18 Wheels of Steel: Across America
- August 26, 2016
- Sunstorm Interactive
- 30h median play time
Get on Steam"18 Wheels of Steel: Across America" is a trucking simulation game that allows players to haul freight across the continental United States. Players must manage their money, choose their loads, and navigate various challenges while driving across the country. The game features a realistic driving experience with accurate physics and a wide variety of customizable trucks.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game is nostalgic and brings back fond childhood memories for many players.
- It features a large map, a variety of trucks, and simple yet engaging gameplay.
- Players appreciate the ability to interact with NPC truckers and the entertaining CB radio feature.
- The AI traffic is poorly programmed, often causing frustrating collisions and hindering gameplay.
- The game suffers from dated graphics and clunky controls, which can detract from the experience.
- Many players have reported technical issues, including crashes and installation problems.
- graphics12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as dated and unrealistic, reflecting its age of over 20 years. While some users acknowledge that the visuals are quite good for an old game, the consensus is that players should not expect modern graphical standards. Nostalgia plays a significant role in the enjoyment of the game, making it a worthwhile experience despite its graphical shortcomings.
“Honestly, a cool old gem in the SCS series. Sure, it's old and the graphics look poor compared to nowadays, but look past all those glaring issues, and you, my friend, will have a decent game. Nostalgia really gets your attention, and if you played this during your childhood, I promise you, on top of the above things, you won't have a bad time playing this.”
“I remember playing this when it was first launched and clocked up many hours on it. Yes, this may be an old game, but it was and still is an amazing game to play. Okay, the graphics are dated, but it's well worth the money and will also run on most laptops as well.”
“Quite good graphics for an old game.”
“The graphics are outdated and unrealistic (don't expect much from a 14-year-old game).”
“Honestly, a cool old gem in the SCS series, sure it's old and the graphics look terrible compared to nowadays. Look past all those glaring issues, and you, my friend, will have a decent game. Nostalgia really gets your attention, and if you played this during your childhood, I promise you, on top of the above things, you won't have a bad time playing this.”
“Dated graphics (of course, the game is 20 years old!).”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and variety, offering multiple modes and features such as NPC interactions and first-person indicators. However, players note that traffic is designed to pose a significant challenge, often hindering progress and enjoyment. Overall, the game provides a fun experience despite its obstacles.
“You can have a lot of fun in this game, with features like adding side mirrors with an F key, interacting with NPC truckers, noticeable indicators in first-person mode, and very easy gameplay!”
“Variable gameplay mode adds depth and variety to the experience.”
“Simple gameplay makes it accessible and enjoyable for all players.”
“Traffic is programmed exclusively to destroy your truck, cargo, and gameplay.”
“Simple gameplay.”
“Variable gameplay mode.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's music features a great soundtrack, including a jukebox with royalty-free metal and rock songs that enhance the overall vibe. Players have noted that the music can create a unique driving experience, sometimes leading to humorous situations.
“Great soundtrack.”
“There's a jukebox that has some royalty-free metal/rock songs that fit the vibe perfectly.”
“I used to drive the truck while listening to soft music, getting sleepy and becoming a dangerous driver lol.”
“The music is so dull that I often find myself falling asleep while playing, which makes me a dangerous driver.”
“The soundtrack is incredibly forgettable, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is best experienced with a 4:3 or 5:4 screen ratio, which enhances both the horizontal and vertical field of view while improving performance. Despite some criticism regarding AI performance, the nostalgic value and low price point contribute to a more favorable overall rating.
“A 4:3 or 5:4 screen ratio with black bars is ideal, since you get the full horizontal field of view, more vertical field of view, and better performance.”
“I should rate it at a 4/10 with the poor AI performance, but with nostalgia and the generous price of $9.99, I give it a 6/10.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find humor in the game's quirky AI traffic and the exaggerated physics of high-class trucks, which can launch off unexpectedly, creating amusing situations. This blend of comedic elements adds to the enjoyment of exploring the expansive in-game world.
“This is the first ever game that got me into trucking and driving in a way. Looking back, it feels strange; the high-class trucks are like rockets—they'll just launch off, and you won't be able to stop in time unless you pay close attention. The AI traffic is very noob and very funny. I play it because I want to roam across America.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is nostalgic and reminiscent of childhood experiences, evoking a sense of warmth and familiarity despite being less realistic than newer titles in the 18 Wheels of Steel series.
“This game is one of the best from the 18 Wheels of Steel series. It's not as realistic as the newer ones, but it still has that nostalgic atmosphere I remember from my childhood.”
