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If you love SnowRunner and MudRunner, you have probably been waiting for Expeditions: A MudRunner Game. This latest title in the franchise takes a sideways step from the normal action. Instead of hauling huge loads across vast landscapes, you must drive across barren environments delivering research equipment. Alternatively, you’ll have to take photos of key areas or explore unusual locations. Either way, it was a pleasant break from the norm and I enjoyed the freedom.
This open-world experience was developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Furthermore, it is a single-player or online co-operative title and you can enjoy Cross-Play on every platform. This was great as there were no boundaries to prevent you from getting muddy and adventurous with your friends.
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game focuses on research missions.
I’m a fan of story-focused gaming. However, occasionally I like the freedom to do as I wish. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game blends both of these ideas perfectly. If you want, you can jump in your vehicle and explore an array of glorious biomes. However, there are also missions to undertake to give you something to work towards. These scientific quests prevent you from aimlessly wandering the world and I loved how they were structured.
If you want a fast-paced and straightforward time, then this isn’t the game for you. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game demands that you work out the best path and what equipment to take. This planning isn’t always easy and making mistakes is par for the course. Whether it is mud that is too deep, a cliff face that is tough to traverse, or water that cannot be driven through, you must be prepared for the challenge. Thankfully, there is plenty of equipment to help you out of each situation and working out what item to use at any time was part of the fun.
Hire some crew.
Unlike the other games in the franchise, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game has included a crew-based system and some minor base-building elements. Each of these mechanics helps to improve your chances when you are driving across the rugged terrain. Though the crew will cost you money and impact your profit margins, they make exploration so much easier. The perks they offer change your approach and this is a new mechanic that improves the series considerably. Another game-changing layer is vehicle modification. Though this is self-explanatory, I loved how beefed up you could make your ride.
Modifying your vehicle was essential. Yet, understanding how the gearing system works and the effect of tyre pressure is essential. The game allows you to play with each of these elements and mistakes are bound to happen. I’m not ashamed to say that I ended up on my roof more often than not. However, the handy jack screws are a cheat code for getting back underway. Alternatively, ground anchors were an impressive tool when you wanted to overcome some of the toughest terrain.
Janky missions.
The missions were a success, mostly. When things were going well, I loved the atmosphere, the environment, and the challenges that I faced. But when it didn’t work, it was a tedious time that made you want to scream. Furthermore, the mission objectives are somewhat vague and this causes endless problems.
The idea of dragging equipment from A to B was great fun. Traversing difficult mud pits and avoiding trees never got old. Yet, when I was asked to take random photos or explore large areas, I sighed repeatedly. Unfortunately, there is no way to check what areas you’ve searched and you are left guessing what minor blade of grass you haven’t spotted. Had the developers used a glowing hue like in PowerWash Simulator, this problem would have been avoided.
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game looks phenomenal.
Visually, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game will blow you away. The varied biomes are a treat to explore. What’s more, the impressive physics-based gameplay brings each arena to life. I love the realistic tyre ruts and the animation of each moving part. Additionally, the lighting was great and the world felt vibrant and alive. Disappointingly, the map is somewhat vague and this makes your missions unnecessarily troublesome.
If you love loud engines, then this will get your juices flowing. The heavy vehicles have a gloriously realistic tone that will impress the harshest of critics. Moreover, the sound effects are ultra-realistic. The squelch of the mud and the ambient noises were incredible. As such, you are drawn into each realistic situation.
Excellent controls.
I wasn’t a fan of the UI. It feels complicated and fiddly when using a gamepad. Yet, once you get to grips with the submenus and what is required of you, it is a simple game to play. Changing your tyre pressure or selecting the correct gearing is easy to do with some practice. Furthermore, the opening tutorial was simple to follow and you grasp the fundamentals in around 20 minutes.
The developer has created a massive game with sprawling environments to explore. What’s more, the crew system adds a layer of depth that changes the way the game evolves. Though the slow pace may put some people off, I enjoyed the snail-like speed and the incredible landscapes. As such, there are plenty of reasons to return.
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is a good addition to the franchise.
The sideways step from the SnowRunner and MudRunner ideas may annoy hardcore fans. However, I liked the slight changes and the freedom to explore. Moreover, the inclusion of the crew system and the varied biomes ensure that this is a good addition to the franchise. Accordingly, though there are some shortcomings, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Are you able to help the scientific community? Pick your vehicle, plan your route, and complete every goal.
