This July 15, 2020, the smartphone edition of MudRunner is released. Mud and off-raod vehicles are waiting for you. But who says mobile version, often says simplified version. What exactly is it?
400 MB on the scale. It is little to dare to hope to find all the content of MudRunner on PC, or at least that of the Switch version, its direct competitor. However, the game sheet mentions 15 open worlds and 16 vehicles. At the first launch, we can also check: no one is missing. The content is there. First relief, but also first surprise, the presence of the mention "made with Unity". The developers are therefore changing their minds and we wonder if physics is still managed by Havok. We don't have the information.
Simplified physics
Indeed, what made the strength and reputation of the franchise, its ubiquitous physique, is now absent. Only a few timid traces of wheels are visible on some floors. But immediately forget the sprays of land, water and the incredible physique of the vehicles. The game is undeniably losing its charm. However, we remember the Switch version which, apart from a less flattering set of lighting, offered an experience similar to that of the PC. For the Android and iOS version, physics AND graphics are impacted.
Back in the bland
Tested on a Samsung Galaxy A71, supported by its 6 GB of RAM and its octo-core CPU, the game was smooth despite the recording of the screen in the background. In the options, there are no graphics settings, and we can only deplore the overall aesthetics of the game: bland, without shadow, and without relief, despite the contrasting screen of the Galaxy A71. It must be said that we have come a long way: for a few weeks, enthusiasts have been having fun on SnowRunner whose universe is richer and more colorful than its predecessor.
Ergonomics and playability catch up with the shot
Physics and graphics cut, what does gameplay say? This was undoubtedly the main question at the announcement of this smartphone version. How were the developers going to handle all-touch? The least we can say is that they come out with more than honors. Vehicle checks are similar to what is done in current auto simulations. We accelerate, we brake, and we steer. The only difference is that MudRunner's heavyweights are slow and therefore it is much easier to manage the steering on touchdown without hitting a wall. To avoid being pressed on the screen, the devs even had the good idea to install a cruise control.
For the winch, it's childish, and you hang on a tree in 2 pressures: one on the vehicle at the location of the attachment, and the other on the tree. Paf! The winch is fixed, and a 3rd press on the button rewinds everything. Childish we tell you! Overall the interface is well thought out and the management with the fingers will not pose any problems to anyone. Only the creation of waypoints on the map is complicated and I appreciated, during the test, being able to play on a tablet on the larger screen because the placement lacks precision (Long live the big lumberjack fingers).
Finally, offered below 6 euros, MudRunner Mobile is a real complete episode of the series that you can take anywhere on vacation. The experience is also complete, with a simplified mode and a simulation mode for the craziest among you who have 8 hours of road to kill in front of them. All the maps and vehicles are there, and the first DLC "The Valley" is even already offered in addition to 3,59 €. Personally, on the move, I much prefer the Nintendo Switch version which has a physics worthy of the name and the American Wilds extension.
You can get MudRunner Mobile version on Android or Apple system through the links below:
- Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1465720386
- Android Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.focushome.MudRunnerAndroid