[h1] (*CAUTION*, you're gonna see "compared to MR" a LOT) From an average Joe's perspective, this game is definitely a step-up from the previous Spintires game. But, at what cost?
Let's start with the pros : [/h1]
[*] The graphics were a dramatic leap from the previous game
[*] There is much more types of cargo in this game. For example, in MR you were only able to transport logs and that was it!
[*] A lot more trucks included in the base game
[*] Rain!
[*] You can finally upgrade the stinking winch!
[*] (this is a nod to the winch thing) Vehicles are customizable/upgradable which is really nice
[*] There is now snow natively! [spoiler](hence the name)[/spoiler] whereas in MR you had to get a special snow mod from a weird Russian website with a weird Russian installer that you couldn't read and just clicked through hoping you weren't downloading some Russian malware.
[*] The career mode is a really nice system
[h1] Now the cons : [/h1] TLDR : [spoiler] This is mostly a physics rant [/spoiler]
[*] IMO the physics were [b] nerfed [/b] compared to MR's. First of all, the trucks are way more rigid. I liked it a lot more in MR where when you drove a big heavy truck over a lump or log it basically crawled over it like jelly.
[*] Remember when I mentioned the big heavy trucks rolling over lumps and other obstacles? yeah, their weight is practically not here compared to MR. Don't get me wrong, they still feel heavy, but not in the lugging slow way a MR player would be used to.
[*] The mud physics? the mud physics, are...fine, but they still feel less authentic compared to MR.
[*] These are small details.
1: WHY CAN'T I KNOCK OVER A STUMP LIKE IN MR?! Imagine this, you're carrying 12T worth of logs with your rig the size of Rhode Island and then you clip a stump and get stuck on it.
2: Why. are. cranes. so. freaking. WEAK. What's the point of having a 30T crane when it can't even fathom the thought of lifting something as small as a full-size SUV? Like, huh?
3: Engine sounds really could be better. How come with the Chevy Kodiak it obviously has the tone and sound of a gasser, but it has Diesel badges on it? Also, changing your engine configuration should really actually add a change in tone and sound.
4: This is a really stupid and picky thing I notice with every driving game I ever play. The driveshaft physics don't make as much sense compared to MR. Like in MR if the wheels are moving the driveshaft is moving exactly as the wheels do. But in SR if your really struggling with something heavy and say your diffs are locked and you have AWD on, and the very rear axle is not moving but the other axles are spinning but the rear axle is not, why is the driveshaft still turning? again, really stupid and minor and no one else other than me will ever care, but I've always been a sucker for driveshaft physics. IDK why.
[*] The amount of storage this game takes is literally over 30x more than MR. Let that sink in.
[*] I know the game came out in 2021, but compared to MR? it crumbles in playability on potatoes compared to MR. MudRunner's specs were basically a toaster connected to 1000 potatoes. I will admit, it is still playable on potatoes, but just nowhere near as good enough as MR.
[*] Also, MR is way easier to just pick up and play due to it's simplicity. Get a scout truck, a fuel/repair rig, and a couple loggers, spend an afternoon or two on a map and done.
All in all, this game is an overall great experience for graphics enjoyers and people who don't care about the itty bitty details in trucks or physics all that much. This game does kind of make up for it's cons in physics with it's variety in activities and vehicles to choose from. You don't have to reward this sloppy review, I won't even recieve points for it. Thanks for taking time to read this. Heres a quote you can take:
"I shall respect Rex"
"I shall never misuse Rex Kwon Do"
"I shall be a champion of freedom and justice"
