Construction Destruction

The video game loaded easily, my kids and I fully enjoy the game and had no problems loading and playing the game on Windows 7 eventhough that is not listed as a valid operating system. Thanks

I've run some of these machines in real life, and I must say this game gets really close in some ways, but it also misses hilariously in other ways.For a start, you must be able to come up with your own ideas, as there are only ten game missions (with three levels of difficulty). There are a few issues with the machines I have as well. For one, it's not seven machines, it's five; two of the machines have attachments. I find the missions that are included to be rather simple and quick. If you like the action to move along, you should like this one.Do not look for jobs like removing and installing septic tanks, or leveling a piece of hilly terrain, for you will not find such a creature in this game, unless you pick a spot to do it in the free play (more on that in a moment).The machines are excellent visually, and the terrain is also excellent. When you break ground, you do away with grass and bring up brown dirt. When you dump dirt on the ground, it mounds up nicely. And if you accidentally get too close a hole you just dug, you will fall in and may not be able to get yourself out.The machines controls are a little clumsy at first, and I highly recommend remapping the buttons to suit your preferences, especially if you use a laptop. I use the left side of the keyboard for boom controls, and the right side for chassis control.This game has a few glaring problems. For one, there isn't enough to actually do if you like to have missions to complete. Yes, there is a great free play side, but if you desire the chance to dig out water mains or install culverts, this game will disappoint you. Doing the free play is fun, but after a while it becomes rather boring as you cannot save your progress. So if you want to make a bridge over the creek, you had better have some kind of plan that permits you to sit down and do it in one shot.Another issue is that the machines don't 'handle' like their real world counterparts. The dozer is too fast, the crane too slow, the excavator too weak, the front loader too underpowered with the forks on, etc. The excavator lacks power to actually pull itself into the hole, though I've seen it done with my own eyes in real life, and the machine wasn't using a quarter of the power it had. If you do somehow fall in the hole; game over, as the machine doesn't pack the grunt to help you get out unless you're lucky enough to land in the hole with the tracks down (that's called 'driving into the hole' actually).It almost seems like the game designers got it to this point and hit the end of the budget and couldn't do more with it. As you first get the game, it's like "this game is so cool! I wanna ____ and _____ and then I'm gonna _____." and then you discover that it's not really possible. For instance, in free play, you cannot have the dump truck and the front loader in use at the same time, so the idea of moving dirt long distances becomes a long job for the front loader. Thankfully, the loader holds the same amount of dirt as the truck. In my mind, it almost feels like the truck is there because saying it's got four machines, and two of those have attachments wouldn't have sounded as good as "7 machines". Throw in a truck, say the attachments justify calling it a new machine, and then you're in business.The game gets two stars primarily because of the willingness to try. There aren't a lot of earth moving games out there (I can think of two other mainstream games, both European) in the genre, unfortunately, this game stops far too short to create a new genre. The concept is great, but carrying it out in the program falls short. More actual jobs to do, like installing septic tanks, leveling terrain for laying slab, etc, that kind of stuff would have made this game amazing. As is, it's a lot like being tossed the keys to a machine, pointed towards one of ten areas, and told to have fun with it. After the new wears off, it's boring. Unfortunately, once you figure out how to work the machines (less than two hours MAX), then you're going to discover the fun factor wearing off rapidly. If there were more to it, even something like "you haven't earned enough money to buy the crane yet, you need $500." would have made this one better than current. As is, you don't have to accomplish anything to reach the pinnacle of playerdom. You can dink around in free play, and it's all unlocked for you without any skill required.Now, this game would be excellent for a kid, but they may have trouble keeping track of which control is worked by which button. As someone who was looking for more in the simulator line, I was disappointed.Keep in mind that as far as user created addons go, this game is an orphan. If there are addons, I've found none, and I think a lot has to do with the name. construction destruction seems more like the name of a company rather than a game. Even then, I've found zero fansites dedicated to the game, which means that I've found zero user missions or user addons to spice it up. What's in the game is all you're going to get unless you have the technical knowhow to design your own addons. If that's the case, go a step farther and make your own game! Valusoft games normally are totally driven by user mods, but this one either wasn't good enough to generate interest, or it's too complex to do.It's a fun game, but after the new wears off, it's nothing special. The end result just falls to short to kickstart the heavy equipment game market.

My six year old son loves this game. It does need to be run on an older PC though. I tried it on my laptop running Windows 7 and loaded it in Compatibility Mode for Windows XP and set the screen for 256 colors but I cannot see the control menus. I can run the game itself okay but the controls for the radio, exit buttons, etc. are fuzzy. If you just click around to figure out what they do, some buttons work and some don't. I put it on my older Pent II machine running Windows XP with a graphics accelerator card and it works just fine. I can see everything well. Maybe this is the problem another reviewer had when he said he couldn't see an exit button. The only complaint my son has is there's no backhoe. The equipment you use are dump truck, excavator, bulldozer, front end wheel loader, and a wrecking ball crane. Some have attachments too like a hook for the crane. The wheel loader has a forklift attachment. The excavator gets an auger and a jackhammer. You can switch stations on the radio (very cool) and get 360 views outside plus inside cab views. You can do the missions or just drive around crashing into things. Some of the buildings cannot be demolished. I like the fact that the foreman is friendly and encouraging in the training mode. A good game for kids. So, set up your old PC with this game and you'll be left to use your new computer in peace!

My son loves this game. Looked everywhere for it. Thanks so much.

Played this game when I was about 4 or 5 and loved it, I still do, have the disc and play it every once in a while. Nice trip down memory lane.

Game would not load - screen repeatedly came up to trial version completed - if you want to buy for 19.99 order here. No phone number to call. Website deadend. Very frustrating!!!! Don't waste your money.

This game has very good physics for all those people that like to tear things down and build them up again. I personally liked this game because it kept my attention for a very long time. I recommend this game.

My 8-year-old son thinks this game is awesome! There are all types of big machines and he is the operator. There are several different views and he can dig, blade, dump, and wreck. This is a great game for any kid that is interested in big construction machines.