Think Uwe Boll, so awful it can actually be fun.
Extreme Trucker is a major departure from the old series of games which give the player a tired semi, some cash, and then set them loose in the US to haul cargo, upgrade their truck, hire drivers, and eventually set up their own company. Actually, axe everything I previously said; none of that is in Extreme Trucker. Instead of producing a simulation experience, the developers decided it would be better to set it up like an arcade game with a leveling system. The player starts off with a name and some job offers in Alaska. The jobs that are offered give a certain amount of points that go toward the player's driving skill level. The longer the haul, more expensive the cargo, harsher the conditions, and number of trailers attached all increase the point value attached to that job. As the player advances through the levels, better, harder jobs are unlocked. Eventually, new areas are unlocked which includes both South America and Australia. The player then starts again in those areas building their skill and taking more demanding jobs. That's it!
It may seem lame, but it can be enjoyable. Some of the loads are pretty damn extreme. There is a haul in Australia where a semi is hooked to six trailers called a "land train." Getting 6 trailers of gasoline up to 80mph while flying by traffic gets the blood flowing a little bit. In Alaska, the player can get up to driving enormous steel towers from place to place. The last location that is unlocked is very scenic and challenging to drive. The roads are entirely dirt and literally hang off the side of mountains. This isn't bad at first when the truck is a small pickup truck with some bicycles in the back, but when the skill goes up, semis start to pop up and it can get very tight.
Overall, the game can be fun. The graphics are basic but surprisingly well done for the price of the game. The controls are a bear at first using the keyboard. I would recommend a simple analog controller for the steering and acceleration/deceleration (360 controller works great.) If you are looking for something stupid to pass a bit of time with or have ever been interested in big trucks then it is worth a bargain bin buy. I've played it off and on for the last week and have had some fun with it. It isn't an epic, 10 hour gaming session type of game. This is a jump in for a haul or two and be on your way type of game. If you need a mindless game to unwind, here you go. Have fun.