Spintires

Spintires is a PC-only off-roading simulation video game developed and published by UK studio Oovee Games in 2014, after a successful crowdfunding campaign that enabled the team to create a game that perfectly fit the needs of their large worldwide community. While many vehicle simulation games are focused on realistically emulating fast driving or providing a window into the lifestyle of delivery truck drivers, this particular game is fully focused on off-road experience, with very detailed systems that govern the experience of driving a vehicle through muddy, uneven and very dangerous natural environments. Shortly after its release on PC, the game managed to sell over 1 million copies, thus paving the way for several spinoff games.

The core gameplay loop of Spintires revolves around collecting jobs and then finding the safest and fastest route to achieve objectives at the end of the job. To better present the unforgiving terrain and sturdy vehicles needed to conquer it, the game is set in a distinctly Russian environment, with a wide array of unpaved roads and a lack of modern technology that can help you find your way in the muddy off-road locations. Since the player only gets access to a strong Soviet vehicle that is large, heavy, and very difficult to maneuver, a map, and a compass, one of the large elements of the game is navigation through a very detailed world without the use of automated waypoints or other accessibility features for easier play. This transforms the game into a true simulation of off-roading, where the driver has to completely focus their attention on the road ahead of them, plan for reaching distant locations, and manage the health and fuel level of their car.

One of the core features of the game is its physics rendering engine that can showcase a very detailed effect of deformable terrain, visually stunning day/night transitions, dense foliage, and vehicle damage models. To this day, Spintires features one of the most realistic representations of mud that can be found in any game. And to put even greater emphasis on this excellent technical feature, the numerous in-game missions will regularly send players to almost impossibly difficult-to-reach locations, with tasks to drive with heavy cargo that will put a strain on even the most experienced drivers.
 
In a sea of racing-themed simulation games, Spintires represents not only a unique idea but also a very well-made final product that can provide dozens of hours of entertainment to PC gamers. Just be aware that this game is unforgiving, and rewards only the most careful, resourceful, and patient players. Even though it was released in the middle of the 2010s, the relatively low system requirements enable a vast majority of modern PC gamers to experience this title in its full glory.

System Requirements - Can I Run Spintires

• Processor: Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.5GHz or AMD equivalent
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 470 or equivalent
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 1 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX® 9.0c Compatible