American Truck Simulator Demo

Common sense would dictate that a mostly boring activity like truck driving would never catch on in the video games industry, because everyone expects fast-paced action in a driving game. The Euro Truck Simulator series is proof that common sense has nothing to do with the industry, and that truck driving is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable activities out there.

American Truck Simulator is the natural response after two successful episodes set in Europe, and it’s obviously the same formula, only on a different continent. Besides the map, the trucks are also different, which allows you to enjoy a variety of American models and see what they are capable of. However, there are a few other notable changes you should be aware of, not all of which are positive.

To begin with, the map is incredibly important, because you wouldn’t want to get bored after only a few hours of driving. Thankfully, the designers did a wonderful job this time, especially when it comes to the towns you get to visit. Most of them feature famous landmarks, such as the Golden Gate bridge, or various other buildings. On the other hand, the actual map is smaller than in Euro Truck Simulator 2, which is a bit of a bummer, because that means your trips take less time.

The gameplay mechanics are mostly the same in regards to the simulation and the actual driving, with a few minor differences. If you are a stickler for details, you might notice a few inconsistencies when it comes to the simulation, but they are not severe enough to ruin the gameplay experience. Hence, each truck drives differently, and you can also customize it with a variety of components if you want to personalize your ride.

As always, the graphics have been improved as well, albeit not by much. The difference is clear when it comes to the amount of detail in the textures and the surrounding environment, but the actual engine is still the same. Granted, more detail and diversity in the landscapes means that the experience is that much more immersive, which is exactly what you want in a driving game.

American Truck Simulator may not be a revolutionary improvement over its predecessors, but the change of scenery is what matters in this case. Hence, if you enjoyed the previous games in the series, this should be part of your library as well.