18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker for
Dreamcast Review
From LoveToKnow VideoGames
Platform: Sega Dreamcast
Developer/Publisher: Sega
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Whoever thought truck driving would make a fun video game? I didn’t, but when I played 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker at a major arcade, I fell in love with the life-size big rig steering wheel. When I found out that the game was coming to the Dreamcast, I nearly threw out my transmission.
The Gameplay
There are a few different modes you can partake in. In Arcade Mode you must transport trailers of cargo across the USA. You’ll travel from New York to San Francisco clearing stages in a given time limit. There is also a rival that is trying to reach the goal before you. The only way to win is by using tactics such as drifting, ramming, hitting extra-time cars, and taking shortcuts. But hey, isn't that what trucking is all about? Especially the "extra-time cars" bit.
Parking Mode is when you are given so much time to park your rig in 5 different spots. Score attach has you racing 3 laps to earn a score, as well as reward money. Versus is two players racing 3 laps to compete against a rival.
The Graphics
The graphics in 18 Wheeler are vibrant and consistent with similar driving games on the Dreamcast. The game is fast, but there should have been more traffic on the road, especially in the cities. Maybe there would have been slowdown, who knows.
What is cool are all the little details Sega included in your rig. The hanging CB cord sways as you drive and all the junk in the dash flies to the side as you turn. Sega did a wonderful job catching the small nuances of the semi. You can choose to drive 3rd person, but it was more fun to get the feeling of sitting high in a semi, looking down on everyone.
The Control
The semis feel heavy, which they’re suppose to. Turning is wide. Corners have to be maneuvered carefully and backing up is a pain in the butt. All of that was nailed down in 18 Wheeler. If only driving games of today would herald the same standards.
Thompson’s Two Cents
18 Wheeler is pure arcade semi-racing. You can beat the game on the most difficult setting using all four characters in 3 hours, but there’s something about driving a truck in a video game that will make you put the hammer down again and again. Oh, and make you want to watch Smokey and the Bandit.
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