 | | Mini digger and labourer with a plate compactor. The toilets cannot be used in the simulation. |  |  | | Loading a truck with the wheeled loader. |
| Digger Simulator 2011 is a revised and enhanced simulator that takes over from the previously released Digger Simulator.
The game loaded easily but note carefully the recommended specifications to run the package as simulators are resource hungry and the best experience is gained on a powerful machine.
There is a free play mode where the machines can be learned and practised on, and there are plenty of missions where success earns money and the ability to trade up to better machines. As you progress new missions are unlocked. A high score table is added so achievements can be recorded.
As for the machines themselves they include a wheeled loader, dozer, hydraulic excavators, roller, tipper truck and a truck mixer with pump boom. There is also a plate compactor complete with operator. The machines are simply rendered and more realistic and detailed looking machines would have been nicer. The dozer looks particularly basic and none of the interior dials or levers are shown working.
The main functions of the machines can be operated using the keyboard and mouse or a controller. Driving the machines is straightforward and there is some subtlety in the different gears and hydraulic power settings that can be chosen. With practice, the machines can operated effectively. Three camera views are provided, inside and behind the cab, and a floating exterior view.
In terms of graphics this version is an improvement over the previous version although there is some way to go to get the soil movements really realistic. The physics of the simulation are reasonable although it is possible to drive the machines at crazy angles on slopes more so than the real machines would tolerate. Also the simulation and rules are confined so you can never travel far and there is no fun in driving into buildings or other machines as nothing interesting happens.
The sound is a disappointment and does not seem to be sampled from real machines. Certainly the concrete pump must use some new technology as there is no sound of the stroke action of the pump at all and it seems the concrete is converted to running water.
In summary Digger Simulator 2011 is a worthwhile improvement on its predecessor although perhaps more improvements might have been hoped for. It is certainly not as accomplished a package as Demolition Company.
To see a video of the simulator click here.
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|  | | View from the cab of the dozer with the truck mixer / pump in view. |  | | Filling a hole in the ground with concrete. |  | | Using the dozer to level a building plot before construction. |
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