18 Wheels of Steel: Across America

Additional Screenshots

To ride an 18 wheeler across America was never on my “Things to do Before I Die” list. Now that Valusoft has created 18 Wheels of Steel: Across America, I don't need to have any of the qualifications required in order to truck my way across America. All I need is a PC, mouse, keyboard, and this Valusoft title, and I am already halfway there!

Interesting? Or Just Addicting?

Driving across America… can you really make an interesting game out of this? Maybe not interesting… more like addicting. This new title from Valusoft places you in the driver seat of a trucker in competition with other truckers across America. Using your fully customizable truck, you can pick up cargo from all over the good U.S. of A, and drive it to whatever destination is specified. Different cargo will give you a different range of money, and places that take longer to get to will naturally generate more money. The more money you get, the better you can equip your truck, meaning the faster you will be able to travel. You can buy your truck new tires, engines, the works. You can even visit truck dealers and buy new trucks when you have enough money.

Money is not only spent on your truck, it is also spent on ticket costs and emergencies. Whenever you are pulled over by the cops (which you will frequently until you get used to driving) you will have to pay a ticket fee. If you ever break down, you will have to pay to get a rescue party to save you. You will need to pay at gas stations as well. If you are not careful, a lot of money can be wasted this way.

Truckin' through the US is not as bad as I would have thought. It is actually very addicting. The road map in the top right hand corner will serve as your guide. You can also go to your notebook to see a full screen map of the country with all the roads laid out so you can design your route. As you go from state to state, you will notice environmental changes. You will go through cities, country landscapes, and even through tunnels. For the most part, however, there is not too much of a variety between states and cities. Because of this, you may find yourself getting bored and quitting the game.

The reasons the game is addicting is the sense of duty you get while playing. Once you have hitched a trailer onto your back, you feel obligated to drive your way through the country in order to deliver your load. Even though this may sound funny, you can really get into it. Similar to a RPG, you will find yourself saying “Once I deliver this load to Chicago, I'll take a break but start again tonight. I really want to visit California again…” The more you play, you will either get into it even more, or just become even more bored of it.

On the Road

There is a radio function similar to Grand Theft Auto included in the game. Although it is not close to the genius of the GTA radio, it is a nice attempt. You can put on tons of different types of cheesy MIDI sounding files to cruise to on the road.

While on the road, you will encounter fellow truckers, motorcycle gangs, and other random cars. Truckers may say hi to you on the radio, but motorcycle gangs won't be as glad to see you. If you run over one of them by accident (they are small, its kinda hard not to) they will start chasing you and jumping onto your truck. Better get away from them before they destroy your vehicle!

Graphics and Lack of Multiplayer

Graphics are nothing outstanding, but they get the job done. When you change your camera to the interior of the car, it is full of detail. Your surroundings look fine, and even the trucks are decent. Like I said, nothing is too bad. It's just that nothing is too great…

There is no multiplayer in the game. I can actually understand the lack of multiplayer in this game. Seriously, how could you possibly have a multiplayer mode in 18 Wheels of Steel? Come on guys! Lets see who can bring their load to Texas the fastest!!! I don't think so…

Overall

18 Wheels of Steel: Across America is a new idea for a game. I don't think there is any game quite like it available today. You will either become insanely addicted to it or hate it. Since it is not that expensive, you may want to try it out if you feel intrigued. Happy truckin' y'all!