Images via astragon Entertainment

Images via astragon Entertainment

Calling all gamers! Especially truckers or would-be truckers who are into virtual games. I’m neither, but a lot of folks, especially younger people, are crazy about computer-based games, and never mind that their brains are virtually sucked right out of their heads while they’re immersed in them. I’ve seen it happen to a couple of my grandkids.

Anyway, there’s a new game on the way that puts players in the executive seat of a virtual trucking company. It requires him/her to start by choosing virtually appropriate equipment for a virtual haul. The game is called TransRoad: USA, Trucks and Trailers, from Astragon Entertainment and Deck 13 Hamburg, in Germany. Their publicity release describes the game:

“What would a nationally operating logistics company be without the appropriate vehicles? In TransRoad: USA, players will be able to look around 14 truck and trailer shops spread out across the whole country to provide their drivers with the most suitable vehicles for their many challenging tasks.

“No matter if the truck comes brand new or used, the hauler should always keep a sharp eye on the different properties of each tractor unit as not every truck will match with each of the game’s seven trailer types. As a rule of thumb, the heavier a trailer and its cargo, the more axles a truck should have, so that the driver will be able to fulfill his deliveries on time and avoid climbing slopes at a snail’s pace.

“The first thing a CEO therefore has to decide on is whether he wants to buy a two-, three- or four-axle truck. A display showing each vehicle’s trailer compatibility helps with making the right choice. New and used trucks do not only differ in their year of construction but also the mileage already covered.

“Different fixed costs, the anticipated maintenance window, fuel efficiency and horsepower of the new truck should also be taken in account when it comes to the purchase decision. All of these properties of course influence the price, which can be different at each dealership - so it may be worthwhile to shop around before making a final choice….

“Buying price and fixed costs also play an important role when it comes to purchasing trailers. Here, the player can choose from seven different trailer types: If he is just starting out in the logistics industry, it will pay off to first invest in dry vans to transport regular cargo such as plastic, mail, furniture, electronics or cotton, as well as in reefers that are useful for anything that needs a controlled temperature like medicine, fruit and vegetables or meat....

“A little bit more power is needed in order to move dump trailers, which are transporting bulk materials such as coal, ore, scrap metal, corn or animal feed, as well as flatbed trailers for carrying metal, machines or logs…. livestock trailers for cattle, car trailers for both brand-new and scrap cars, as well as tanker trailers containing liquid and sometimes dangerous goods like chemicals, crude oil and fuel, as well as completely harmless produce such as milk or juice.

“The purchase of trucks and trailers is, however, just one of many important management decisions the player will have to make in TransRoad: USA if he wants to lead his logistics company to success. Which other aspects the CEO will have to keep in mind will be revealed by Deck13 Hamburg and Astragon Entertainment bit by bit in the upcoming weeks.”

The game for PCs and Macs will be released this fall, the release says. I have to admit that it sounds intriguing, but after my rant in the lead paragraph, I guess I am honor-bound to ignore it. If you play the game, please let me know how it virtually goes.

The company’s website is www.astragon-entertainment.de. Hit the Translate button in the upper-right corner and it’ll go from German to English. Ja? 

About the author
Tom Berg

Tom Berg

Former Senior Contributing Editor

Journalist since 1965, truck writer and editor since 1978.

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