American Truck Simulator
" Realistic indie truck simulation with authentic physics and landscapes but costly DLC pricing "
American Truck Simulator Review
American Truck Simulator offers a deeply immersive and relaxing driving experience, praised for its realistic truck physics, detailed American landscapes, and the freedom to explore the U.S. virtually. Players appreciate the game's flexibility, from casual driving with music to hardcore simulation settings involving manual controls. The progression system, involving job completion and truck customization, keeps the gameplay engaging over long periods.
The graphics are clear and visually pleasing, with weather effects and day-night cycles adding to the immersion. The active modding community further enriches the experience by adding trucks, maps, and custom content. Many players find the game addictive and therapeutic, often spending hundreds or thousands of hours enjoying long hauls and convoys with friends.
However, the game’s DLC pricing model, requiring separate purchases for each state, is frequently criticized as expensive and fragmented. Stability issues and occasional crashes also detract from the experience. Despite these drawbacks, the game remains highly recommended for simulation fans seeking a chill yet engaging truck driving adventure.
Highlights
Players highly praise the realistic and responsive truck physics that make driving feel authentic and satisfying.
The detailed and expansive maps of American states, combined with dynamic weather and day-night cycles, create a captivating and immersive environment.
The relaxing gameplay loop of long-haul deliveries paired with customizable trucks and an active modding community enhances replayability.
The game's atmosphere, supported by authentic audio and the ability to listen to personal music, is often described as therapeutic and addictive.
Multiplayer convoys and community engagement add social depth to the otherwise solitary driving experience.
Criticisms
The primary criticism centers on the DLC pricing model, where each state map is sold separately, leading to a high cumulative cost that many players find prohibitive.
Some users report stability issues, including crashes and platform hiccups, affecting gameplay smoothness.
While the game is visually appealing, some areas and states require reworks or updates to improve map detail and realism.
The AI traffic and NPC behavior, although realistic, occasionally lack polish or variety.
A few players desire more in-depth simulation features, such as advanced lighting effects and improved steering mechanics.
Pros
- • Realistic truck physics deliver an authentic driving experience.
- • Detailed American landscapes with dynamic weather and day-night cycles.
- • Relaxing gameplay ideal for zoning out with music.
- • Extensive modding community adds new trucks, maps, and features.
- • Customizable trucks enhance player engagement and personalization.
- • Progression system motivates continuous play through job completion.
- • Multiplayer convoys offer social interaction and shared experiences.
Cons
- • Expensive and fragmented DLC pricing for individual states.
- • Occasional game crashes and stability issues reported.
- • Some map areas need graphical and layout improvements.
- • Limited depth in certain simulation aspects like lighting effects.
- • Steering mechanics can be challenging at higher speeds.
- • AI traffic behavior sometimes lacks variety or polish.
- • No free content updates; all expansions are paid DLC.
Rating Criteria
Experience legendary American trucks and deliver various cargoes across sunny California, sandy Nevada, and the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. American Truck Simulator takes you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and widely recognized landmarks around the States.
