Car Mechanic Simulator 2014
Main game
2.92 average rating based on 24 ratings
- Developers
- PlayWay S.A., RedDotGames
- Publishers
- PlayWay S.A.
- Series
- Car Mechanic Simulator
- Platforms
- Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Genres
- Puzzle, Simulator
- Themes
- Business
- Steam
- View on Steam
Release Dates
User Stats
How Long Is Car Mechanic Simulator 2014?
Related Content
Relaxed Tinkering
Car Mechanic Simulator 2014 (which shall henceforth be abbreviated as CMS14) is a simulation game where you identify and fix problems with cars. It's as simple as that. The vehicular model in the game is simplified, so the game feels more like a casual puzzler rather than a 'hardcore' simulation. The crux of the gameplay is this - you are given repair orders, which point out an issue with the vehicle and ask you to resolve it. You start by examining the car, and then go into an assembly/disassembly mode to replace the parts as required. The camera switches to a mostly free-form control in this mode, allowing you to focus on different parts. The camera works decently for the most part, but some sections and smaller parts are problematic.
Initial orders in CMS14 tend to be very specific ('replace the timing belt'), which make them easier to isolate and resolve. Later orders are more challenging, and include more vague descriptions ('sounds from the back of the car at high speeds'). The game does give you some testing tools along the way, so that you're not forced to take out every single part of the car on the later levels. …
Car Mechanic Simulator 2014 (which shall henceforth be abbreviated as CMS14) is a simulation game where you identify and fix problems with cars. It's as simple as that. The vehicular model in the game is simplified, so the game feels more like a casual puzzler rather than a 'hardcore' simulation. The crux of the gameplay is this - you are given repair orders, which point out an issue with the vehicle and ask you to resolve it. You start by examining the car, and then go into an assembly/disassembly mode to replace the parts as required. The camera switches to a mostly free-form control in this mode, allowing you to focus on different parts. The camera works decently for the most part, but some sections and smaller parts are problematic.
Initial orders in CMS14 tend to be very specific ('replace the timing belt'), which make them easier to isolate and resolve. Later orders are more challenging, and include more vague descriptions ('sounds from the back of the car at high speeds'). The game does give you some testing tools along the way, so that you're not forced to take out every single part of the car on the later levels. The career mode consists of 77 orders, and a couple of add-ons bring in an extra 36 levels. There is also an endless mode, which is unlocked once you have completed the career mode.
During my playthrough, I was pleasantly surprised by the relaxing nature of the game. I turned off the in-game music, set up a playlist on my phone, and got to tinkering for several hours. It was a very 'zen' way to spend some time, and the game lent itself nicely to that approach. You are not timed on any level, so you can take your own time to inspect and resolve issues at your own pace. Completing each level also gives a good sense of satisfaction, since each level is a puzzle in itself.
I do have a few complaints regarding the add-on modes - 4x4 and 1/4 mile. These are not integrated into the main game very well, and the game does a poor job of explaining the changes in these add-ons. I got myself stuck on a buggy mission in the 4x4 add-on, and I haven't figured out how to actually pass a level in the 1/4 mile add-on.
Despite the issues with the add-ons, the main career mode has been a really fun playthrough for me. I look forward to picking up CMS 2015 sometime soon.