"Truckers 2" is a game that once became a cult for fans of simulators and open worlds. Her combination of thoughtful gameplay, diverse mechanics and an atmospheric setting gave her dozens of hours behind the wheel of a truck, which really pleased her with trips.
The game's plot is simple but fascinating: you are a long-distance truck driver who starts with minimal funds and dreams of becoming the king of trucking. The main task is to build your own transportation empire, capturing 51% of the cargo transportation market. But the game doesn't end there: after completing the main goal, you can continue to hire drivers, expand the fleet and prove that you are the best at this business.
The gameplay combines truck driving simulation, strategy and management elements. You choose which cargo to deliver and where to go, assessing the risks and profitability of the routes. An important part of the gameplay is the interaction with the road infrastructure. I remember how in the first version of the game there were no traffic lights at intersections yet, and the game itself was bogged down to the point that bandits attached themselves to me immediately after the start and started shooting for nothing. The next version of the game included new elements such as working traffic lights, road radars, gas stations and service stations. These details greatly enhanced the immersion in the game world.
For 2001, the graphics of the game were at a good level. The variety of locations is amazing: the sea coasts are replaced by mountain snow-covered roads, steppes and a median strip. Each area has its own characteristics, whether it's winding mountain serpentines or straight highways where you can accelerate.
The musical accompaniment deserves special mention. The game featured compositions that perfectly accentuated the atmosphere of the road: calm and melodic tracks by the Aria group without words. They were great for long-distance trips. But the unexpected discovery was that you could upload your own music files to the game. I remember adding my favorite tracks and driving around to them. Even now, when you hear a familiar song from those times, you can't help but remember how you raced along the highway to the next destination to this composition.
One of the most fascinating elements of the game is the secret roads hidden on the map. These routes allowed you to take shortcuts or just enjoy exploring the world.
There were also difficulties. The police (yes, it was still there then) and bandits on the highway added tension to the game. The first one kept order, issued fines for speeding or violating the rules. But bandits could attack you at any moment, depriving you of cargo or money. It was possible to talk to other drivers on the radio as they passed by. Sometimes it was useful if you needed help on the road with a car, or you could offer a bribe to get your opponent to drop the load.
I especially remember one annoying bug: you stand at a traffic light in compliance with the rules, but another truck drives into you from behind, which takes you out of the stop line, and immediately you get a fine for running a red light. The situation is funny, but each time it caused an attack of obscene language.
The main goal of the game remains not only the delivery of goods, but also the management of your own company. You hire drivers, buy new cars and grow your business, gradually displacing competitors. The game map is limited, and hiring all the drivers is a real challenge that requires time and patience.
Truckers 2 is a game that combines drive, strategy and the atmosphere of a real road. Yes, there were bugs, and sometimes I wanted to quit it, but I still returned to the game, because it's nostalgia and a true classic. Secret roads, interesting locations and the opportunity to build a trucking empire make it an unforgettable adventure of the early and mid-2000s.
7 out of 10.
