Over the Hill: How Art of Rally's successor turns racing into meditation
While many players sought competitive thrills in Art of Rally, its successor, Over the Hill, offers something entirely different. Developer Funselektor Labs Inc. has stripped the racing formula of its competitive edge, focusing instead on a meditative exploration of the open world. Rather than fighting for the fastest lap, players are invited to wander through stylized, vivid, and often treacherous landscapes.
Over the Hill feels like a massive expansion of the free-roam mode from its predecessor. The core focus is on unhurried off-road exploration across vast, vibrant wilderness areas. The game eschews a rigid structure or explicit goals, catering specifically to sandbox explorers and those seeking tranquility rather than high-speed racing adrenaline.
The driving mechanics are intentionally far from 'spritely.' Starting with a heavy 4x4 vehicle, you'll find the handling sluggish and cumbersome. You must navigate through thick mud, crawl over rocks, and constantly switch between low and high gears to maintain traction. Whether you are traversing the undulating woodlands of the Canadian Valhallas or the boulder-strewn Algerian desert, the pace remains slow and deliberate. Caution is essential, as a wrong turn in a dense forest can lead to a frustratingly complex maneuvering process to get back on track.
The world is populated with various points of interest that encourage exploration, such as:
- Abandoned crates containing cosmetic items (like kayak roof racks or themed antennas);
- Curated trail routes through precarious cliffs and rocky perimeters;
- Abandoned trucks that need to be towed back to base;
- Scenic vistas perfect for photography.
Progression in Over the Hill is minimalist but meaningful. As you explore, you earn points used to upgrade your vehicle, which in turn grants access to previously unreachable areas blocked by difficult terrain. With dynamic weather—ranging from heavy rain to sandstorms—and various wildlife like foxes, moose, and bears, the game emphasizes the journey over the destination. It is a title designed for those who want to slow down, breathe, and take in the scenery.
Over the Hill is available now on PC (via Steam) and Xbox Series X/S.
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