Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 (2015)

Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 (CMS15) is an improved, expanded version of its predecessor, Car Mechanic Simulator 2014 (CMS14). The core gameplay remains the same, involving a puzzle-like approach to repairing cars. You receive jobs from customers, which describe one or more issues with their vehicles. Your job is to investigate the vehicle's condition, determine which parts need replacement, and then figure out an optimal route to get the job done.

Much like its predecessor, there's a Zen-like feel to playing CMS15. There are no time limits on jobs, so it's relaxing to just dive into a job, tinkering away until you complete the task. The game allows you juggle multiple jobs at the same time; so there's always something different available in case you feel bored. The career mode is endless, and jobs are randomly generated for the most part. The game does a good job of easing you into the more complex tasks.

Compared to CMS14, there are more DLC packs for this game. Some of them add parts, others add vehicles, and a few add new gameplay mechanics at a limited scale. I don't think the DLC packs are essential, but they do provide a good way to squeeze some more enjoyment/runtime out of the game. Personally, I think it would be best to enable the DLC after you have built up some proficiency with the game's mechanics, when you want more options to play with.

I don't have any major complaints with CMS15, but there are a few noticeable issues. There are plenty of loading screens in the game, and each one takes a fair amount of time. Some of the DLC mechanics feel half-baked, and not well integrated to the main game. The game can also feel somewhat grindy at times, due to the repetitive nature of the repairs.

Now at about 25 hours of playtime, I think I have seen all of what CMS15 has to offer. I did miss a few DLC packs, but I don't they'll introduce anything radically different at this point. 4/5 for a really enjoyable game.

I bought this game awhile back as part of a humble bundle and installed it to see what it was about. I finally got around to playing it recently. The initial part of the game is kind of a grind, unbolting and bolting on the same parts over and over, but I imagine the devs were trying to train you for later modes where the parts you need to dismantle are not highlights, nor are the bolts shown to you. If you do not like grinds or repetitive tasks, this part will drive you mad.

After you finally unlock the garage, you can buy some cars and restore them. I bought a 'corvette' (they don't use real names) and got the engine up enough to at least start (parts were at around 13%). I took it to the drag strip (living on the edge!). Clocked in at around 15.25 seconds. Fully restored the car to 100%, took it to the drag strip and clocked in at... 15.25 seconds. I don't have the 'Performance DLC', so I guess without that the restoration of the car has no impact on it's performance? With that news I was done.

I would imagine if you enjoy looking at cars and working on them just for the sake of seeing the car itself, the raw game might be appealing to you. If you want to see your work pay off on the track, I would recommend a pass or fork out the couple bucks for the performance dlc.