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Simulations aren't typically my preferred genre of games, and when given the opportunity to review Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game, I saw it as both a challenge and a chance to broaden my gaming horizons. It was an opportunity to venture into something different and gain a new gaming experience.
Of course, I can't deny having initial prejudices and thinking, "This isn't for me; I won't enjoy playing it; it might be boring." However, my encounter with this excellent game completely changed my perspective on simulations, and I'm very glad it did.
Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game is an outstanding title that captivates you with its simplicity, effortlessly keeping you glued to the screen for extended periods, to the point where time seems to slip away unnoticed.
Story
The game lacks a conventional narrative as it primarily comprises numerous missions. These missions involve using all-terrain vehicles in challenging landscapes to accomplish tasks that are uniquely suited to such rugged conditions. Activities range from installing transmitters and rescuing stranded trucks to investigating unusual incidents and mapping the terrain, among many others.
However, each of these missions is designed in such a way that it still has a narrative and that you don't just wander aimlessly through deserted roads with your SUVs; rather, each task holds significance and purpose.
Throughout the game, your communication with employers occurs through radio, where they provide instructions on your obligations. These exchanges are presented in text format without any voice acting. The inclusion of such segments is noteworthy, considering the limited emphasis on the story aspect in a simulation game like Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game.
If you anticipate a complex narrative from this game, you're looking in the wrong direction. Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game doesn't excel in storytelling; instead, its strength lies in its excellent gameplay, which takes precedence over the narrative.
Gameplay
Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game stands as the pinnacle simulation for off-road vehicle driving on challenging terrain. While my exposure to this genre is limited, based on what I've observed, I can confidently say that the quality of this simulation is remarkably high. It's challenging to envision a game that can surpass its comprehensive presentation.
Set aside any preconceptions you may have about off-road vehicle driving from games like GTA and similar titles, as this simulation operates on an entirely different plane. Navigating through rocky terrain, mud, slopes, and climbs, every stone or tree becomes a significant obstacle in your path.
To navigate the terrain effectively, you'll employ tools like drones and binoculars to assess the landscape, determining the optimal and easiest route across specific sections. Additionally, route planning is facilitated using a map that provides a clear depiction of the ground's topography.
By default, all vehicles operate on rear-wheel drive, and when stuck in the field, you can switch to the more fuel-consuming but efficient 4x4 mode. It's crucial to calculate fuel usage accordingly. Alongside the 4x4 mode, essential tools include the winch, used when trees are present to provide an anchor point, and the car jack, which proves invaluable in the event of a vehicle rollover.
Upon starting the game, you have three vehicles: one SUV and two off-road trucks. As you accumulate funds, you can expand your vehicle fleet by purchasing new ones. Every vehicle is customizable, with upgrades spanning from the engine, gearbox, differential, tires, and rims to various cosmetic components, resembling the customization options found in real racing games.
Certain upgrades grant you the capability to carry extra fuel canisters and spare parts. Regarding the latter, spare parts come into play when the vehicle sustains damage, and this is an area where the game truly shines. Damage is assessed individually based on the specific part impacted during driving, and if a component sustains extensive damage, it leads to an irreparable failure.
At times, scenarios such as crashing down from a significant height and colliding with a stone, resulting in a wheel detachment, may occur. In such instances, the only recourse is to teleport back to the base. However, executing such a manoeuvre comes with a cost, highlighting the importance of cautious driving and route selection. Mistakes in this game carry a hefty financial toll, making precision and care imperative.
Every vehicle operates in a standard driving mode, but in case of getting stuck, there's an option to deflate the tires halfway for enhanced traction, albeit with an additional fuel cost. Furthermore, while the default gearbox is automatic, you can switch to manual mode when navigating steep inclines or declines, restricting the car to first gear or reverse as needed.
The impact of upgrades is strikingly evident; a simple switch of tyres tailored to specific terrains can significantly alter the navigation dynamics. The selection of vehicles also holds substantial importance. While certain missions require specific vehicle types, the majority offer freedom of choice, allowing you to choose the vehicles that suit your preferences and strategies.
There are a total of 79 missions, or expeditions, as they are referred to in the game, divided across two distinct regions, to be more precise, as indicated in the selection. The initial tutorial area constitutes only a portion of one of these regions. Approximately half of the game unfolds in the arid deserts of Arizona, while the other half takes place in the Carpathians, a region characterized by richer vegetation. Each area presents its own set of challenges and diverse terrains to conquer.
Within each expedition, you'll encounter opportunities to undertake additional tasks that offer lucrative rewards but also come with a degree of risk. These side missions showcase creativity and frequently divert your focus, to the extent that you may lose track of the main mission.
The sole drawback I identified in the gameplay is the imposition of realism in certain situations. For instance, the game struggles to differentiate between a slender, dry branch and a thick tree. This can lead to instances where a 10-ton truck gets stuck on a branch, a scenario that breaks immersion as it contradicts real-world expectations. Similarly, when towing a vehicle and encountering a small rock, the inability to manoeuvre over it, contrary to real-life possibilities, hinders realism.
One aspect that proved particularly frustrating was the remarkably limited wheel-turning range. To execute a complete turn in place, the vehicle requires at least ten turns, a stark contrast to the real-life scenario where a simple two-turn manoeuvre would suffice.
However, striving for the realism of the simulation and not committing such transgressions is simply impossible, because at the end of the day, when everything is subtracted and added up, Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game is the closest thing to a real off-road experience that you will experience.
Graphics, Sounds, and Performance
To be upfront, Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game might not be the most visually stunning game, but in the areas where graphic excellence is crucial, it truly delivers. While the desert and other landscapes exhibit genuine beauty, don't expect to encounter cutting-edge graphic effects found in modern games. Nevertheless, the overall presentation is more than satisfactory.
Where Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game truly shines in terms of graphics in the meticulous detail of vehicle models and the realism portrayed in vehicle damage. The cars are so well-rendered that they give off a genuine impression, and their traversal over uneven terrain, accompanied by constant rocking, impeccably showcases the accurate representation of physics.
Additionally, the splashing mud and dust effects, particularly evident when a vehicle is stuck, are impressively executed. Similarly, the effects of a malfunctioning engine, with shooting sparks and a glowing exhaust, along with various other detailed effects, contribute to an ultra-realistic graphic presentation. Kudos to the developers for their meticulous work in this regard.
However, a significant drawback related to graphics is the slow loading of textures, which severely hampers gameplay. The delayed loading of textures makes it challenging to assess the terrain you are navigating, creating a substantial hindrance during gameplay.
While it's plausible that this issue will be addressed through a patch post-game release, I am speaking about the condition I encountered during my gameplay, and I must emphasize that this problem is notably significant and considerably affected my experience.
Speaking of performance, my PlayStation 5 experience with the game was exceptionally smooth, devoid of any issues. It's worth noting the absence of a performance and fidelity mode toggle, which is common for this console. The game operates at a default 60 FPS with no noticeable frame rate drops.
Regarding the audio presentation, my sentiments are mixed. The sounds emanating from the vehicle's engine strike me as somewhat lacklustre and lacking authenticity, whereas other sounds like gear shifts and the release of air while driving the truck are notably well-executed and genuine.
Particular commendation should be given to the incorporation of sound for the DualSense controller, which enhances authenticity. For instance, while driving the car, the sound emanates from the TV, but when engaging the winch, the sound shifts to the controller, creating a seamless and enjoyable auditory experience.
The soundtrack tends to be forgettable and somewhat tiresome, I would say. Throughout gameplay and in the menu, a rotation of five or six soft rock and roll tracks persists. The atmosphere is enjoyable for the initial hours, but as time progresses, the songs become somewhat wearisome. I found myself searching for settings to disable the music entirely.
Conclusion
Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game proves to be a highly commendable off-road simulation, providing enjoyment for those who appreciate off-road driving or, like myself, individuals seeking a novel gaming experience. The game excels at immersing players in the challenges of navigating formidable terrains, successfully drawing them into the world of off-road problem-solving.
While I won't claim that it is flawless, as there are certainly some imperfections, Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game undeniably delivers on its promises. If you're willing to overlook some of the flaws I've mentioned above, the game offers over 100 hours of enjoyment as you conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles on unforgiving terrain.
The Good
Realistic off-road simulation- Detailed vehicle models
- Diverse and challenging expeditions
- Creative side missions
The Bad
Slow texture loading- Forgettable soundtrack
- Minor graphical glitches
