Developer – Saber Interactive

Publisher – Focus Entertainment

Platforms – PS4/5, Xbox One , Xbox Series S|X, Nintendos Switch, PC ( Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is the latest addition to the MudRunner franchise, a series known for its challenging off-road experience and realistic physics-based gameplay. Developed by Saber Interactive (creators of the critically acclaimed SnowRunner), Expeditions takes players on a journey through the wilderness, From Arizona to the Carpathians, where players will navigate through an expansive open world, and treacherous terrain. It’s your job to lead research missions, while driving a variety of all-terrain vehicles, using high-tech tools, and managing a camp and crew to ensure your team’s success in the wild. Players will embark on ever-rewarding scientific expeditions, adapting to nature’s challenges, and unraveling the mysteries of uncharted lands, no matter what the world might bring them, be it navigating through dense forests, crossing raging rivers, or climbing treacherous mountain paths, players will need to use their skills and resources wisely to reach their destination, in search of hidden treasures and forgotten ruins.

Building upon the legacy of Saber Interactive’s off-road simulations, Expeditions offers advanced physics-based gameplay systems that simulate the realistic feeling of driving through the wilderness. The game’s physics engine simulates realistic mud, water and rock climbing physics, making it feel like a true off-road experience. The game also focuses on real-life applications and challenges, Players will need to manage their resources and scavenge for fuel, as well as repair their vehicles if need be.

To help find resources in the game, you have access to a drone and metal detector, by finding items and completing tasks, you can Invest the profits from each expedition to expand your home bases by building support structures to gain useful supplies and summon new vehicles.

As mentioned, one of the unique aspects of Expeditions is its realistic driving controls. Unlike other driving games, where the focus is on speed and agility, Expeditions challenges players to navigate difficult terrain with a variety of vehicles, each with its own set of quirks and limitations. The game’s physics engine simulates real-life off-roading, so players will need to contend with issues like muddy terrain, steep inclines, and treacherous water crossings. At first, the driving controls can feel a little clunky or weird, especially for those used to more arcade-style driving games. However, as players become more familiar with the game’s physics and mechanics, they’ll discover a rich and immersive driving experience that rewards careful planning and execution.

To help players overcome the challenges of off-roading, Expeditions equips its vehicles with a range of advanced tools and technologies. For example, the winch is an essential tool for extracting a vehicle from muddy situations or rappelling down steep cliffs. The jackscrew is another useful tool that allows players to turn their vehicle back onto its wheels after an accidental flip , and the echo sounder is a valuable tool for avoiding dangerous water crossings by probing the depth of the water around the vehicle.

Players must choose their tools strategically, as the equipment they have at their disposal can make or break an expedition. As players progress through the game, they’ll unlock new tools and technologies, allowing them to tackle increasingly difficult challenges and environments.

One of the tools I want to point out specifically though is the Drone which allows players to scout out the environment and locate hidden objects or resources. Although the game has a physics engine for driving, which does take some getting used to, the controls for the drone where the most annoying, as it can be difficult to maneuver. The drone’s camera can also be a bit wonky, making it hard to get a good view of the environment. Despite these issues, the drone can be a valuable tool for players who want to explore the game’s vast open world and uncover its secrets. With a little practice, players can master the drone’s controls and use it to their advantage in their expeditions.

Expeditions offers a unique and challenging off-road experience that rewards careful planning and execution. With realistic physics, and advanced tools and technologies, players can explore the game’s vast open world and uncover its secrets. While the driving controls can take some getting used to, and the drone tool can be a bit annoying, the game offers a rich and immersive experience that’s sure to appeal to fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. Overall, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is a must-play for anyone looking for a realistic and exciting off-road adventure.