Hard Truck 2

Hard Truck 2 is a video game in the racing / driving genre developed by SoftLab-Nsk Ltd. and published by ValuSoft, Inc. originally released in 2000. It is currently playable on Windows.

Hard Truck 2 (released in 2000) was a unique and immersive game, allowing players to experience the fascinating and virtual world of trucking. Smooth, fast driving mechanics were paired with a user-friendly interface, allowing players to get to grips with the game quickly and easily. Commandeering a range of diverse vehicles, from humongous eighteen wheelers to smaller transit vans, players journeyed through expansive real-life terrain, complete with scenic routes and bustling cities. The sound design was taut and realistic, with the bloom of a revving engine and the hiss of a brake coming through in technical clarity. The added inclusion of customisable paint jobs, cab detailing and truck tuning gave players unparalleled freedom over the vehicles, allowing them to pimp out their ride and cruise through the highways in style.

Multiplayer was also available in the game, enabling online sessions with friends or strangers to join in the fun. Experiences were varied, from challenging race drivers to chaotic and competitive freight delivery jobs. The awaiting antagonists were scarily real, their skillsets adjusted to match those of the players. What’s more, the incorporated business and trading opportunities added to the simulation of truck driver life, creating a world that was truly and enviably vast.

No trucking game would be complete without the opportunity to break a few speed limits or drive on the wrong side of the road. Hard Truck 2 was no stranger to bad timing or illegal hijinks, giving players the chance to outrun police or ignore traffic signals, with an evenly balanced pay off: too many tickets might result in suspension of license. Alternatively, more noble players could rise to the challenge of completing tasks without leaning on any of the game’s more reckless features.

The range of features, graphics and game modes in Hard Truck 2 remain resoundingly impressive 20 years after its launch. A timeless classic in driving games, the game still stands the test of time, with its timeless interface and exciting scope for exploration.

Hard Truck 2 is available at a reduced price on the following websites and is no longer abandonware.