Hard Truck Apocalypse / Ex Machina similar games & best alternatives

Why it matches

• Both are violent Vehicular combat with weapons, explosions, and destruction is core gameplay.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong focus on upgrading vehicles, acquiring weapons, and progressing through missions.
• Both keep relationships at arm's length Limited social or emotional connections; interactions are mostly surface-level or absent.
• Same kind of look Screenshots of both games share a very close visual identity (palette, framing, level of detail).

Why it matches

• Both are violent Core gameplay revolves around vehicular combat, destruction, and shooting.
• Both are driven by steady progression Clear progression through vehicle upgrades, weapon unlocks, and boss defeats.
• Both leave room to create Extensive vehicle customization, skin editor, and weapon loadout options encourage creative expression.

Why it matches

• Both pull you into another world Strong nostalgic and immersive sci-fi setting provides escapism and stress relief.
• Both are about exploring Large open galaxy with many star systems, derelict ships, and stations to discover.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong progression through ship upgrades, better equipment, and story advancement.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Enjoyment of combat, destruction of buildings, vehicles, and enemies.
• Both leave room to create High creativity in destruction methods, weapon use, and tactical approaches to missions.
• Both keep relationships at arm's length No evidence of close relationships or emotional sharing; mostly individual gameplay.

Why it matches

• Both are about exploring Large open world with hidden treasures, puzzles, and dungeons strongly encourages discovery and curiosity-driven activities.
• Both are driven by steady progression Players collect items, craft, upgrade weapons, and level up to progress through the game.
• Both are carried by their story Engaging narrative about saving a loved one with voice acting and character interactions.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Core gameplay involves destruction, running over pedestrians, and vehicular combat.
• Both are driven by steady progression Players accumulate money, buy and upgrade vehicles, unlocking new content progressively.
• Both leave room to create Players can customize cars with paint and upgrades; game features a wide variety of unique vehicles and creative maps.

Why it matches

• Both are about exploring Large open world with diverse environments, hidden caves, and side quests encourages discovery and curiosity-driven activities.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on collecting materials, upgrading vehicles, unlocking new vehicles and abilities, and expanding the town.
• Both leave room to create Strong vehicle customization and decoration systems allow players to create personalized combat setups and aesthetics.

Why it matches

• Both are about exploring Core gameplay involves discovering new planets, ruins, and resources across many star systems.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Many players report long play sessions and addiction potential, with hundreds of hours possible.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on acquiring items, upgrading ships and gear, and completing quests.

Why it matches

• Both leave room to create Core motivation is building and customizing vehicles and bases with nearly unlimited combinations.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong progression through unlocking blocks, licenses, and building more powerful techs.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Players report spending hundreds of hours, returning repeatedly due to creativity and ongoing updates.