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Offroad Truck Simulator: Heavy Duty Challenge is a game filled with bugs and glitches. Furthermore, there are frame rate drops and the performance is woeful at best. However, I can see the potential shining through when things rarely go well. Unfortunately, though, this rough diamond is so rough, that I can’t see it being polished any time soon. The developer has tried to patch the problems, but this creates a whole new list of issues in its wake. As such, this is one title that needs a hell of a lot of work.
This offroad racing game was developed by Nano Games SA and published by Aerosoft GmbH. Moreover, it is a single-player game that has a variety of racing goals. Consequently, there is plenty to see and do if you can get past the problems. However, I’m not sure if this is possible as the game crashes and the frame rate drops to an uncomfortable level repeatedly.
Offroad Truck Simulator: Heavy Duty Challenge lets you decide your fate.
Though this is predominantly a racing game, the developer has incorporated some excellent open-world exploration mechanics. Driving across rugged landscapes was a joy whenever it worked. What’s more, the demand for manual gearing and the ability to change your driving style was impressive. This was particularly good whenever you were tackling boulders or steep inclines and declines.
This was where Offroad Truck Simulator: Heavy Duty Challenge excelled. Working out how to move and shift each monstrous truck was challenging. Your wheels would slip and slide and spin as you worked your way through the gears. Alternatively, if you got the path wrong, you would be beached on a huge boulder with nowhere to go. Though this seems annoying, it is the price you pay for not thinking ahead.
Get to the race course.
Competing in the championships or delivering huge cargo had the potential to be fun and engrossing. Sadly, this wasn’t the case as poor controls and performance dips ruined any slither of enjoyment. Though I could take part in each of these core elements, I wouldn’t have done so if I wasn’t reviewing the game. The sense of treading water as the action lagged was infuriating. Consequently, the realism was reduced and my desire to progress was almost non-existent.
When the racing and cargo missions worked, they were challenging and fun. Towing varies huge loads across different environments was what I expected this simulation racing game to deliver. Moreover, the racing was a nice distraction and something that tested your understanding of gearing and how each truck worked.
Talking of trucks, there are over 12 realistic vehicles to choose from. I’m not a truck guy, so I will have to take the developer’s word for the level of accuracy and realism. However, they looked pretty good and they could climb each savage landscape that they encountered.
Offroad Truck Simulator: Heavy Duty Challenge looks like an early ’00s game.
I’m not a diva when it comes to graphics. I know that high-end visuals are great and we have been spoilt by some ultra-realistic titles. Sadly, Offroad Truck Simulator: Heavy Duty Challenge isn’t in that category as it lacks polish, finesse, or modern aesthetics. The graphics look like something from the PS2 era and there is a lack of detail to the environment. Moreover, the animation is blocky and the aforementioned frame rate can be appalling. Subsequently, it isn’t the nicest-looking game I’ve seen.
The audio doesn’t fare much better. It is crude at best and I hated the repetitive music. What’s more, the sound effects are obnoxious and the engines lack variety. Therefore, if you can stomach it and you play this for a marathon session, you will tire of what you hear pretty quickly.
I’m not coming back for more!
The developer claims that you can play this with a gamepad, mouse and keyboard, or steering wheel. I tried option 1 and it wasn’t great. Unfortunately, I didn’t test the other choices but I’d be hopeful that a steering wheel was an immersive option. Though there are performance issues, the developer has created a decent tutorial. This was great as it explains the fundamentals straightforwardly. It is just a shame that the game doesn’t perform well enough for you to test your skills or abilities.
Offroad Truck Simulator: Heavy Duty Challenge is so clumsy and painful to play that I will not be coming back for more. In theory, there is loads of depth, activities, races, and more to keep you entertained. Yet, it is so tough to play that I don’t want to look at it again.
Offroad Truck Simulator: Heavy Duty Challenge is in a bad way.
Offroad Truck Simulator: Heavy Duty Challenge is a no-go in its current state. The game is effectively broken and will cause you to scream repeatedly. This is a shame as there is potential below every painful moment. If the developer can get their act together and fix their game, then it will be enjoyable. However, I’m not sure this is possible and I don’t recommend buying it. More information can be read here if you wish! Can you prove to be the best off-road trucker? Pick your vehicle, choose your mission, and explore a vast broken world.
