, you must keep on top of your fatigue, and you can maintain every element of your truck if you so wish. Therefore, there is longevity and replay value.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition should have been better.
Alaskan Road Truckers: Highway Edition disappointed me. I expected to be free to explore a vast and beautiful world. Instead, the developers demand a linear approach that reduces realism. Alongside this, the finish was poor, and I found it to be repetitive and dull. Yes, I can see why truckers would enjoy it, but it will only appeal to a limited audience. Accordingly, I don’t recommend it. However, more information can be found here! Can you run a successful trucking business? Learn the ropes, buy a truck, and take to the road.
