The developers have sought to add in as many different gameplay elements as possible to maximise longevity. The bars occasionally offer you special missions. These are usually some kind of bizarre challenge - examples being to destroy as many cars as possible in a set time, and destroying all the newspaper stands in a particular area to prevent a bad story from leaking out. Other truckers will challenge you to a race from time to time - if you beat them to your chosen destination you stand to collect a hefty wager, but fail and you'll need to cough up. Each run also ends in a parking challenge, involving parking your rig in a the required spot without coming in too fast and without hitting any cones - success brings additional money.

One favourable aspect of BMT visible throughout is a notable sense of humour. The game revolves around a southern 'redneck' theme, and game's soundtrack is the biggest reflection of this. Picking different drivers means listening to different radio stations - all equally stereotypical, but funny nonetheless. The black driver has a hip-hop station, but perhaps the most humorous is the all-out redneck station. It has some hilarious country-style songs, as well as a very funny talk show with a one caller hurling about a hundred invectives in a minute and a half. It doesn't quite have 3's sound quality, and it lacks well known songs, but it's nice to see a developer taking a serious approach to providing entertaining sound.

Of course, a game like BMT will not appeal to all. Despite the developers efforts to add in as many different gameplay components as possible, there are still some cracks. Principally, the main driving section of the game could be judged repetitive. Nothing is really wrong with it, but to be frank, trucks just don't move fast enough, or handle well enough, to provide real long-term enjoyment. And despite the commendable variety on offer, it's all fairly shallow. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Crazy Taxi is undoubtedly shallow, yet remains a firm favourite in the eyes of many. The problem with BMT perhaps lies in the fact that it's a bit middle-of-the-road...it offers more depth than Crazy Taxi, but not as much as other racers, and it also lacks the game's instant pick up and play appeal. Essentially, you'll want to think about what kind of racers appeal to you before picking this up - if you like the sound of a slower-paced Crazy Taxi-style game, with the addition of an like upgradability and limited trading, then you will like this. It's a commendable effort from Eutechnyx, and contains much quality.

77%

By Nick McCrea