Trucker

King of the Highway

Over the years, I've seen modern trucker simulations on Steam and often wondered why anyone would want to play a game about "work". It just doesn’t make sense to me. What’s next? A game about a soul-destroyed office dude who's constantly watching the clock lol? Well, I’ve had to eat my own words as I recently stumbled upon something called Trucker, released in 1993/4 by Leighton Hargreaves. The objective is to drive a lorry and deliver its goods. Sheesh, what's next, helping them unload the goods?

Anyhow, it starts with a choice of different cities to work in, and each has a map showing your location and depot/delivery markers. The mouse controls are a bit unusual, so it takes a moment to get used to them. The left button increases speed while the right button brakes. Steering is tricky because it depends on your centred position: the further you move it, the more the truck turns. Basic physics applies too: the lorry turns quicker at higher speeds, and you need to give tight corners plenty of room so you don't crash.

Fortunately, there’s no time limit, but the lorry can only take so much damage. Careful drivers complete their deliveries and succeed, so stick with it, don’t rush, and you’ll avoid killing the invisible occupants of each town. The only downside was the complete lack of sound, apart from a "ding" when cargo is successfully delivered at the depot, and a strange noise when you scrape your truck against someone’s house. Additionally, you can even design your own city - though that sounds like yet another boring job to me!

A really simple game, but one that's quite challenging. I still don't get it, but it was good fun.

• Grab a Yorkie and head out onto the highway thanks to Atarimania.
• Trucker appears to only work on the STe, so it's added into our enhanced list.

Difficulty setting, different cities, or make your own. Very cool!!

You can view the map at any time by pressing the "M" key.

The lorry looks like I've drawn it, but watch the corners and don't go too fast.

Who designed these roads? They want shooting!!

Made it. Your delivery is completed, onto the next...