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Review:

15th January 2003:
Big Mutha Truckers
Screw your family, disrespect other road users, and swindle your way to a fortune!
Posted by John Grothier - Xbox - UK and Europe

Hick State County is in the Deep South of America, and is home to the infamous Big Mutha Truckers. For as long as the yokels can remember this family of misfits have been hauling goods around the country, but all that is about to change - as Ma Jackson has announced her retirement, but who will take over? Four of her siblings are ready to succeed her, but each one is a handful in their own right. The only fair way Ma can choose is to hold a 'trial by trucking' and let them fight it out amongst themselves. Whichever one of the kids can make the most money from buying, selling and hauling cargo in sixty days, will get to inherit Ma's company. So in the cruel-to-be-kind words of Ma herself - 'When it comes to business, family don't mean squat!'

On first glance Big Mutha Truckers reminded us of 18 Wheeler, a first class arcade game that was just far too short for a home console. BMT is, however, one of those games that really allow for a lot of freedom, the game is completely non-linear - as you can buy and sell whatever you want to whomever you want. Think a redneck version of Elite. You start off the game by choosing one of the four siblings, Bobbie-Sue, Cletus, Earl, and Rawkus Jackson. Not only does each of the would-be inheritors have a distinctly different look to each of the others, but their rigs also look and handle differently. Generous Ma has already given you a small load to sell to help you get started, and she has also provided you with a little bit of cash so you can buy fuel, repair your truck, or even purchase some upgrades. The main aim of the game is to buy cheap - sell high, but there are other ways of making money. You can also make loads of cash by racing in the Rival Challenges or by completing Special Missions.

The main part of the game is driving from one city to another, and BMT delivers a top-notch racing experience. Once you get used to the handling of your truck you will find yourself weaving in and out of oncoming traffic, and hurtling round corners, but be careful the back of the truck doesn't clip other cars - otherwise the cops will be on your tail. Controls are responsive, and you really get the feeling that you are hauling a massive truck full of cargo, as you head from city to city using the handy Sat-Nav system. The Cops will chase you, and rival biker gangs will attempt to climb on board your rig and steal your load. There are a few different viewing options when you drive, our favourite is the in-cab view where your chosen Jackson has their own particular 'mess' strewn all over the dashboard. If you collide with other vehicles, buildings, or parts of the scenery, your rig and it's cargo will take on damage. In each of the cities there is a store, in which to buy and sell cargo, a Garage, so you can repair, re-fuel, and buy upgrades, and a bar in which you can find out which city is in need of a particular cargo. Upgrades can be fitted to your truck and can be very helpful in order to make a profit; for example, if you purchase a refrigeration unit, many more cargo options will become available to you.

The graphics in Big Mutha Truckers have a very arcade look about them, very solid looking, but frame rate problems can creep in at times. There are many different cities in the game to explore, and many are very intricate and detailed; from financial districts compete with skyscrapers, to neon-lit 'Vegas looking' towns. The various characters in BMT have much more of a suitably comical look to them, and there is lots of cheek and humour to be found within the game. This continues with the sound, as Big Mutha Truckers features themed radio stations complete with witty adverts and broadcasters. While this feature is not quite as in-depth as the radio stations found in Grand Theft Auto, the music ranges from county and western to hits like 'Born to be Wild', and you do get the pleasure of driving along to the theme of Easy Rider.

Overall Big Mutha Truckers is one of those games that the more time you spend with it, the more you will get out of it. The idea of a non-linear style of play works wonders for the game, and each day feels new and different. While it may not be for all, Big Mutha Truckers offers a whole lot of fun - if you put the hours in, and how often does a game give you the chance of being a redneck?

John Grothier

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Review Summary:

Take on the role of one of the infamous Jackson family, and buy, sell and haul cargo all over the Deep South. Non-linear style of gameplay allows for freedom to buy and sell whatever you want - and go wherever you want. Responsive controls and a first-class driving engine, make Big Mutha Truckers a deep, redneck hauling experience.

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Big Mutha Truckers
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