I am unsure if I can label myself an avid driving video game fan, but I had to make some exceptions when I came across Expeditions: A MudRunner Game. Its unconventional, slow gameplay caught my attention as it felt like I was watching Death Stranding but with cars. 

At first, it may seem like a walking (or driving, in this case) simulator, but it offers the same strategic and rugged driving mechanics as the previous games in the MudRunner Franchise. So, I decided to try it, and now I’m here with my Expeditions: A MudRunner Game review. 

Story And Setting

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game features a mesmerizing setting for players ready to set off on off-road adventures.

This is standard for simulator games, where game mechanics generally take the steering wheel and guide you throughout the gameplay. I immersed myself entirely in smooth-sailing gameplay that doesn’t rely on the story to progress.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game features a mesmerizing setting for players ready to set off on off-road adventures.

One of the highlights of this game is its setting and seemingly open-world space, where each landscape presents challenges and obstacles for you to overcome. It’s set in three locations: Little Colorado, Arizona, and the Carpathian Mountains.

I was slightly disappointed that this game does not have an open-world setting, but you are free to explore any area of the map once you have completed your objective. Hell, some quests can take up to 100+ hours, so don’t feel criminal if you feel like wandering off occasionally.

Gameplay

The essential core of the gameplay revolves around tracking through mountainous, seemingly inhabited areas and completing scientific research while inside your vehicle. Just make sure you are equipped with all the tools and personnel accordingly.

Expedition, A MudRunner Game, offers a variety of vehicles suitable for challenging terrain and rough landscapes. Players will need to adapt their choice of vehicle to the specific landscape they are traversing, as no single truck is versatile enough to carry you throughout the game.

I am not ashamed to admit that I have spent much time in gameplay getting stuck in unexpected terrain or fixing my car that was turned upside down due to a wrong turn. Challenges like these make this game an enjoyable experience despite the difficulty.

The essential core of the gameplay revolves around tracking through mountainous, seemingly inhabited areas and completing scientific research while inside your vehicle.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game features new tools that complement the game’s departure from its usual franchise setting. Since this is a spin-off of the MudRunner series, you are given access to enough tools and crew to support you in your adventure.

I was fond of the car jack (for obvious reasons) that could flip an overturned vehicle upright. This made me realize how serious this game was and how important it is to be prepared before embarking on your journey.

Know When To Use Your Tools

One of my favourite aspects of this gameplay is how useful these tools are. I would always prefer to use a drone to scout the area ahead of me, map my way through, and avoid silly mistakes like getting stuck or damaging my tires. Similarly, doing expeditions in the Carpathian region will present challenges like crossing a river.

Knowing and understanding your vehicle is critical to success.

But fear not. You are always welcome to hire a crew, or in this case, a hydrologist, who will guide you if you are venturing into unknown water territories. Having someone to rely on is quite a relief, but for peace of mind, use an echo sounder to gauge water depth before diving straight.

Challenging For Newcomers

Little mistakes already frustrated me, like I could not find a single tree to tow my car out of a ditch. I had to restart and progress again, which cost me money and time. Not to mention the slow and tedious nature of the missions. At one point, I was ready to smack my head on my keyboard.

Some of the expeditions are extensive and require a lot of patience, which could be a turn-off for some players. Using tools in your favor to combat challenges is highly recommended, but it could drag out the gameplay even more. So, I was ready to play safe rather than get into trouble repeatedly.

Some of the expeditions are extensive and require a lot of patience, which could be a turn-off for some players.

Knowing and understanding your vehicle is critical to success. Your truck feels heavy when adapting to even the slightest transformation in terrain. In-game customizations offer many upgrades that can help adjust to the uncertain geographical area, like using a snorkel to replenish air while diving deep in rivers.

The environment feels like a boss fighting from hell, and at some point, you start to feel the repetitiveness of these missions. 

Visuals And Performance

I have been itching to discuss this; the visual quality floored me. And I know this should not come as a surprise since Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is a driving simulator that prides itself on mimicking real-life physics and driving mechanics. 

Expeditions did a great job of showcasing a realistic environment that doesn’t feel devoid of life, and the visual quality further enhances its good points. However, some textures could use rework, especially the rocky terrain of tiny Colorado. I noticed some rocky patches were bland and low-detailed, but that was only noticeable when I did a close inspection.

I loved how distinctive the locations looked in contrast to each other. Thanks to the impeccable map design, It never felt like I was finishing my task. The more I explored the world, the more I felt integral to the game.

Rough Terrain But Smooth Gameplay

After finishing a long and tiring task, it’s comforting to reflect on the vast area you’ve explored and appreciate its beauty. For those wondering about my experience playing this game on my relatively new RX 6600 PC, it was flawless, with no technical issues.

Expeditions did a great job of showcasing a realistic environment that doesn’t feel devoid of life, and the visual quality further enhances its good points.

I got smooth frames even when traversing through high-graphic-density areas. Remember that this is the newest addition to the MudRunner franchise, so I was pleasantly surprised by this game’s graphical performance and excellent optimization.

Verdict

I loved how vehicles played a role throughout the time. They felt they carried much weight and were the game’s true stars. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is an enjoyable experience, but its highlighting features may not appeal to everyone.

I enjoyed the game because of the exciting scenery and the ability to customize my vehicles. However, some people who prefer high-speed racing games like Need for Speed or Forza Motorsport might not enjoy it as much.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game shines in terms of exploration, but the research tasks can be repetitive and tiring. I advise fellow players to take it slow and steady, letting your engine do the work. If you get stuck, remember that you can use your vehicle to pull yourself out of trouble.

That’s all I have to say about this game. Since you are here, why not check out our other fantastic reviews?

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