Even though Euro Truck Simulator 2 is fantastically put together, its success still seems to surprise gamers who havent experienced the joy of cruising its open highways. But, while cruising the autobahns and motorways of Europe has its appeal, to feel like a real trucker you have to hit the USA. That is exactly what SCS Software is here to deliver, with its latest title American Truck Simulator.

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You would be hard pressed to find differences between American Truck Simulator and its European predecessor. The game is basically unchanged: start as a freelance driver, earn cash, buy your own truck, and build your own delivery company.

But here, perhaps more than any other franchise, a change of setting is enough. There is a romance to touring from coast-to-coast of the US listening to country music on your streamed internet radio. So, even though the games accomplished physics and driving model remain unchanged, the idea of pulling cargo the full length of Route 66 feels inexplicably different.

Or at least it would, because currently American Truck Simulator only provides you two of the USAs fifty States: California and Nevada. Of course, these two States represent a considerable landmass and can take hours to cross from side-to-side – even in the games entertainingly shrunk down world. Unfortunately, this does prevent you embarking on some more iconic journeys.

It is still early days though and SCS Software is intending to release more States as downloadable content – which goes some way to explaining American Truck Simulator’s budget price. Plus there is sure to be a wealth of community mods.

Complexity explained

The world looks incredible, with the game managing to make driving around its natural environments, suburban sprawl, and inner cities all look and feel distinctly different. Driving around the day-glow streets of Las Vegas, neon surrounds you and the streets are filled. This is in contrast to sand scrubbed Bakersfield, where you have time contemplate the wide open spaces around you.

Though the traffic looks less impressive, the trucks particularly their interiors are well modeled. This gives you a good sense of grounding, because you regularly find yourself looking around the cab to get a better look at mirrors and other feedback.

Whether you chose to control the action with a pad, keyboard, or wheel, American Truck Simulator walks you through a wizard to ensure you are prepared before heading out. My advice, stick to the automatic options at least at first. You are going to have enough to do while you learn how to deal with the trailer, GPS, and other options.

Purchasing new trucks and establishing your haulage company is managed through a straight forward menu and explained by comprehensive tutorials. These add depth and focus to the action as you grow your empire and manage its finances. It isnt compulsory though, so if you want to stick to your freelancer life – earning experience to haul better cargo longer distances and enjoying the oddly calming driving experience – then you can.

In it for the long haul

American Truck Simulator continues the series’ fine lineage and comes at a fantastic budget price. For newcomers to the haulage genre it should be mentioned that, in a direct comparison, the final release of Euro Truck Simulator 2 with all of its DLC is a far larger game. But, size aside, the new setting does have a certain magic to it – especially when you have country music blaring from your speakers.