Open Wheel Manager 2
- October 25, 2023
- Paprikash Games
- 30h median play time
Get on SteamIn "Open Wheel Manager 2," become an elite team manager, overseeing operations from hiring drivers to designing cars. Experience immersive strategic racing, make impactful decisions, and outsmart the competition to achieve Formula 1 glory. Witness the action unfold on a revamped 3D engine, reacting to every move with precise decision-making.
Reviews
- OWM2 offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic racing management games like Grand Prix World, with enjoyable gameplay mechanics and a solid foundation for future development.
- The game features a robust editor that allows for easy modding, enabling players to customize teams, drivers, and other elements, enhancing replayability and personal engagement.
- The ability to simulate races is a significant plus, allowing players to focus on management without the need to play through every race, making it more accessible for casual gamers.
- The game currently lacks depth in in-race management, making it feel simplistic and less engaging compared to other racing management titles, which may disappoint players seeking a more immersive experience.
- Many players have reported bugs and issues, particularly with the race simulation not concluding properly, which can hinder overall enjoyment and progress.
- The user interface and tutorial systems are underdeveloped, leading to confusion for new players as they navigate the game's mechanics without sufficient guidance.
- gameplay19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as complex and requiring multiple playthroughs to fully grasp, with a steep learning curve due to a lack of guidance on mechanics. While some players appreciate the depth of trackside management, many criticize the reliance on simplistic button-clicking and unrealistic negotiation mechanics, leading to frustration over restrictive hiring practices and a feeling that the game lacks substantial engagement. Overall, while there is potential for improvement, the gameplay currently feels underwhelming compared to similar titles in the genre.
“The gameplay mechanics take a playthrough or two over one or two seasons to understand, and in hindsight, I would recommend playing with a frontrunner team with lots of cash and buildings/facilities already built on your first playthrough.”
“Gameplay-wise, it still doesn't beat GPW, but unlike with other management games since GPW, I am confident this game can actually reach those levels.”
“But then, it delivers a very solid trackside gameplay too, for those with the time and inclination to jump onto the pit wall.”
“If the game is going to be just clicking a few buttons, setting a slider or two, and having autocalc generate results (like qualifying or setup improvements), then you needn't have bothered making such a huge game around such paltry gameplay.”
“You have to run through a season or two to figure out the basic mechanics on your own, because there is no actual help.”
“The gameplay is mostly clicking buttons and waiting for stuff to happen.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game evoke a nostalgic feel reminiscent of late 90s and early 2000s racing titles, offering a decent and smooth visual experience without the need for outdated hardware. While some users note the animations can be janky and the visuals lack the polish of modern games, they appreciate the retro aesthetic and find that it enhances the enjoyment of watching races. Overall, the graphics may not be award-winning, but they effectively capture the charm of classic motorsport management games.
“If you have a nostalgic void for late 90's/early 2000's F1, and want a throwback to the era of Gran Prix World / Gran Prix Manager 2 / F1 Manager / F1 Challenge 99-02 with a modern game that looks decent and smooth without losing the aesthetics of the time, this game is for you.”
“It's not going to win awards for graphics, but it is among the very best, if not the best, motorsport management games of the last twenty years.”
“If you haven't played retro games like GPW and your experience is more based in 'Motorsport Manager' or the 'Official F1 Manager', then the first thing you'll notice will be the lack of fancy loading screens/graphics compared to those games. But if you're willing to look past that, this game still has some fun systems in place.”
“It's not going to win awards for graphics; it's not the deep meeting of physics and simulation that we've all fantasized about. It's not officially licensed, and some of the suppliers and teams feel undercooked and immersion-breaking.”
“Most of the complaints seem to be directed at the graphics, which are a nod to the games of management past back in the Amiga days.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect of the game is characterized by a nuanced engine testing system that allows for performance enhancements based on pre-race bonuses, alongside a dynamic regulatory environment that influences team strategies over time. While there is variability in car and driver performance, some users note that driver stats may not effectively translate to track performance, leading to potential imbalances. Additionally, the interaction with in-demand drivers and staff is influenced by team reputation and car performance, adding depth to the optimization experience.
“Engine testing points are similar (need 50 per upgrade) but stretch out the green zone for the engine, and depending on which bonus you picked (power, reliability, cooling, or fuel efficiency) prior to the practice session of each race weekend, you can get a +1 or +2 for that performance bar of your current engine.”
“I like the variability in performance between cars, drivers, and tracks.”
“The driver stats are not balanced and don't translate to track performance very well.”
“There are enough changes in regulations and supplier performance to make it a challenge over time; you're no longer constrained by the availability of high-level chief designers.”
“These work much like the components in GPW with two stats: performance and reliability.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Overall, users report mixed experiences with stability; while some find the game runs bug-free, others encounter issues with the help button, which is often buggy and can freeze the screen, leading to frustration.
“The game runs bug-free, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.”
“I haven't encountered any crashes or glitches; the stability is impressive.”
“The performance is consistent, making for a reliable gaming experience.”
“The help button is buggy and often freezes the screen; even when it works, it doesn't provide useful information.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to progress without losing progress.”
“I've experienced constant lag and stuttering, which severely impacts the overall gameplay experience.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express disappointment over the emotional impact of encountering numerous bugs, which detracts from their experience and makes it frustrating to engage with the game beyond a single season.
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the inclusion of more playable championships and feeder series significantly enhances the game's replayability, offering players diverse experiences and challenges to explore.
“The game offers a variety of playable championships, including feeder series, which keeps the experience fresh and engaging.”
“With multiple championships to choose from, the replayability factor is incredibly high.”
“The inclusion of feeder series adds depth and variety, making each playthrough feel unique.”
“The game lacks variety in its championships, making it feel repetitive after a few playthroughs.”
“There are not enough feeder series to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.”
“Once you've completed the main championships, there's little incentive to replay the game.”
