Driving Simulator Meets Role Playing Game in an Interactive World of Off-Road Adventure
Automotive enthusiasts often get pigeonholed into one category of the gearhead spectrum, depending on what their main interest is. However, the reality is that most individuals who appreciate cars and trucks enjoy more than just what’s in their driveway or showcased on their devices. Muscle-car enthusiasts embrace overlanding, drag racers appreciate rock crawling, and everyone needs a reliable tow vehicle—whether they are hauling a classic car or a high-performance machine. The same sentiment extends to video gamers: we relish the excitement of a first-person shooter just as much as we do a driving simulator. Therefore, it’s not surprising that automotive enthusiasts can also be avid gamers, particularly in times when entertainment options at home are limited.
In a digital landscape packed with driving simulators, SnowRunner emerges as more than just an off-road driving experience. With its real-time driving physics and extensive maps, it emphasizes problem-solving and technique rather than merely reaching checkpoints. The game’s intricacy and attention to detail are impressive, challenging players to stay aware of their surroundings.
The 11 expansive maps are beautifully detailed and inspired by real-world locations such as Michigan, Alaska, and Taymyr, Russia. After extensive gameplay, we haven’t fully explored the first map! The sandbox-style layout enables players to navigate off trails, through dense brush, or even over cliffs, adding an element of unpredictability. The detailed environments respond realistically; driving surfaces like mud and snow react differently, and obstacles behave as they would in reality. For instance, a vehicle can easily get stuck in mud or fail to winch a Freightliner out of a ditch using an inadequate anchor point. Players must adapt their routes considering vehicle size, cargo weight, and terrain to successfully accomplish their missions.
Speaking of vehicle diversity, there are 40 vehicles to choose from in SnowRunner. Players can discover or purchase new vehicles as they complete missions and uncover parts of the maps. These vehicles range from Scout Class to Heavy Class and include iconic real-world models such as the International Harvester Scout and the Chevrolet Kodiak C70. Each vehicle is customizable for both performance and aesthetics, offering options like enhanced engines, terrain-specific tires, suspension lifts for better clearance, and unique vehicle skins. Scout vehicles, like the GMC C/K1500, aid in planning routes, while the Highway vehicles, such as the Ford CLT9000, are excellent for transporting heavy cargo. Additionally, vehicles can suffer damage; driving aggressively down rugged trails can lead to damaged tires or suspension, mandating recovery or expensive repairs.
Navigating vehicles across these intricate maps presents a unique challenge. Players can select from an in-cab view, featuring fully rendered cockpits, or an exterior view, both equipped with 360-degree moveable cameras for pinpointing obstacles. The controls are intuitive yet differ significantly from typical racing simulators. Players can quickly adapt and execute complex maneuvers without prior knowledge of the controls. It’s worth noting that this is not a traditional racing game; instead of a speedometer, players have a fuel gauge that reflects real-time consumption influenced by driving style and cargo weight—an essential consideration while traversing difficult trails.
The online cooperative mode allows up to four players to collaborate, with some acting as recovery or spotting vehicles while others focus on hauling substantial loads. This game is far from a simplistic button-mashing experience; transporting a Heavy-Duty vehicle with a full load requires careful maneuvering, and Scout Vehicles should navigate cautiously through challenging paths. Players face nuanced terrain navigation and learn to comprehend how different vehicles react in various scenarios.
SnowRunner became available on April 28, 2020, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Future downloadable content (DLC) packs will introduce new vehicles, missions, and maps to explore, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
