18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker
A trucking arcade race across the United States.
Sega AM2 developed 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker, an arcade game Sega released in 1999. Acclaim Entertainment handled the PlayStation 2 and GameCube ports in 2001 and 2002, while the Dreamcast version arrived in 2000. This port was among the last arcade titles for the Dreamcast after it was discontinued, just before Sega shifted to third-party development.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Keiichi Matsunami
- Producer
- Yu Suzuki
- Composer
- Keisuke Tsukahara; Tomoya Koga
- Platforms
- Arcade
- Dreamcast
- PlayStation 2
- GameCube
- Genre
- Vehicle simulation, action
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Arcade system
- Sega NAOMI
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Players must deliver cargo to the finish line within a time limit, which can be extended by ramming special vans that add three seconds. The game begins in New York City and ends in San Francisco, with a choice of trailer after Stage 1: a harder trailer yields a larger payoff, while an easier one gives less. Money is deducted when the trailer is hit. The horn makes other cars yield, and slipstreaming behind large vehicles provides a speed boost. Players compete against a rival trucker named Lizard Tail; beating him earns extra money. Between levels, a parking minigame offers cash and upgrades such as an improved horn.
Reception
Home versions received mixed or average reviews on Metacritic. Jake The Snake of GamePro in July 2001 praised the Dreamcast version's handling and driving action but noted that the four levels pass quickly and the Score Attack courses and difficulty modes add little replay, recommending a rental. Pong Sifu of GamePro later said the GameCube version was worth renting or playing at a friend's house but not worth a $50 purchase. Rob Smolka of NextGen called the Dreamcast version a weekend rental, citing a lack of online play and limited stages. Famitsu gave the Dreamcast version 29 out of 40. In Japan, Game Machine listed the arcade version as the second most successful dedicated arcade game of March 2000. Jon Thompson of AllGame gave the arcade version three stars out of five, describing it as beautiful with short-term thrills but lacking the lasting appeal of Crazy Taxi; he gave the Dreamcast version two stars, finding the graphics less impressive and the gameplay limited, advising players to seek the arcade original. Scott Alan Marriott gave the GameCube version two stars, stating that without more routes, modes, bonus vehicles, or high-score incentive, it cannot be recommended for purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker?
18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker was directed by Keiichi Matsunami.
Who composed the music for 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker?
The music for 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker was composed by Keisuke Tsukahara and Tomoya Koga.
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