Trucker: Parking Simulator Review

I love great simulation apps that offer fun, rich, and realistic experiences. Trucker: Parking Simulator succeeds in offering a realistic truck driving game, but unfortunately falls a bit short in other areas.

The game includes two modes: normal and kids. The normal mode is the most realistic experience, while kids mode offers an easier driving experience using a shorter truck and lacks a time limit to complete each challenge. Additionally, the kids mode must be unlocked through an in-app purchase. After selecting normal mode, users may select one of only two trucks: an oil or monster truck. Once again, the monster truck must be unlocked using an in-app purchase.

There are 72 challenging levels in the career mode. One star may be achieved in each of three categories in each level. Players must meet a time requirement, park precisely in the green box, and avoid hitting any obstacles. One star is all that is needed to unlock the next level. Each challenge basically consists of driving the truck around a track of obstacles and parking it in a green outlined box. Any contact made with any obstacle will result in an empty star achievement. The truck must also be parked precisely within the green box to achieve another star. Lastly, the truck must be parked within the time limit.

The truck really does feel big and heavy. The acceleration is slow and the stopping distance is long. Also, turns must be made very wide in order to stay clear of any obstacles. To help, there are several different camera views and mirrors available. There are also proximity sensors that let the driver know when the truck is too close to an obstacle.

The concept of the game sounds simple; park the truck as fast as you can. However, doing so precisely and cleanly becomes a real challenge. My biggest problem with the game, though, is a lack of content. The levels are very similar and there are only two trucks to choose from. I'd also love to be able to customize my truck with different paint and lights. Hopefully, some additional trucks and features will be added in future updates. However, the game still gives players that feeling of, "I have to keep trying until I get it right!" That makes this game very addicting. Players will feel like they can't put it down until they have achieved all three stars in each level. Lastly, the ads are absolutely annoying, and more so than in most ad-supported games. I accidentally tapped on an ad several times, resulting in the game quitting and opening a site in Safari.

As a free game, Trucker: Parking Simulator is worth a try. If you love trucks or driving simulations then you'll enjoy this game. I just hope more content gets pumped out soon.