DETOUR
- May 16, 2011
- Geoff 'Zag' Keene
- 2h median play time
DETOUR is a real-time business strategy game for 1-2 players, offering single-player, co-op, and PvP modes. Your goal is to build a path for your truck convoy to reach its destination, while competing against AI or human adversaries. With adaptive AI opponents, 5 modes of play, and dozens of single-player maps, DETOUR provides endless strategies and challenges in a feature-rich package. Its epic soundtrack complements the engaging resource allocation and route planning gameplay.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique concept of building roads and sabotaging opponents, which can be entertaining in multiplayer.
- It's very affordable, often available for less than a dollar, making it a low-risk purchase for casual gamers.
- The game can provide some fun moments, especially when played with friends, as it encourages chaotic and competitive gameplay.
- The AI is poorly designed, often teaming up against the player, making single-player mode frustrating and unbalanced.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and crashes, leading to a frustrating experience for players.
- The graphics and overall presentation are subpar, resembling a low-quality mobile game rather than a polished PC title.
- gameplay40 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by interesting concepts but suffers from clunky mechanics and a frustrating user interface, leading to a lack of engagement for many players. While some find the simplicity and competitive elements enjoyable, others criticize the repetitive nature and technical issues that hinder the experience. Overall, the game offers potential fun, particularly in multiplayer settings, but is marred by execution flaws and balance issues.
“Not the type you would go 'oooh!' and 'aaaah!' about, but it does have some very engrossing gameplay.”
“The fun in this game truly lies in the simplicity of the gameplay, but the complexity the game can take on when played by two skilled players.”
“Thrilling gameplay, active community... trucks, this game has it all, baby!”
“The tutorial is extremely annoying, and gameplay itself is a bit difficult as the game doesn't give you any time to look around the map and come up with any strategies.”
“The gameplay is basically you having to click faster than the AI to build roads and protect them, which is impossible due to the lag (this game was released in 2011, it should run smoothly even on the worst potato).”
“The game is clunky, the mechanics do not make sense due to fog of war.”
- graphics26 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the decent quality for the price point and noting the clean, cute aesthetic, while others criticize the amateurish artwork and basic visuals reminiscent of mobile games. Performance issues, such as stuttering and low frame rates, detract from the experience for some, leading to an overall consensus that while the graphics are not groundbreaking, they are acceptable given the game's low cost.
“Incredible graphics.”
“Amazing graphics too!”
“It's an enjoyable and simple strategy game with quite good and clean looking graphics.”
“Graphics, background settings, dialogues, and everything just won't come interesting enough to continue.”
“It feels like a game you could find on a mobile device for free with better graphics.”
“Graphics are minimal, phone app quality.”
- story17 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally viewed as weak and unengaging, with many players feeling that it lacks depth and coherence, particularly in the single-player mode. While there are some missions that provide a challenge, the narrative fails to captivate, often feeling like a mere backdrop to the gameplay rather than a compelling element. Overall, the focus on multiplayer detracts from the single-player experience, leaving players wanting more substantial storytelling.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“Great storyline”
“There was some so-called storyline that was really lame.”
“First off, it’s based around multiplayer, but unless you have played through the first couple of single player missions, you have no idea what’s going on.”
“The AI (bot) is pretty easy and worthless, and the story isn't compelling.”
- humor6 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is polarizing; while some players find it fast-paced and enjoyable, others describe it as cringe-worthy and unbalanced, leading to a lack of fun when playing solo. Overall, opinions vary significantly, with some suggesting it may be more entertaining in a group setting.
“It's fast, enjoyable, and funny (at least I found it funny).”
“I can see it being some fun with friends, where the idea of being crazy and constantly sabotaging could be fun.”
“Funny game.”
“In conclusion, this game is not funny and makes you nervous.”
“The humor falls flat and often feels forced, leaving me more confused than amused.”
“I expected a lot of laughs, but instead, I found myself cringing at the attempts at humor.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as both relaxing and enjoyable, contributing positively to the overall experience, despite some players finding it annoying during chaotic gameplay. The presence of a music slider allows for customization, enhancing the game's appeal, especially given its low price point. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a significant aspect that adds to the game's charm, even if it can be frustrating at times.
“Life is a song - sing it.”
“But, with the great music, outstanding writing, chaotic gameplay, and extremely cheap price tag, this game definitely feels like it’s worth trying.”
“Not only do the AI do bugger all, but you also have lovely annoying music to keep your anger at a high level.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been criticized for being buggy, with frequent crashes and issues such as road placement failures and audio cutouts. While some users note that it isn't severely flawed, the overall experience is marred by numerous glitches and a lack of content.
“Buggy as heck, won't place down roads, and the audio cuts off.”
“I had a ton of bugs and glitches, and the game crashed a lot for me.”
“It's not horribly buggy and doesn't have glaring flaws; there just isn't very much game here.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Reviewers indicate that the game lacks significant replayability, primarily due to the absence of features like custom maps and AI, which would enhance the experience for offline players. Many feel there is little incentive to return, comparing its replay value unfavorably to other titles like Slender and Five Nights at Freddy's.
“Custom maps with AI should be added to enhance replay value for players who are unable to play online.”
“It basically has the same replay value and fun level as Slender or Five Nights at Freddy's.”
“Custom maps with AI should be added in order to enhance replay value for players who are unable to play online.”
“There is nothing to come back for, and I would say it is severely lacking in replay value.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is criticized for significant lag, making it difficult for players to compete effectively, especially given its 2011 release date, which raises expectations for smoother performance. Players feel that the lack of optimization hampers the overall experience, particularly in fast-paced gameplay scenarios.
“The gameplay is essentially about clicking faster than the AI to build and protect roads, but the lag makes it nearly impossible. Given that this game was released in 2011, it should run smoothly even on the most basic systems.”
“It reminded me of trying online games where all the other players had a lot of experience and were engaged in optimized micromanagement while I was just trying to understand the gameplay.”
“It reminded me of trying online games where all other players had a lot of experience and did optimized micromanagement while I was just checking the gameplay.”
“The game's optimization is severely lacking, making it frustrating to play.”
“I found myself constantly struggling with performance issues that hindered my overall experience.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game resonates deeply with players, evoking strong feelings of nostalgia and urgency, particularly through poignant moments that highlight the stakes involved in personal relationships and life choices. Many users report being moved to tears, reflecting the game's ability to connect with players on a profound emotional level.
“Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
“I was about 10 years old when my mother said to him, 'If you ever want to see your grandchildren graduate, you have to stop immediately.' Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and boring, with many expressing that it feels more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.
“It seems much more tedious and boring than fun.”
“Ez card farming”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally perceived negatively, with users expressing a sense of discomfort or unease.
“Even the atmosphere feels bad.”
“The game lacks any immersive atmosphere, making it hard to get invested.”
“The overall ambiance is dull and uninspired, failing to create any sense of tension or excitement.”