We played Driving Life.

In the tradition of games like My Summer Car and Landlord’s Super, the game from Chrysopy Games draws players into a demanding, everyday routine, testing their patience and observational skills. It evokes the slow pace of old-fashioned, provincial America and depicts what life was like in an era without smartphones and GPS. For today’s generation, that already sounds like “hardcore,” and that’s exactly what Driving Life insists on.

It should be said right away — Driving Life is not a simulator for everyone. The driving model requires a lot of patience. Just mastering the handbrake will take you a good hour before you finally feel secure behind the wheel. But that’s just a sort of “entry point” — to fully grasp the concept of the game, you first have to overcome the obstacle of an unpredictable car.

The town and the roads you will travel are made with a clear sense of space. Farms, post offices, small houses, and shops create a compact but convincing world. The distances are not great, but you will still spend quite a bit of time on the road. The graphics in Driving Life are modest, yet sufficient to create the right rural atmosphere.

Driving Life – Hardcore everyday life behind the wheel

Driving Life is a simulator that doesn’t make anything easier for the player. In the nineties, there was no GPS navigation. Therefore, you will sometimes have to carefully study the signs, consult a map, or even memorize certain streets. It’s not easy, but there are ways to make driving a bit easier. For example, you can buy a compass and a watch at the local store, which will help you navigate and keep track of time.

The player’s everyday life is based on a simple economic system. To survive in Driving Life, you must work: grow food, deliver mail, and transport passengers. If everything goes well, over time you will be able to afford your own vehicle.

Additionally, the character must eat and drink regularly. All vehicles need to be fueled, and that costs money — even if you’re driving a rented car. Your character also rents a place to live, and the rent must be paid on time. This explains the “hardcore” nature of the job: either you do it well, or you’ll end up on the street, hungry.

Progress is slow, just like the game itself. At first, everything seems monotonous and repetitive, but later new permits unlock and different types of jobs appear. Sometimes you will have to wait for a new task. To pass the time, you can watch television and eat something.

The player will control older cars, vans, and even heavy trucks needed for transporting equipment or materials. The vehicle physics is mostly logical and understandable. The only major issue is the previously mentioned difficulty of handling. Additionally, the roads are often unpaved, so each type of vehicle requires a different approach.

However, the game also has quite a few weak points — from unstable optimization to occasional crashes. Textures can "stutter," and the technical aspect generally needs a lot more polishing.

Conclusion

Driving Life is a simulator designed to relax the player and introduce them to the rhythm of slow, measured movement away from the hectic real world. Despite being officially released, the game still does not feel completely finished. The project needs better optimization, refined controls, and more content.

Nonetheless, Driving Life has an excellent foundation. Players will encounter challenging yet interesting daily routine drives, explore the map, memorize routes, and seek new ways to earn money. It is recommended for anyone who enjoys automotive life simulators and is not afraid of a serious, patient game.

Pros