Forza Horizon games are renowned for their virtual tourism, offering players scenic drives through condensed, theme-park-like versions of real-world locales. While these games provide spectacular virtual journeys, they often lack a true sense of distance and progression. SCS Software's trucking simulators, Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, have long offered more expansive, scaled maps that capture a greater sense of journey. However, these experiences were largely focused on the logistics of trucking, rather than leisure travel.
This dynamic has shifted with the recent release of the "Road Trip" DLC for American Truck Simulator. This significant update introduces two key features: drivable cars and dedicated tourist destinations, effectively transforming the game into a compelling road trip simulator.
Initially, the DLC provides access to several Ford vehicles, including modern F-150 and Bronco models, a classic 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, and the iconic 1998 Crown Victoria. A future Dodge and Ram pack is also planned. These vehicles offer a different driving experience compared to the trucks, though the game's road network is still primarily designed with trucking routes in mind. Despite this, the ability to navigate these vast, meticulously recreated landscapes in a car adds a new layer of personal exploration.
The "Road Trip" DLC also introduces Tourist Boards in seven of American Truck Simulator's 21 states. Visiting these locations unlocks an itinerary of local attractions. For example, in Northern California, the Sierra Crossing board directs players to landmarks like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, while the Golden Horizon board features sites such as Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Visiting all points of interest for a single board can take over an hour of in-game driving time, spanning multiple in-game days. This encourages a more deliberate pace, mirroring real-world travel.
While the scenery is rendered with realism rather than Forza's dramatic spectacle, reaching these destinations feels earned. Players plot routes, plan stops for rest and fuel, and observe the changing landscape and weather. The game's day/night cycle and weather effects contribute to an immersive sense of presence.
The simulation's inherent realism extends to the road trip experience. Players must earn money through trucking jobs to afford vehicles and fuel, mirroring the financial planning of actual travel. Early gameplay might involve taking trucking gigs to save up for a car, then planning a trip to a tourist destination, requiring overnight stays at motels and careful budgeting. This adds a role-playing element, allowing players to craft their own narratives within the game world.
American Truck Simulator's "Road Trip" DLC, despite minor drawbacks like cars being less engaging to drive than trucks and a road network optimized for haulage, significantly elevates the game's potential as a premier virtual road trip experience. The expansive, accurately scaled map provides a true sense of journey and discovery, with developers continually expanding the playable area across the continent.
