Route 66 Simulator

Driving simulators are getting more niche by the month. Is that because petrolhead developers are running out of ideas, or are they passionate about making seriously scoped games like Route 66 Simulator? There's a big question about how much fun you can throw into one long stretch of road and what kind of excitement you can generate when there aren't exactly any surprises in store.

Route 66 Simulator is a game about fulfilling your dream by building a perfect car and riding it across the United States on the famed highway. This upcoming title has some twists and turns. Still, we're unsure how a title with such an elementary objective will pan out. So far, there's no release date, but luckily we've played the demo to get an idea about the gameplay foundations.

Get Your Motor Running

So, let's jump right into the question everyone's asking. Is there anything to Route 66 Simulator besides driving a classic car across America? As it turns out, a little bit of a narrative is involved that sets the player up for a bumpy adventure rather than a short cruise. It may well be your dream to travel this interstate highway, but you've got no money to do so, and getting to the finish line will be more challenging than expected.

You'll have to build a car subjected to frequent issues, where players will fix engines, add parts, and fine-tune vehicles along every corner. Getting the cash to do all this requires them to do odd jobs they find along the roadside, such as freeing prisoners, transporting goods, and picking the weird thing up for the country folk. But you, as the player, are determined to make it through.

Naturally, the obstacles of gas shortages, breakdowns, and some problematic encounters will burden your trip. Still, it's all worth it when you see those magnificent sights, right? Route 66 Simulator surprisingly does an excellent job of creating an entertaining adventure out of travels. The scarcity mechanics make your trip enjoyable, where getting to the landmarks provides an adequate reward.

The number of things that go wrong and the challenges faced seem farfetched in what should be a shorter trip. However, the added side missions, cash objectives, and intricate car management combine well, keeping players intrigued whether they are car enthusiasts. The demo provides enough that players could quickly want to continue their adventure upon full release.

Life is a Highway

Route 66 Simulator isn't going to be just any old driving sim. Suppose the demo is a testament to what the entire game will be like. In that case, there's a grand adventure to behold and one creatively developed, much to my surprise. Games like American Truck Simulator have a firm grip on this genre. Still, Route 66 Simulator could be a surprise contender if the complete version lives up to the demo.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A surprisingly fun-filled driving adventure
• The diversity in gameplay outside of the driving
• The basic narrative works very well against the mechanics

Cons:

• No release date yet
• Some missions feel a bit elementary
• It may not be enjoyed by those who don't like driving simulators

Route 66 Simulator is a simulation of the kind of freedom entrusted to the iron horse. Have you ever wanted to leave all your worries, your routine and even your personality behind and go driving across America? If so, you're sure to be on Route 66. Get behind the wheel of a powerful muscle car and pound the expanse of the indomitable south, earning a living and fixing your ride in the most unusual ways.

Pros of the game:

• Complete freedom of action: it's just you, the car, and the road
• Fix the car yourself
• Explore gas stations in search of treasure