Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mercedes-Benz Truck Racing delivers a driving experience that balances arcade thrills with a respectable dose of simulation depth. Thanks to the BreakNeck engine under the hood, each 5-ton behemoth feels heftier than your typical racing machine, demanding careful throttle control and precise steering inputs. Whether you choose a standard keyboard setup or plug in your favorite wheel and pedal combo, the game adapts smoothly, letting newcomers find their footing while offering advanced players the tactile feedback they crave.

Races can be tackled in either first- or third-person perspectives, letting you marinate in the cabin’s low-slung view or appreciate the full bulk of your freightliner from behind. This flexibility proves invaluable when navigating tight chicanes or drafting behind rivals on long straights. An optional unlimited speed mode lets you push past the standard 160 km/h cap, turning each slipstream duel into a high-risk, high-reward spectacle—ideal for those who want to test the structural steel of their truck against the ragged edge of control.

With both single races and a comprehensive full season mode available, players can jump right into quick challenges or commit weeks to a championship campaign. The inclusion of real racing teams and licensed drivers adds authenticity, creating a sense of genuine competition that extends beyond AI tedium. A built-in replay editor enhances longevity: salvage epic overtakes, immortalize spectacular crashes, or craft highlight reels to share with your fellow truck racing aficionados.

Graphics

Visually, Mercedes-Benz Truck Racing punches above its weight class. The BreakNeck engine renders each truck with polished metal flake paint jobs, accurate license plate details, and cab interiors that boast functioning gauges, mirrors, and even reflective surfaces. Weather effects—ranging from bright Mediterranean sunshine to looming overcast skies—impact not only atmosphere but also track grip, making each race feel dynamically alive.

European circuits are faithfully recreated, from the tight hairpins of the Nürburgring’s Grand Prix loop to the wide, sweeping curves of Spain’s MotorLand Aragón. Trackside billboards, grandstands filled with cheering fans, and the Mercedes-Benz branding plastered across barriers contribute to an immersive motorsport ambiance. Textures maintain clarity even at high speeds, while draw-distance pop-in remains minimal thanks to well-optimized level-of-detail settings.

Damage modeling deserves special mention: body panels dent convincingly under contact, bumpers and grills can be sheared off, and paint chips reveal metallic undercoats. Though not as hyper-realistic as dedicated simulators, the system strikes a smart compromise—offering visual feedback that underscores the stakes without hampering performance. Replay cinematics take full advantage of dynamic camera angles, allowing you to review races in cinematic style or analyze your braking zones from multiple perspectives.

Story

While Mercedes-Benz Truck Racing doesn’t revolve around a narrative campaign, it still manages to craft a compelling career progression. You start as an aspiring driver on the fringes of professional truck racing, earning invites to bigger events as you collect podium finishes and championship points. The sense of journey—from driving local qualifiers to rubbing bumpers with licensed drivers at world-class events—provides enough context to keep long-term play engaging.

The cooperation with DaimlerChrysler AG shines through in the authentic team atmospheres, garage setups, and pre-race briefings. You’ll find yourself poring over sponsor decals, choosing liveries, and experiencing the camaraderie of pit crews waving you off the starting grid. The absence of cutscenes or elaborate dialogue sequences is offset by race steward radio messages that inject just enough flavor to remind you why these tractor-trailers are the kings of European tarmac.

For players seeking deeper personalization, the game’s career mode allows you to negotiate team contracts and gather performance bonuses, subtly reinforcing the business side of motorsports. Each decision—whether to prioritize reliability upgrades or chase raw speed enhancements—carries weight, giving a strategic undertone that complements the on-track action. Though not a cinematic storyline, the evolving competitive landscape creates its own narrative momentum.

Overall Experience

Mercedes-Benz Truck Racing stands out as a unique entry in the racing genre, carving a niche by spotlighting the muscular drama of driving five-ton freightliners. The blend of realistic handling, varied camera options, and strong audiovisual presentation combine into an experience that’s accessible to newcomers yet engaging for seasoned sim racers. The game’s versatility—from arcade-style openers to full-blown championship grinds—ensures a broad appeal.

Minor gripes include occasional AI quirks—some opponents will brake abruptly or understeer into your path—and a limited track roster compared to car-based racers. However, the replay editor and ghost truck practice mode go a long way toward extending play value. Fan communities have already begun crafting custom liveries and time trials, fostering a vibrant aftermarket that keeps the competitive spirit alive.

In cooperation with DaimlerChrysler AG, Mercedes-Benz Truck Racing delivers a polished, spirited homage to an often-overlooked motorsport discipline. Its combination of authentic trucks, licensed circuits, and flexible control schemes yields a package that offers both depth and immediate entertainment. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wrangle 1,000 horsepower behind a semi-truck wheel, this is your pit-stop destination.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10