If it wasn't for the fact that I hate driving, I probably would be all over that game.
It does look like a lot of fun.
Good song in the trailer, too.
I am curious to see what it looks like when they get to the American portion. California is a sensible start, but I think the mid-west would make for interesting gameplay.
Is there weather in the game? Rain, snow, etc? Day/night cycle?
Scott,
I chose that promo video because of the song - Hot by Sarah Ozelle.
ETS2 is a most curious beast. I drove for a number of years - cars and vans, not trucks. Because of where I lived, a car or a motorcycle was practically mandatory although I was never that keen on driving and eventually, when the opportunity presented itself, I got rid of my car like a shot. That doesn't stop me from having fun with the game and I still don't have any urge to start driving again.
You start the game by picking up freelance jobs, complete them to earn cash and experience. Spend experience points on improving your skills. The more skills you have the more jobs become available. When you have enough cash or take a loan, buy a truck and run as an owner/operator. Eventually, upgrade your workshop, buy more trucks, hire and fire drivers and essentially run your own transport company. Your employees will need to be trained up, vehicles will need upgrading, need to be repaired etc....
With all the major European truck manufacturers on board - Mercedes - Benz, the last of them, will arrive with the 1.18 patch - you get all the customization options in the game that you would get if buying the truck in real life.
The game is very forgiving if you mess up big time. Unlike real life you do not end up at the pearly gates while your body pieces are scraped up and bagged. A head-on collision will not end either your game or your career. You will, in fact, be able to keep on driving providing you don't need to call for vehicle rescue. However, you will be heavily penalized in fines if it was your fault and your truck will breakdown regularly as you limp to the nearest repair center. Damage to the truck and/or the freight will cost you.
The AI drivers are not perfect but, in my view at least, intentionally so. By and large they are ok drivers. But there are some real idiots on the road. For example, AI drivers will mainly use their indicators correctly but occasionally one will think that indicators are for wimps.
Day/night and rain yes they are in the game. Snow is available but only as a mod. There is no seasonal variation in ETS2 and I don't know if it will appear in American Truck Simulator. It would be seriously cool if it made an appearance.
Overall, ETS2 is a quality product and very polished.
I am at a complete loss, however, to explain why it is such fun. I mean, traffic lights, speed limits, roundabouts, road-works, heavy traffic, speed cameras, customers bitching about why their delivery is not there yet... does any of this sound like fun?
Most curious...
Best wishes,
Steve
