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18 Wheels of Steel

Truck simulation game that involves transporting cargo across North America

7.2

1339 Votes

  • Category Racing games
  • Program license Trial version
  • Size 113.03 MB
  • Works under: Windows Vista
  • Program available in English
  • Program by Americanlonghaul

Get behind the wheel of a long haul American trucking rig!

This ultra realistic simulator from developer SCS Software opens the highways and interstates of North America to players who want an opportunity to experience the joys of the open road from the viewpoint of the driver's seat of a "big rig".

18 Wheels of Steel : American Long Haul offers players two distinct game modes, the first strategic campaign mode allows the player to interact as the owner of a truck haulage company, the second single mission mode puts players directly behind the wheel as a driver in charge of a varied haul of nationwide deliveries. The deliveries include 45 types of cargo, including livestock, chemicals and mobile homes across all 48 continental states and Mexico and Canada as well. However, the campaign mode is somewhat vague regarding what its specific aims and missions are, besides making a general aim of running a profitable company and expanding its business.

The handling of the truck is quite difficult in comparison to arcade like car sandbox games, but this is an intentional aspect of the simulation game play. An 18 wheel articulated rig and trailer is obviously going to be more difficult to control than a Toyota Camry or Ford Focus! It can take time for even experienced players to become proficient at driving the rig to attach to the trailer in the cargo and logistics warehouse setting.

The graphics appear realistic (for a game of its era) but are somewhat dull and repetitive after a while . However, the monotony may a realistic element of long haul trucking itself! The music only appears during menus, but disappears during open road sequences. Not only is the lack of the music monotonous, but it detracts from the realistic effect that the developer and producers have attempted to convey to the players. After all, what self respecting long haul truck driver doesn't listen to (country) music while driving?

The publisher of the game does not provide information on how to modify the game, but there are a plethora of online communities and sites informing users on how to "mod" the game, creating new maps, routes and even trucks.

Pros

  • Realistic trucking simulation
  • Interesting Business element to campaign mode
  • Will easily run on older PC's and laptops

Cons

  • Speed of rig is not felt
  • Campaign mode is somewhat unclear
  • Dull repetitive graphics
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