From Pavement to Permafrost: Reviewing Alaskan Road Truckers

"Alaskan Road Truckers," developed by Road Studio S.A. and published by Green Man Gaming Publishing along with Movie Games S.A., immerses players in the rugged Alaskan wilderness. This driving simulator not only challenges players to navigate perilous routes but also to manage their survival against harsh environmental conditions. Released on consoles today, July 11, 2024, the game has been available on PC since October 18, 2023.

Gameplay Experience

In "Alaskan Road Truckers," players take on the role of a truck driver traversing Alaska's vast and wild terrain. The game features a sprawling map enhanced by a dynamic weather system that introduces a realistic layer of difficulty to cargo-hauling quests. While the initial tasks—such as attaching a cargo container and setting off—may seem simple, they mask the depth of strategic planning necessary to master the game.

Technical Deep Dive

The game's performance was tested on a high-spec setup, including an AMD 7800X3D CPU, RX 7900XTX GPU, 48GB RAM, and a Gen 4 SSD. Although the visual fidelity, particularly with environmental details on a 49-inch curved monitor, is impressive, the experience is hampered by inconsistent frame rates. These drops are most noticeable in densely populated areas or during dynamic weather changes, indicating regions where optimization could enhance gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Realism

In "Alaskan Road Truckers," the gameplay mechanics, while straightforward and accessible, might feel oversimplified to seasoned players of the truck simulation genre. For instance, unlike in more detailed sims where the weight of the cargo affects handling and performance, here, all cargo feels the same regardless of its supposed weight. This absence of nuanced mechanics might not trouble newcomers or casual players, but it could leave veterans of the genre wanting more depth.

Screenshots: 

Image courtesy of Green Man Gaming Publishing, Movie Games S.A.

Sound Design and Audio Experience

The audio in "Alaskan Road Truckers" significantly enhances the immersive experience, despite the limitations imposed by streaming concerns. Opting for the truck's natural sounds and repetitive background music, the game effectively uses ambient noises and engine sounds to anchor the player in the rugged Alaskan setting. However, the lack of a varied soundtrack means some emotional and atmospheric potential is left untapped, which could have deepened the immersion. The existing sound effects do a commendable job of conveying the isolation and challenge of navigating Alaska's terrain.

As someone who isn't a truck driver—I handle a manual transmission car and that's about my limit—these simplified mechanics should be right up my alley. But here's a fun fact: if my car breaks down, my first thought isn't about fixing it; it's probably cheaper to just get a new one! So, for those like me, who find the idea of tweaking and tuning under the hood more daunting than exciting, "Alaskan Road Truckers" might hit the sweet spot of being just technical enough without becoming overwhelming.

Gameplay Trailer:

My Gameplay: