My brother, my dad, and I attended Monster Jam at the Globe arena around 2004 or 2005, and it was an impressive experience. I’ve been a fan of monster trucks since seeing Big Foot crush cars in Road House and Tackleberry drive one in the Police Academy movies. The competitions are also entertaining to watch on TV, but the highlight is when they drive directly over multiple cars. Therefore, when Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 arrived for review, I was eager to play it.
Initially, players begin with a single truck that isn’t particularly stylish or advanced. However, throughout the game, a variety of impressive vehicles (38 in total) can be unlocked. A significant feature of Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 is its licensing of iconic Monster Trucks, such as Grave Digger. Through clear and concise tutorials, players can learn how to effectively control their Monster Truck, with numerous tips and techniques provided to enhance competitive performance.
Between races, players can explore a sizable sandbox environment filled with various challenges and opportunities to earn bonus points. These include performing different jumps and generally causing destruction. Proceeding to the next competition initiates the core gameplay experience (reminiscent of the Forza Horizon games). Each event requires mastering a specific skill with your Monster Truck, ranging from achieving the fastest lap time to executing the longest wheelie. Personally, my favorite events were those that allowed for maximum destruction.
The game offers a fast-paced, accessible, and enjoyable experience; however, it’s important to note that it’s not a simulator. The driving physics are somewhat unrealistic, and while the developers have effectively conveyed the feeling of driving a large vehicle, the overall movement lacks true realism. A disclaimer at the start explicitly states that the game is not representative of real-world physics. Collisions and crashes result in the loss of body panels, but the damage modeling is simplistic. While the graphics are generally appealing, the animations are relatively basic. This is a missed opportunity, as more sophisticated animations, particularly for the destruction of objects under the wheels, would have significantly enhanced the experience.
Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 provides both single-player and online multiplayer options, adding to its appeal. In conclusion, despite some minor shortcomings, the game delivers a fun and engaging experience, making it a worthwhile recommendation.
