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If you’ve ever dreamed of completing a game 100%, you know that not every game awakens that desire. PC Gamer Senior Editor Christopher Livingston recently wrote that it’s been a long time since a game made him feel that way. That game isOver the Hill, an offroad driving simulation that launched on Steam this week. He’s only played the game a little bit, yet he’s completely immersed in it.
(Image credit: Funselektor Labs Inc.)
What is Over the Hill?
Over the Hill is an open-world offroading adventureFunselektor Labs Inc.Created by. It can be played both alone and in co-op mode with friends. The game has you driving through rugged terrain, climbing hills, and exploring an open world. The game was already generating significant buzz on Steam before its launch, with reports suggesting it had over one million Steam wishlists.
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What did you see in your initial experience?
Livingston highlighted several things about the game in his short session:
- Beautiful open world
- Changing seasons and day-night cycle
- Great looking vehicles
- Challenging driving physics
- Hidden secrets worth discovering
- Cosmetic items to collect
- Unlockable upgrades for vehicles
- wild animals to photograph
Wildlife photography won hearts
According to Livingston, his decision to complete the game 100% was driven by his interest in wildlife photography. He was slowly driving his small Jeep down a rough trail, stopping occasionally to pull the vehicle downhill with a winch. Then he heard the familiar call of a crow. He zoomed in, located the bird flying above the trees, and took a photo in camera mode.
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Moments later, something slithered through the tall grass. After about a minute of tracking with the camera, the animal emerged into the open, and it was a coyote. Once he captured the image, Livingston resolved to track down and photograph every animal in the game. This lighthearted but satisfying experience turned him into a game fanatic.
Find the meteorite, set the winch, and pull it out.
One of the most interesting aspects of the game is the meteorite search. A special device on your vehicle allows you to locate meteorites hidden around the world. Then, you need to find an off-road route to reach them. Once there, you need to attach a winch and pull the meteorite out. Livingston has already found one meteorite and intends to find the rest.
Their goal of 100% completion isn’t just animals and meteorites. They want to discover every point of interest, unlock every vehicle and cosmetic, and obtain every upgrade. When there’s so much to discover in a game, players always have a reason to keep going.
It will also run on Steam Deck and is available at a discount.
There’s two more pieces of good news for gamers. First, Over the HillSteam Deck Verified, which means you can play it comfortably on a handheld. Secondly, the game is currently available on Steam.20% discountis available with, and this offer28 OctoberLivingston himself wrote that he was going to spend the weekend driving on the couch as soon as he finished the article.
Why does this game feel special?
Many games these days have long checklists, but completing them feels like a chore. The beauty of Over the Hill is that its elements automatically spark curiosity. A bird call, a rustle in the grass, or a meteorite buried in the ground—everything tempts you to explore a little further. On top of that, the complex driving physics turn every climb into a mini-challenge, requiring the proper use of tools like the winch.
Keep in mind that this is the author’s preliminary opinion, not a full review. He himself stated that he only played a little of the game. Still, if a game can inspire even a seasoned gaming journalist to complete it 100% in such a short time, it’s a good indication of its strength.
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Conclusion
If you enjoy off-road driving, open-world exploration, wildlife photography, and hidden treasure hunting, Over the Hill should be on your list. Whether playing alone or with friends, now’s a great time to check it out thanks to the 20% discount on Steam.
