TechRadar Calls over the Hill a Fun but Sparse Cozy Off-Roading Game

TechRadar reviewed the game on PC. It describes over the hill as moving away from racing against the clock or other drivers; instead, it is about exploring an open world alone or with a few friends at a player's own pace. The game draws inspiration from the recent wave of cozy games and has no concrete aims or objectives as such. Players drive around various maps to discover points of interest and earn Pebbles, the game's currency, which is used to upgrade their vehicle so they can better navigate the environment.

At the start, two main regions are available: Canada and Algeria. Canada has three sub-areas and Algeria has two, with terrain and climates that include rain, snow, and sandstorms. These weather conditions naturally affect driving and navigation abilities, adding an extra element of challenge, according to the review.

The game keeps the cardboard-cutout aesthetic of Funselecktor Labs' past titles. Textures are flat and basic, but TechRadar says they are elevated by pastel colors and lush lighting effects, with environments drenched in pinks, oranges, and greens. The music is also praised: an in-game radio offers four albums, each representing a flavor of ambient music, from synth-heavy pieces to folksy guitar numbers. The review says the score's production value is impressive for music that subtly sets the mood.

The review notes that over the hill is low on story and characters but high in zen vibes. Aside from a Buddha statue that acts as the tutorial guide, the only other character is Crazy Günther, a hippie mechanic visited to customize the vehicle. His text dialogue, with no voice-over, adds a small amount of flavor to an otherwise purely functional non-player character, and it chimes with the game's gentle tone.

After a brief tutorial, players are left to explore. Campsites are the chief points to discover, acting as the game's main fast travel hubs; they can also be used to fast-forward time, which is useful for waiting for a different time of day or skipping certain weather events. Other points of interest include crates that unlock cosmetic features for the vehicle, scenic points for taking photographs, Trial Challenges that take players along treacherous routes to test off-roading skills, and wildlife to snap. These discoveries and activities earn Pebbles. TechRadar says the Trial Challenges provide a more pronounced sense of purpose and achievement than anything else in the game.

Driving is deliberately slow. The review says second gear is the highest, and vehicles have low and high range gears, with low range used for better control and traction on slippery surfaces and steep slopes. Such surfaces are indicated through the game's visual style without being overtly highlighted. Anyone who has played MudRunner or SnowRunner will be in familiar territory. As long as the player is in the right gear range, throttle sensitivity is not too much of a concern; the vehicle will either make it up a slope or it will not. Steering is fairly laborious, with wheels slow to turn and recenter on most vehicles, adding to the challenge of navigating obstacles.

In its verdict, TechRadar says over the hill offers a fun, easy-going off-roading experience. It lists simple yet effective art, fun off-road scrambling and terrain conquest, and fun upgrades and customizations as reasons to buy. It lists not having a whole lot to do, driving mechanics that lack depth, and never going fast as reasons to avoid. Future updates and DLC may eventually breathe more life into the game, but until then the review calls it a very casual experience that will only keep players occupied for brief stints.