Hard Truck Apocalypse: Rise of Clans, also known as Ex Machina: Meridian 113, is a vehicular action and racing game set in a post-apocalyptic version of North America. Players take control of an armored truck as a vagrant searching for the mythical city of Edmonton while navigating the remnants of civilization. The title functions as a standalone expansion that introduces a fresh single-player campaign alongside a multiplayer component focused on truck combat.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around driving customized trucks across open roads and settlements. Players complete quests, trade goods with locals, and engage in combat against enemies using mounted weapons. Vehicle upgrades play a central role, with options to improve performance, armor, and firepower through collected resources and parts. The expansion adds new types of weapons and hi-tech bosses that require precise driving and targeting to defeat. Exploration covers four additional zones not present in the base game, expanding the map with new locations and encounters. Combat emphasizes third-person vehicular maneuvering, where speed and positioning determine success in fights against raiders and other threats. The post-apocalyptic world features tribes and groups that influence quest availability and interactions.
Game Modes
Single-player content centers on a complete campaign with its own storyline and objectives. Players progress through missions that blend driving, trading, and combat while uncovering mysteries tied to the search for Edmonton. Multiplayer supports battles over the internet or local networks, where participants create or join clans to compete in savage truck fights. These sessions focus on direct vehicle-versus-vehicle action in the same ruined environments used in the campaign. No additional modes such as cooperative campaigns or ranked ladders receive confirmation beyond these two primary options.
Setting and Mechanics
The game takes place in an alternate future where society has collapsed into scattered settlements and warring groups. Mechanics include resource management for truck maintenance and upgrades, alongside quest structures that reward exploration and successful deliveries. Weapon variety extends to around thirty options, ranging from basic guns to more advanced armaments suited for different combat situations. Boss encounters introduce specialized high-tech opponents that demand tactical approaches beyond standard enemy engagements. Faction-like clans appear in both single-player and multiplayer contexts, affecting alliances and available activities without detailed named groups beyond general tribal structures.
Current State and Availability
Released in 2006, the game remains accessible on PC through digital platforms. No ongoing seasons, major patches, or active developer support appear in recent records. The experience retains its original systems without modern additions like cross-play or updated graphics. Players interested in the title often revisit it for its specific blend of driving and combat rather than expecting contemporary features.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception for the base game and expansion has been mixed, with the original title scoring around 45 out of 100 on aggregate sites due to dated presentation and occasional pacing issues. Some players appreciate the nostalgic appeal and the freedom in truck customization and exploration. The expansion improves on the formula with new content and the addition of multiplayer truck battles. It suits those seeking classic vehicular combat and post-apocalyptic driving without expectations of polished modern design. Individuals who enjoy trading loops combined with combat in open environments may find value, while those preferring updated visuals or frequent content updates might look elsewhere. The single-player campaign provides a self-contained story experience, and the multiplayer option adds replayability through clan-based fights for fans of the genre.
