“Ice Road Truckers” and “IRT: Deadliest Roads” fans rejoice as one of their favorite women on the planet is added to a videogame, with the legendary Lisa Kelly being a fully playable character in the 14 December 2023 free expansion of “Alaskan Road Truckers” entitled “Ice Roads.” She fully voices her character, and has even narrated a trailer for the new content, providing the fans with a closer-than-ever experience of her daily struggles on the drive.
For those who don’t know, Lisa Kelly was the first female cast member of History Channel’s “Ice Road Truckers,” having joined in its third season in 2009, a title she wore for the next two years until Maya Sieber became part of the crew in 2011, and later on Stephanie Custance in 2016, but the presence of other women didn’t make a dent to an overwhelming section of the audience.
This road whizz from Grand Rapids, Michigan started operating the heavier stuff as a school bus driver in her late teens, while her side gig led her to become a state freestyle motocross champion. Her trucking career began in earnest when she started driving for Carlile Transportation, based in Fairbanks, Alaska, and she became difficult not to notice after a while, employing creative solutions and showcasing vital trucker skills to make her deliveries.
History channel’s observant scouts were wise not to waste the opportunity to see what she was all about, and soon enough she was the talk of the town across the worldwide trucking community. One of the fiercest challenges that she’s renowned for is the notorious Dalton Highway, wrapped in treacherous road conditions and temperatures so low that even the most basic driving effort is morphed into rocket science.
Although in her prime she became something akin to the female mascot of the industry, Kelly has intentionally spent some time off-screen after initially grabbing everyone’s attention, notably in 2012, having skipped on the entirety of the sixth season. She may seem extroverted and confident whenever in the limelight, but in keeping with being on her own for extended periods of time while on the road, Lisa is deep down a private person who appreciates solitude.
That said, it made complete sense to quite a few fans that she wouldn’t return to the spotlight after “Ice Road Truckers” ended with its 11th season in 2017. This is the biggest reason why her public appearance six years later is such a big deal, and why it can be said that the creators of “Alaskan Road Truckers” have struck gold.
The game itself can easily be called a tribute to the series, as its design strives to provide a new level of immersion into the unique lifestyle that used to be televised. With Steam comments such as ‘It’s just like the TV show and I love it,’ undoubtedly the show’s niche audience has found their passion reignited, and an unrealistic wish fulfilled – to become an Alaskan trucker.
The expansion featuring Lisa enhances the game by introducing a brand-new region modeled after some of the most frigid sections of northernmost Americas, characterized by perilous mountain and cliffside routes. This update brings the thrill of navigating some of the most dangerous roads on the planet, where every turn can lead to disaster. Players will need to be at their best to tackle these icy paths and snowstorms, embodying the ultimate trucking challenge.
The update also presents seven new cargo types and logistic locations, along with eight points of interest, enriching the exploration aspect to a new degree. Two new mechanics are introduced: breakable ice that adds a layer of realism and danger to the driving experience, and ferry transport, which becomes available in the summer within the game’s world. The expansion ensures that snow is a constant element in the Ice Roads area, creating a year-long winter setting for players to gradually discover numerous secrets and Easter eggs scattered through the region.
Here’s LISA KELLY from Ice Road Truckers on TV. Not sure how many of you ever heard of her because I haven’t. But she sure is beautiful. Thanks for the request James pic.twitter.com/poDXGf2gjo
— FAMOUS WOMEN (@Kevin10919728) March 30, 2021
“Alaskan Road Truckers” itself is a comprehensive simulation in which players step into the role of a trucker navigating the entire state of Alaska. The game simulates dynamic weather and unpredictable road conditions that challenge players to deliver cargo on time, in which they’re aided by the ability to both purchase and customize trucks. Beyond driving, the game encourages players to engage with truck maintenance and business management by upgrading their headquarters. Essential purchases and fuel can be obtained from stores and gas stations, just as in real life, making this release a niche version of the much more popular “Euro Truck Simulator.” Players aren’t confined to their cabs either, as they can explore scenic landmarks and immerse themselves in the Alaskan atmosphere.
Survival elements are woven into the gameplay, with players managing health against hunger, fatigue, and the cold. Strategic route planning and equipment selection are crucial to overcoming the unexpected challenges that the Alaskan wilderness presents, such as mudslides, avalanches, and fallen trees. The game’s design emphasizes the essence of being a trucker much more than just the act of driving a vehicle, which is the reason behind the massive success of “Ice Road Truckers.”
Finally, the prospect of Lisa returning to the limelight now seems much more realistic, since her participation in the expansion definitely broke the ice. However, seeing as the game itself is in its early stages, released only a month prior to “Ice Roads,” Lisa’s faithful fanbase would likely have to wait for the title to develop to a greater extent before additional updates featuring her are available.