Alaskan Truck Simulator
- December 31, 2023
- Westend Studio
- 12h median play time
"Alaskan Truck Simulator" is an open-world, single-player game that puts you in the driver's seat of massive vehicles, facing the challenging and dangerous Alaskan environment. The game boasts stellar gameplay and an opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Alaska, but it is poorly optimized and full of bugs. Can you survive long enough to appreciate the wildness of this region?
Reviews
- The game offers a unique blend of trucking simulation and survival elements, allowing players to manage their character's needs while driving.
- The developers are actively working on patches and updates, showing commitment to improving the game based on community feedback.
- The ability to get out of the truck and perform tasks like refueling, repairing, and shopping adds a level of immersion not found in other trucking games.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and performance issues, including frame rate drops and AI traffic behaving erratically.
- Driving mechanics feel unpolished, with issues such as delayed steering response and unrealistic vehicle physics.
- Graphics are considered subpar compared to other modern games, leading to a less immersive visual experience.
- graphics164 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while they are not groundbreaking, they are generally acceptable for gameplay. However, numerous reports highlight significant performance issues, including lag, stuttering, and poor optimization, which detract from the overall experience. Players express a desire for improvements in graphical fidelity and optimization, especially given the game's potential and the high expectations set by similar titles in the genre.
“The realistic graphics, challenging terrain, and dynamic weather effects create an immersive experience.”
“Graphics are also amazing, Alaska never looked better in a video game.”
“With its engaging gameplay and stunning graphics, this game captivates truck simulation enthusiasts.”
“On the negative side, visuals are quite basic, physics are poor, the map is small, and there are still many bugs.”
“For a game that has been in development for so long, I gotta say the graphics are terrible; the driving is bad, and everything is pretty much disappointing.”
“I've seen better graphics in ten-year-old games; truck handling is not good, frame drops, graphics not loading, and trucking getting hung up, requiring me to stop the game and restart.”
- optimization111 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, frame rate drops, and numerous bugs. Despite some recent updates that have improved performance slightly, many users still find the game poorly optimized, especially in terms of graphics and controller support. Overall, the consensus is that substantial improvements are needed to enhance playability and stability.
“I am pleased to say after having left my review the devs really turned it around; they released two back-to-back performance updates that have increased the playability significantly.”
“With continued dedication and improvements in performance, the game has the promise of carving out its niche in the gaming world.”
“The optimization of the game is ridiculous.”
“This game has a lot of potential but as of right now it is just too buggy, glitchy, and horribly unoptimized.”
“The dev put 0 care into optimization, the most basic options such as unbinding keys is missing and 'considered' to be added later.”
- gameplay81 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game features a solid loop with engaging mechanics centered around truck maintenance and survival elements, offering a unique experience compared to traditional trucking simulators. However, players have noted significant issues with driving mechanics, glitches, and optimization, which detract from the overall enjoyment. While the core gameplay shows promise and depth, it requires further polishing and updates to fully realize its potential.
“The intricate balance between truck maintenance and personal survival in Alaska creates a compelling gameplay experience.”
“On the upside, the gameplay's depth, from truck and driver care to the need for repairs, adds a unique touch.”
“The mechanics to fix your own engine, add oil, and other fluids are amazing, adding tire chains, sleeping in your truck, and cooking your food in the back is also a really nice touch.”
“The driving mechanics are horrible and it seems to go wherever it pleases.”
“It freezes up too often, and there are many glitches that completely ruin the gameplay.”
“Game is far from ready to be released in my opinion, concept is great however the graphics are terrible and gameplay is glitchy, the map keeps glitching and is slow to load anything but the roads when driving, hopefully it will be updated fairly soon.”
- stability69 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 96 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues such as freezing and frame drops, even on high-end systems. While some users appreciate the developers' efforts to address these problems through regular patches, many feel that the game is currently too unstable for an enjoyable experience. Overall, while there is potential for improvement, the game remains a "buggy mess" that requires significant optimization and fixes.
“The game seems amazing to me. I've got an i7 5800K and a 6-year-old RX480 8GB OC GPU, and it runs great. Grab it if you love trucking! The new update seems to have smoothed the game out a lot from what my friends have told me, and it felt great to me. I'm excited to have a great new trucking game!”
“It feels just right up my alley :) I don't say it's bug-free though.”
“It's really laggy, my game freezes every now and again no matter the graphics settings I have it on, and the worst part is the mirrors and trailer physics.”
“The game freezes periodically and stutters.”
“This is another game that has been released way too early; it's full of bugs and glitches. Even though there have been four patches so far, it is still way off a stable and enjoyable game.”
- story19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized, with many users noting a lack of narrative depth and a feeling of emptiness in the world. While some appreciate the variety of missions, they express a desire for a more engaging storyline and improved gameplay mechanics. Overall, the consensus is that the game suffers from a significant absence of a coherent plot, which detracts from the overall experience.
“The game has a very in-depth story to it and is a nice addition to the other truck simulators out there.”
“The different kinds of missions (so far) is promising for the first day.”
“After playing for a little bit and finishing some missions, I believe this deserves a review now.”
“No story and no plot.”
“Storyline: what story?”
“World feels empty, gameplay lacks any sort of depth; maybe a story or whatever.”
- music9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a single radio station with a mix of pop, rock, and country tracks, which some players find enjoyable for leisurely driving, while others feel it quickly becomes repetitive and lacks variety. While the soundtrack can enhance the experience, many users express disappointment with the overall audio integration and the game's lack of customization options. Overall, the music aspect is seen as a mixed bag, providing a pleasant backdrop for some but failing to meet the expectations of others seeking a more immersive auditory experience.
“Very nice to turn on the music and drive leisurely, and get high.”
“The developers did their best to create it and now you can drive through snowy forests to pleasant soundtracks in cool vehicles.”
“Biggest issue I have is that the radio has too much good music, so I am just sitting in the truck refusing to go out.”
“The music during the trip very quickly gets boring; there is only one station in the game that plays music of a random genre from pop to rock, which is not suitable for the game at all.”
“I expected a cozy game with unique graphic effects and relaxing gameplay, but this is a boring 'one of those simulators' with empty worlds, very ugly lighting, and no cozy radio.”
“Turn the music off, throw on Spotify in the background, and you are good to go and enjoy a few hours of easy gaming.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its stunning graphics and immersive environments, featuring diverse weather conditions that enhance the experience. Players appreciate the beautiful landscapes, particularly in mist and snow, which evoke a strong sense of place, especially in the Alaskan setting. While some note that the game may sacrifice realism for atmosphere, it offers a captivating and relaxing experience that appeals even to those new to truck simulators.
“Beautiful and very atmospheric, ready to watch the scenery for hours and turn the steering wheel in a relaxed way.”
“Honestly, it's a deep dive in Alaska, where the nature around completely conveys the atmosphere of North USA.”
“A game with interesting and relaxing gameplay, very beautiful and atmospheric locations.”
“This is my first truck game ever. I was never interested in trucker simulators, so I can't judge the gameplay, but in other aspects, the game hooked me. As a beginner, it was an unforgettable experience and atmosphere.”
“Truckers have their own atmosphere, but in life, you can’t go everywhere like you can in this game.”
- grinding7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious, often requiring significant time investment to progress. The lack of adjustable difficulty and frustrating mechanics, such as trailer management and poor AI, contribute to a sense of unplayability, especially for those using keyboard and mouse controls.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“While some game features are immersive and fun, others tend to feel a bit tedious at times.”
“Very grindy and the difficulty is not adjustable.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game has limited replayability, earning a score of 7, but it offers a fresh perspective on the trucking genre and is more enjoyable than its initial release. While it may not feel fully polished, dedicated fans of the gameplay may find it a worthwhile purchase.
“I would say buy it if you're into this type of gameplay, but it's still not finished game quality. However, it is a lot more playable than the release version!”
“Despite some limitations, the hard work put into this game by the dedicated crew makes it a worthy purchase and offers a new perspective on the trucking genre.”
“I don't see a ton of replayability overall, hence the 7, but with all the hard work put into this game by the dedicated crew, I would say it's a worthy purchase and a new perspective on the trucking game!”
“I would say buy it if you're into this type of gameplay, but it's still not finished game quality and is a lot more playable than the release version!”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game has been heavily criticized, with users labeling it a "cash grab" and expressing frustration over numerous bugs and a lack of improvement despite multiple patches. Many reviewers feel that the game should still be in early access rather than a full release, leading to a strong recommendation against purchasing it.
“This was a total cash grab from this company, complete rip off.”
“Would suggest never buying another game from this cash grab company, just another rip off company.”
“They just banned me and deleted all my posts for calling their game out for what it is, worthless company.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game to improve significantly over time, with many experiencing touching moments that enhance their connection to the story. Newcomers are encouraged to engage with the game, as it offers a rewarding emotional journey.
“Started out okay... has been getting a lot better after some touching moments. I would definitely encourage newcomers to take the leap and play it!”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is derived from clunky NPC interactions and amusing moments when entering buildings, while the frustrating AI vehicles contribute to a sense of immersion by reflecting real-life driving annoyances.
“The NPC interactions are clunky, which adds a layer of humor to the game. Entering buildings can be quite funny, and while the AI vehicles can be irritating, they contribute to the overall immersion—let's face it, normal drivers on the road can be just as irritating!”
“The game's humor shines through in its quirky dialogue and unexpected situations, making even the most mundane tasks entertaining.”
“I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously; the absurd scenarios and witty one-liners keep me laughing throughout my playthrough.”