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Preview  18-Wheeler American Pro Trucker
- By Nathaniel Walker
Yes, we all know you’ve done it. Everybody has done it—don’t shift nervously about, all the while pretending to be the only exception. You have thought long and hard about giving up that cooshy desk job, gorgeous wife/husband, electric can opener, and hot pink daybed. You have contemplated bailing on your supportive friends and doting family, abandoning your hefty paycheck and leaving your trusty goldfish to die lonely, meaningless deaths. Like all of us, you have periodically come within inches of giving it all away, cutting loose so that you could pile into an 18-wheeler Big Rig and throw caution (not to mention shaving!) to the wind on America’s overused Interstate Highway System. Admit it! You want, and always have wanted, to be a Trucker.
Well, maybe not. But you’ll most likely still get a big kick out of Sega’s upcoming port, 18-Wheeler American Pro Trucker for the Nintendo GameCube. What started off as a tremendously unique Arcade game, and then went the way of the Dreamcast, will soon be sporting a Nintendo Seal of Approval. And let me tell you—there are certainly a few things to be excited about therein.
Clearly, there are no other games quite like this one. That is fairly obvious. It is a fossil-fuel consuming testament to Sega’s creativity. But more importantly, the title’s quality looks as though it will be nothing to scoff at. It was exceptionally well designed in the beginning, and it managed to keep most of its Arcade promises when it was first shrunk down for the Dreamcast. Judging by the promising looks of Sonic Adventure 2 Battle and Crazy Taxi for the GameCube, Sega’s digi-volving of 18-Wheeler American Pro Trucker into a Nintendo game should be smooth and clean. At the very worst this game will still have gone at the racing genre from a whole new angle. Think about it—what could be more enlivening than pummeling down the asphalt as a half-ton, diesel-burning, monstrous insult to public health after one too many hours as a squeaking monkey in a plastic ball? Consider the context, folks. This game looks to be refreshing, even if it might be superficially so.
The basic components here are pretty simple. The player will have five Big Rig options (unless, of course, Sega makes some serious additions to the GameCube version). You can play as Wild Rose, a rough ‘n’ tumble (yet strangely alluring) lady trucker. Or you could take on the role of Texas Hawk, whose sunglass collection, to quote the official bit on Sega’s website, “is unparalleled around the world.” Mad Bull is fat. Midnight is the token “Disco Trucker.” The 5th trucker is a secret—and I won’t spoil it for you. I will, however, tell you this: it is not one the first four I mentioned. It’s a different one. Regardless, each trucker has his or her own truck with its unique set of mannerisms, strengths/weaknesses, and whatnot. This means the title will at least have a limited degree of replay value.
You have selected your trucker, and your mission begins. Your job is (obviously) to move stuff around, and the reason you do this job (obviously) is that you get paid for it. The heavier and more awkward the load, the more cash you accumulate. Of course, the game would not be so outrageous as to imply that a trucker’s job is monotonous and devoid of rabid adventure. No-sir-ee, your trucker has a rival named Lizard Tail and a time limit from hell. Barreling through Key West, Dallas, New York, Las Vegas, and San Francisco is hard enough when you’ve got logs stacked on your backside, but thanks to the bothersome fact that our national economy is firmly lodged in the space/time continuum, you are forced to do it quickly. You’ll make more money, anyway. Meanwhile, Lizard Tail is ramming you, throwing things at you, disliking you, trying to distract you with that “toot your horn” hand pumping gesture, and violently misusing trucker lingo on CB. The nerve!
According to those who have already played 18-Wheeler American Pro Trucker on the Dreamcast, the title’s greatest weakness is its brevity. The game is, apparently, far too short. Nonetheless, it looks like it might be worth checking out—anything this unique is at least worth laughing at. I personally think there is a fine chance that the game could end up being a worthwhile addition to the GameCube lineup. This would be especially likely if Sega tossed in some bonus material for the new version, like an extra city or some sort of multiplayer game. Regardless, 18-Wheeler American Pro Trucker seems like it is worth anticipating. I mean, think about the possibilities! Every game I have ever played could have used a Big Rig at one point or another. Yoshi’s Story comes most readily to mind...
- 11.4.2001 |
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Release Date:
TBA 2002
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