Star Trucker

Love the game just wish there was more to the end game other then simple repetitive missions could have had more unique missions then it did but was amazing non the less

I've really got into this game and am currently loving it! I played a lot of Euro Truck and American Truck in the past, this is nothing like that, I personally find this much more enjoyable and I enjoy the levels of micromanagement. Ok, you sacrifice realism (you're a truck in space first of all..), there's no gear changes or indicators or navigating junctions. Other truck sims had me driving on long stretches of road with rare changes in scenery, stopping for gas or having a sleep, and occasionally something happens that requires a trip to the garage. With Star Trucker I'm navigating from open space to asteroid belts to electrical storms to solar flares and back again! I still stop for gas, but I now scan the map for the cheapest price (which changes) and plan my route accordingly. The galaxy is broken up into systems that require a jump gate to move between them, they are relatively short trips to get across but they don't feel repetitive, more like stopping at a stop light before you can continue. If you're hoping for long cruising on the freeway this probably won't scratch that itch, this feels a bit slower, carefully make your way through without damaging your cargo. There are "highways" where you can put your foot down but these are fairly short and basically represent a safe route as you can usually rely on them being free of space debris (no guarantees). You're totally free to blaze your own trail outside of the space lanes, just be warned it can get very clustered with space debris. Each of your systems requires batteries, ECU chips, or filters that you need to keep an eye on. These can be purchased from the shops or found floating in space, I like this extra managing aspect and I feel like if you could recharge them it would be a pretty redundant game mechanic. Being able to put on a suit and leave the truck is also pretty great, you can find the batteries, ECU chips or filters I mentioned but also all kinds of goodies that can be traded or sold to various systems that have a demand for them. There's undoubtedly more detailed trading sims out there but since I was just expecting trucking this was a welcome addition. This does also add weight to your truck which can lead to fines at weigh stations if you get called to weigh in. I remember ETS and ATS having weigh stations, but it was mainly just an annoyance that had no consequence on the actual game. Every control in your truck is usable and has some bearing on the game; headlights, roof lights, side lights, mirror monitors, heaters, thrusters, choke, circuit breakers etc.. I love that level of interaction and makes the place feel alive and cozy like a little apartment in space. They can also really help you through the different systems that all have their own climate, ambience and dangers. Top marks from me for the soundtrack as well, gives me constant Firefly and Cowboy Bebop vibes the whole time! Now I love sci-fi and I'm probably biased, but I personally enjoy this much more than ETS or ATS. If you're hung up on realism and realistic trucking then trucks in space may not be for you.