Hard Truck
Encyclopedia
Hard Truck is a series of trucking
simulators and racing video games published in the United States
by ValuSoft. The series currently has three released installments, with a fourth to be released soon.
The original Hard Truck was developed by Russia
n developer SoftLab-NSK published by Buka Entertainment
, and released on April 20, 1998. It emphasized truck racing
, although it had a mode where the player could deliver cargo
. The maps
were simple, usually with 2 or 3 routes to reach the destination, and had no traffic
model.
are added to the maps. Interestingly, the police only give chase for a limited time period, after which they simply give up and dispatch a machine gun
helicopter
to attempt to slow the player down. Once they've demolished the player's truck, they write the player out a simple ticket. The game is more similar to Hard Truck 2: King of the Road
than to Hard Truck.
In this installment, the racing option is removed completely and, instead, the game focuses on delivery of goods. A traffic model is added and the game also features a simple business management simulation, where drivers can be hired and routes set up to make a profit.
There are three maps, each depicting an area of the United States, including:
All further trucking simulations from ValuSoft are in the series 18 Wheels of Steel
.
shares the same name, but is in actuality a standalone game.
A completely different take on the hard truck games, developed by the Russian developer Targem Games
, released on June 26, 2006, this game takes place in an apocalyptic, Mad Max
-like future. A disaster occurred and everyone on Earth has to wear special masks to survive. Trade runs between villages to make money can still be done but the main method for making money is to loot destroyed enemies of cargo and weapons.
The game takes place in an apocalyptic version of Europe
, with different zones depicting countries like Germany
, France
, England
, and many more. Five vehicles, from a simple van
to the gigantic BelAZ
, are available to drive. The guns vary from roof-mounted machine guns, shotguns, and mortars to laser and energy weapons.
The game was soon followed by Hard Truck Apocalypse: Rise of Clans
, The official standalone expansion to Hard Truck Apocalypse, also developed by Targem Games
. It has not been released in western stores yet, but can be purchased and downloaded online at GamersGate
. It takes place in an apocalyptic version of North America. In the game the player is a vagrant
, a strong loner who is searching for the mythical city of Edmonton
in "le canada".
The game reuses a lot of material from Hard Truck Apocalypse but most of the vehicles, weapons, and enemies are the same. There are four new zones and a whole new storyline.
Truck driver
A truck driver , is a person who earns a living as the driver of a truck, usually a semi truck, box truck, or dump truck.Truck drivers provide an essential service to...
simulators and racing video games published in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
by ValuSoft. The series currently has three released installments, with a fourth to be released soon.
Hard Truck
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
n developer SoftLab-NSK published by Buka Entertainment
Buka Entertainment
Buka Entertainment is a Russian software development and distribution company founded in 1993 in Moscow with an additional six branch offices across Russia, located in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk, Novosibirsk, Samara and Nizhniy Novgorod...
, and released on April 20, 1998. It emphasized truck racing
Truck Racing
Truck racing is a form of motor racing which involves modified versions of heavy tractor units on racing circuits.The sport started in England in 1984 with the first race held at Donington Park and enjoyed great success, but declined in the 1990s. However, in the last few years the profile of...
, although it had a mode where the player could deliver cargo
Cargo
Cargo is goods or produce transported, generally for commercial gain, by ship, aircraft, train, van or truck. In modern times, containers are used in most intermodal long-haul cargo transport.-Marine:...
. The maps
MAPS
Maps is the plural of map, a visual representation of an area.As an acronym, MAPS may refer to:* Mail Abuse Prevention System, an organisation that provides anti-spam support...
were simple, usually with 2 or 3 routes to reach the destination, and had no traffic
Traffic
Traffic on roads may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel...
model.
Trucks
- DAFDAF TrucksDAF Trucks NV is a Dutch truck manufacturing company and a division of PACCAR. Its headquarters and main plant are in Eindhoven. Cabs and axle assemblies are produced at its Westerlo plant in Belgium...
- ZiLZILZIL and similar may refer to:*Zil, a village in the Tabasaran rayon of Dagestan, Russia*Zil stands for Zulfikar Industries Pvt. Ltd. Pakistan, a Chemical factory in Pakistan producting soaps and related chemical products since 1976...
- GAZelleGAZelleThe GAZelle is a series of mid-sized trucks, vans and buses made by Russian car manufacturer GAZ. GAZelles are similar to the later launched GAZ-2215/GAZ-2752 Sobol and GAZ-3310 Valdai line of vans and light trucks...
- MAZ T-Storm
- VolvoVolvoAB Volvo is a Swedish builder of commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses and construction equipment. Volvo also supplies marine and industrial drive systems, aerospace components and financial services...
- Scania ABScania ABScania Aktiebolag , commonly referred to as Scania AB or just Scania, is a major Swedish automotive industry manufacturer of commercial vehicles - specifically heavy trucks and buses...
- Mercedes-Benz ActrosMercedes-Benz ActrosThe Mercedes-Benz Actros is a heavy duty truck introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1995. It is normally used for long-distance haulage, heavy duty distribution haulage and construction haulage. It is available in weights starting at 18 tonnes and is powered by a V6 or V8 cylinder diesel engine with...
- MackMack TrucksMack Trucks is an American truck-manufacturing company and a former manufacturer of buses and trolley buses. A wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Véhicules Industriels since 1990, Mack Trucks is currently a subsidiary of AB Volvo. The company's headquarters are located in Greensboro, North Carolina...
Vision - KenworthKenworthKenworth is an American manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty Class 8 trucks based in Kirkland, Washington, United States, a suburb of Seattle. It is a subsidiary of PACCAR, and is also a former manufacturer of transit buses and school buses.-History:...
- PeterbiltPeterbiltPeterbilt Motors Company is an American manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty Class 5 through Class 8 trucks headquartered in Denton, Texas. Founded in 1939 Peterbilt operates manufacturing facilities in Denton, Texas , and Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec...
- Freightliner TrucksFreightliner TrucksFreightliner Trucks is an American manufacturer of heavy duty trucks, chassis and semi-trailer trucks in the United States. The company was founded as Freightliner Inc in 1942 and is now a division of Daimler Trucks North America, a subsidiary of the German Daimler AG...
Century Classic - Navistar (International Trucks)
Hard Truck 2
Similar to the original, but more of an emphasis on delivery of goods. PolicePolice
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
are added to the maps. Interestingly, the police only give chase for a limited time period, after which they simply give up and dispatch a machine gun
Machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
to attempt to slow the player down. Once they've demolished the player's truck, they write the player out a simple ticket. The game is more similar to Hard Truck 2: King of the Road
Hard Truck 2: King of the Road
Hard Truck 2: King of the Road is the European version of Hard Truck 2. It was released in various European countries by JoWooD Entertainment on June 7, 2002.The game featured soundtrack by heavy metal band Aria...
than to Hard Truck.
Trucks
- DAFDAF TrucksDAF Trucks NV is a Dutch truck manufacturing company and a division of PACCAR. Its headquarters and main plant are in Eindhoven. Cabs and axle assemblies are produced at its Westerlo plant in Belgium...
- ZILZILZIL and similar may refer to:*Zil, a village in the Tabasaran rayon of Dagestan, Russia*Zil stands for Zulfikar Industries Pvt. Ltd. Pakistan, a Chemical factory in Pakistan producting soaps and related chemical products since 1976...
- GAZelleGAZelleThe GAZelle is a series of mid-sized trucks, vans and buses made by Russian car manufacturer GAZ. GAZelles are similar to the later launched GAZ-2215/GAZ-2752 Sobol and GAZ-3310 Valdai line of vans and light trucks...
- MAZ T-Storm
- VolvoVolvoAB Volvo is a Swedish builder of commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses and construction equipment. Volvo also supplies marine and industrial drive systems, aerospace components and financial services...
- Scania ABScania ABScania Aktiebolag , commonly referred to as Scania AB or just Scania, is a major Swedish automotive industry manufacturer of commercial vehicles - specifically heavy trucks and buses...
- Mercedes-Benz ActrosMercedes-Benz ActrosThe Mercedes-Benz Actros is a heavy duty truck introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1995. It is normally used for long-distance haulage, heavy duty distribution haulage and construction haulage. It is available in weights starting at 18 tonnes and is powered by a V6 or V8 cylinder diesel engine with...
- MackMack TrucksMack Trucks is an American truck-manufacturing company and a former manufacturer of buses and trolley buses. A wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Véhicules Industriels since 1990, Mack Trucks is currently a subsidiary of AB Volvo. The company's headquarters are located in Greensboro, North Carolina...
Vision - KenworthKenworthKenworth is an American manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty Class 8 trucks based in Kirkland, Washington, United States, a suburb of Seattle. It is a subsidiary of PACCAR, and is also a former manufacturer of transit buses and school buses.-History:...
- PeterbiltPeterbiltPeterbilt Motors Company is an American manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty Class 5 through Class 8 trucks headquartered in Denton, Texas. Founded in 1939 Peterbilt operates manufacturing facilities in Denton, Texas , and Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec...
- Freightliner TrucksFreightliner TrucksFreightliner Trucks is an American manufacturer of heavy duty trucks, chassis and semi-trailer trucks in the United States. The company was founded as Freightliner Inc in 1942 and is now a division of Daimler Trucks North America, a subsidiary of the German Daimler AG...
Century Class - Navistar (International Trucks)
Cars
- BMW M5BMW M5The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon , but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from...
- BMWBMWBayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
Megan - FiatFiatFIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino , is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial, and industrial group based in Turin in the Italian region of Piedmont. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli...
- Marera
- Offroad
- Oka
Hard Truck: 18 Wheels of Steel
There are three maps, each depicting an area of the United States, including:
- Phoenix, ArizonaPhoenix, ArizonaPhoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
- Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
- San Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
- Denver, ColoradoDenver, ColoradoThe City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
- Boise, IdahoBoise, IdahoBoise is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Idaho, as well as the county seat of Ada County. Located on the Boise River, it anchors the Boise City-Nampa metropolitan area and is the largest city between Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon.As of the 2010 Census Bureau,...
- Chicago, Illinois
- Louisville, KentuckyLouisville, KentuckyLouisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
- Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas metropolitan areaThe Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
- Helena, MontanaHelena, MontanaHelena is the capital city of the U.S. state of Montana and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. The 2010 census put the population at 28,180. The local daily newspaper is the Independent Record. The Helena Brewers minor league baseball and Helena Bighorns minor league hockey team call the...
- Reno, NevadaReno, NevadaReno is the county seat of Washoe County, Nevada, United States. The city has a population of about 220,500 and is the most populous Nevada city outside of the Las Vegas metropolitan area...
- Salt Lake City, UtahSalt Lake City, UtahSalt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197...
- Cheyenne, WyomingCheyenne, WyomingCheyenne is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Wyoming and the county seat of Laramie County. It is the principal city of the Cheyenne, Wyoming, Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Laramie County. The population is 59,466 at the 2010 census. Cheyenne is the...
- Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, OhioCincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
All further trucking simulations from ValuSoft are in the series 18 Wheels of Steel
18 Wheels of Steel
18 Wheels of Steel is a series of trucking simulators published by ValuSoft and developed by SCS Software. The series currently has 8 installments...
.
Spin off: Hard Truck Apocalypse
Hard Truck ApocalypseHard Truck Apocalypse
Hard Truck: Apocalypse is a Car combat video game developed by Russian game developer Targem Games. It is a Privateer-like game on vehicles instead of spaceships set in a post-apocalyptic Europe. The player controls an armored heavy truck, and moves from one settlement in quest to avenge his father...
shares the same name, but is in actuality a standalone game.
A completely different take on the hard truck games, developed by the Russian developer Targem Games
Targem Games
Targem Games is a game video game developer, based in Ekaterinburg, Russia. Established in 2002, the company has created 9 PC games of various genres: from RTS/RPG to TPS and racing. The company received several awards at the Russian Conference of Game Developers , including "Best Debut", "Best...
, released on June 26, 2006, this game takes place in an apocalyptic, Mad Max
Mad Max
Mad Max is a 1979 Australian dystopian action film directed by George Miller and revised by Miller and Byron Kennedy over the original script by James McCausland. The film stars Mel Gibson, who was unknown at the time. Its narrative based around the traditional western genre, Mad Max tells a story...
-like future. A disaster occurred and everyone on Earth has to wear special masks to survive. Trade runs between villages to make money can still be done but the main method for making money is to loot destroyed enemies of cargo and weapons.
The game takes place in an apocalyptic version of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, with different zones depicting countries like Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, and many more. Five vehicles, from a simple van
Van
A van is a kind of vehicle used for transporting goods or groups of people.In British English usage, it can be either specially designed or based on a saloon or sedan car, the latter type often including derivatives with open backs...
to the gigantic BelAZ
BelAZ
BelAZ is a Belarusian manufacturer of haulage and earthmoving equipment based in Zhodzina. The factory opened its door in 1948 and has produced over 120,000 vehicles for use in the Soviet Union.BELAZ is a site for one of the largest Commonwealth of Independent States investment project...
, are available to drive. The guns vary from roof-mounted machine guns, shotguns, and mortars to laser and energy weapons.
The game was soon followed by Hard Truck Apocalypse: Rise of Clans
Hard Truck Apocalypse
Hard Truck: Apocalypse is a Car combat video game developed by Russian game developer Targem Games. It is a Privateer-like game on vehicles instead of spaceships set in a post-apocalyptic Europe. The player controls an armored heavy truck, and moves from one settlement in quest to avenge his father...
, The official standalone expansion to Hard Truck Apocalypse, also developed by Targem Games
Targem Games
Targem Games is a game video game developer, based in Ekaterinburg, Russia. Established in 2002, the company has created 9 PC games of various genres: from RTS/RPG to TPS and racing. The company received several awards at the Russian Conference of Game Developers , including "Best Debut", "Best...
. It has not been released in western stores yet, but can be purchased and downloaded online at GamersGate
GamersGate
GamersGate AB is a Sweden-based online video game store offering PC games, Mac games and electronic guides via direct download. It is a competitor to online video game services such as Valve's Steam, Direct2Drive and Impulse....
. It takes place in an apocalyptic version of North America. In the game the player is a vagrant
Vagrancy (people)
A vagrant is a person in poverty, who wanders from place to place without a home or regular employment or income.-Definition:A vagrant is "a person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place and lives by begging;" vagrancy is the condition of such persons.-History:In...
, a strong loner who is searching for the mythical city of Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
in "le canada".
The game reuses a lot of material from Hard Truck Apocalypse but most of the vehicles, weapons, and enemies are the same. There are four new zones and a whole new storyline.