18 WHEELER AMERICAN PRO TRUCKER

Reviewed By: Timothy Plumb
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: Sega Dreamcast
Produced by: Sega
Price Range: $40-60
Learning curve time: 45 min.
Age level: 10+
ESRB Rating: Everyone

Genre: Simulation
Christian Rating: 4 of 5
   (slightly offensive)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 3 of 5
   (mild)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

"18 Wheeler American Pro Trucker" is a very well created simulation of truck driving. It has 3 modes: 1-player across America, 2-player, and Parking mode.

The object of the game is to travel across America in your big rig within a limited amount of time. The player begins on the East Coast and works his way West. It's not as easy as it sounds, though, because there is the ever-present “Rival”. Your rival attempts to crash into you and wreck your truck.

Screenshot from '18 Wheeler American Pro Trucker' Players can choose from different loads worth varying amounts of money (if you win). Beware—the value of your load decreases every time you hit something (cars, houses, or Rival). To get more time on your cross-country race, you must hit a designated car.

“18 Wheeler” can also be played in 2-player mode. In such a mode each player pits their skill against each other. It's an alright mode, but not as good or competitive as would be hoped.

In “Parking” Mode, the player has four different courses to drive, back in, and park your semi. There are also 2 hidden courses if you pass the first 4-5. The truck driver is timed and must be sure to not hit anything.

As a professional truck driver, I feel “18 Wheeler American Pro Trucker” is a very good simulation. The only negative influences in the game are the damage that can be done to anything hit by your truck, or damage done by Rival hitting you. However, this is not the object of the game. Drivers should try and not hit stuff (except for the designated car that adds time to your clock).

Year of Release—2001

Comments from Young People…
Positive—I like this game because it's like a racing game with semitrucks. Whenever you complete a level you get a new part on your truck like a better horn. I would recommend this game for kids age 5 to 15. My Ratings: [4/5]
—Jordan Benson, age 9

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.