18 Wheels of Steel: American Long Haul
- January 29, 2008
- SCS Software
Get on SteamIn 18 Wheels of Steel: American Long Haul, players operate their own trucking business, bidding on jobs, hauling cargo across 48 states, Canada, and Mexico, and managing trucks to outperform competitors. Success depends on profitability, timely delivery, and maintaining truck conditions. The goal is to build a trucking empire and grow the business.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a huge map covering the entire USA, providing a nostalgic experience for players who enjoy trucking simulations.
- Many players appreciate the depth of gameplay, including truck and trailer management, as well as the ability to hire drivers and build a trucking empire.
- The game is accessible for older PCs, making it a good option for those who cannot run more modern titles like American Truck Simulator.
- The graphics and controls feel outdated, leading to a less enjoyable experience compared to newer trucking simulators.
- The AI traffic is often criticized for being unrealistic, with cars making sudden and illogical maneuvers that can disrupt gameplay.
- Players frequently report issues with the game's mechanics, such as ineffective braking, confusing navigation, and a lack of tutorials or guidance.
- graphics46 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely criticized for being outdated and lacking sophistication, with many reviewers noting that they resemble titles released years prior. While some players find the visuals acceptable for an older game, the overall consensus is that the graphics have not aged well and fall short compared to more recent trucking simulators. Despite this, the game remains enjoyable for fans of the genre, albeit with diminished visual appeal.
“The stunning graphics will amaze you and leave you tooting your horn and tapping the airbrakes!”
“Graphics: 9/10 these graphics are good for a 07 game.”
“This game is definitely worthy of its 100 Metacritic rating, not only is the story immensely well thought out, the graphics beautifully detailed and the game so massively atmospheric but it's also a gameplay experience like no other.”
“Its graphics are far out of date, but that also means most computers should run it even on high settings.”
“Graphics are so old, I can name 20 games right now that were released 5 years before this game with 10 times better graphics. I love old games, but this is a floppy era game!”
“However, the game is quite old, so you can't fault it for its graphics that have aged very terribly and also the graphical glitches that come with playing the game.”
- music13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the ability to import their own music for a personalized experience, while others criticize the limited in-game soundtrack, which consists mainly of menu music and only a couple of tracks. Although the game offers a vast map that enhances the experience of long deliveries, the lack of diverse music options detracts from the overall enjoyment for some players.
“The map is just enormous, deliveries can take hours, which makes it more fun while listening to some music. The game may look old and the gameplay can feel a little like driving a vehicle with bald tires, but that doesn't matter because if you are the type of person who enjoys landscapes and long hauls, this game is a good fit.”
“There's no option for using internet radio like you can in other SCS games, but you can import your own music.”
“And because you can play your own music using the truck’s radio player, it’s a great experience to have (yet the music needs to be in .ogg format).”
“Could have a better soundtrack.”
“There is a lack of music.”
“Besides the menu music, there is no music in-game whatsoever.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 42 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing the slow pace, poor AI behavior, and frustrating driving mechanics, leading to a sense of boredom. However, some appreciate the expansive map and the enjoyment of long deliveries, especially when paired with music, suggesting that it may appeal to those who value scenic experiences over realism. Overall, while some find it addictive and atmospheric, others deem it repetitive and lacking in realism.
“I first bought the game on WildTangent when I was 8, and I was fascinated with the gameplay mechanics.”
“The map is just enormous, deliveries can take hours, which makes it more fun while listening to some music. The game may look old and the gameplay can feel a little like driving a vehicle with bald tires, but that doesn't matter because if you are the type of person who enjoys landscapes and long hauls, this game is a good fit.”
“This game is definitely worthy of its 100 Metacritic rating; not only is the story immensely well thought out, the graphics beautifully detailed, and the game so massively atmospheric, but it's also a gameplay experience like no other.”
“The game feels even slower, the braking is atrocious, the traffic AI is downright suicidal (cars turning right while they're in the left lane) and the gameplay is boring.”
“The driving mechanics are okay, it's annoying that there is no completely player-controlled shifting mode.”
“I personally don't recommend this game; some say it can be addictive, but I do like the way it's set up and some aspects of the gameplay. It's just that it doesn't seem realistic. I mean, the AI just stops in the middle of the interstate or Trans-Canada; they are dumb and impatient.”
- stability7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting frequent freezes, glitches, and control issues, particularly when using certain features like the oversized load trailer. While some minor glitches are noted as barely noticeable, the overall experience is marred by frustrating bugs that disrupt gameplay. Additionally, the game's age contributes to its graphical and stability problems, making it a challenging experience for players.
“Going into the notepad sometimes freezes the game after doing this.”
“Buggy mess that's way too frustrating to play as it breaks one way or another every couple of minutes.”
“If you purchase the oversized load trailer and try to take it, it freezes the game.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it confusing and lacking clear direction, leading to frustration and disengagement. In contrast, others praise the narrative as well-crafted and immersive, highlighting its stunning visuals and atmospheric experience. Overall, opinions on the story vary significantly, reflecting a divide between those who appreciate its depth and those who struggle to engage with it.
“This game is definitely worthy of its 100 Metacritic rating; not only is the story immensely well thought out, the graphics beautifully detailed and the game so massively atmospheric, but it's also a gameplay experience like no other.”
“Stunning visuals and an incredible story make for one game I won't soon forget.”
“The game is bad; after you start a new campaign, there is no indication whatsoever of where you must go or what you must do. I finally managed to figure out how to start one mission, and the whole thing is unplayable!”
“Couldn't figure out how to start a mission or go anywhere, and frankly didn't care.”
“Story: 2/10”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, reminiscing about their childhood experiences and the nostalgia it evokes. The immersive gameplay transports them back to simpler times, making them feel as if they are truly on a highway, reigniting their passion for long drives and adventure.
“After years and years, coming back to it made me feel like a kid again, driving miles and miles and never getting tired of trucks along the U.S.”
“I love this game; it made me feel like I was on a real highway.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the humor in the game, particularly highlighting the amusing road trip scenarios that add a lighthearted and entertaining element to the experience.
“The humor in this game is absolutely hilarious, making every moment a joy.”
“I love the witty dialogue and clever puns throughout the game.”
“The quirky characters and their funny interactions keep me laughing all the way through.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding experience to be a mixed bag, with some legs of the game feeling easy and tedious, while others present a more challenging and engaging experience.
“I found the west and east legs to be easy and tedious, while the north and south legs were more challenging.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I spent hours grinding for resources, but the rewards just don't feel worth the effort.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised, with users highlighting its beautifully detailed graphics and immersive storytelling, contributing to a unique gameplay experience that justifies its top Metacritic rating.
“This game is definitely worthy of its 100 Metacritic rating; not only is the story immensely well thought out, but the graphics are beautifully detailed and the game is massively atmospheric, creating a gameplay experience like no other.”
