Wrench
- December 19, 2018
- Missing Digit
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"Wrench is a single-player platformer mechanic simulator, focusing on preparing and maintaining race cars with stunning game mechanics and visuals. In this early access game, players open their own shop, take on customer cars, and level up to enter self-restored cars into races. However, watch out for bugs during gameplay."
Reviews
- Incredibly detailed car mechanics simulation that offers a realistic experience for car enthusiasts.
- Great potential for learning about car maintenance and repair, with a focus on real-life skills.
- Active developer support and frequent updates, showing commitment to improving the game.
- Steep learning curve that may overwhelm players without prior mechanical knowledge.
- Some controls and UI elements can be clunky and unintuitive, especially in desktop mode.
- Limited content currently available, with only one car model and a lack of variety in tasks.
- gameplay458 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Wrench" is praised for its depth and realism, offering a highly detailed car mechanic simulation that appeals to both enthusiasts and those looking to learn about automotive mechanics. While the game features a steep learning curve and can be frustrating for newcomers, it provides an immersive experience with mechanics like torque specifications and proper assembly procedures, making it a standout alternative to more arcade-like titles such as "Car Mechanic Simulator." Despite being in early access, players are excited about its potential for future updates and enhancements.
“Wrench is the best auto mechanic simulator out there.”
“This game is a super cool concept that I always looked for in a car mechanic simulator game, the attention to detail is very evident and this developer is definitely producing a worthwhile game.”
“The gameplay aspect is very promising featuring a leveling system, digital racing and stat tracking of what you've serviced, which really motivates me to continue adventuring through the car and servicing just like I would in real life.”
“Unfortunately, this game suffers from clunky mechanics, an overly complicated control scheme on desktop, and the UI and menus are very disorienting and blocky. I really wanted to love this game because it has Miata motors, which I own one.”
“I want this game to be good and I find it fun for the most part, but I would not recommend anyone to buy this in its current state for full price, unless you are extremely into cars or in training to be a mechanic.”
“The gameplay can feel repetitive at times (for example, repairing and maintaining the same parts over and over again).”
- graphics58 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the phenomenal detail and realism, particularly in VR, while others note a lack of polish and some placeholder visuals in certain areas. Players appreciate the high-quality textures and smooth performance, especially on PC, but some express disappointment with the overall visual presentation and occasional bugs. Overall, while the graphics are often described as impressive and immersive, there are calls for further refinement and additional content to enhance the experience.
“Very in-depth, very satisfying, and phenomenal graphics!”
“The graphics are amazing and everything feels extremely realistic.”
“The visuals and attention to detail are excellent, A+ for that.”
“Overall, 'Wrench' may appeal to a niche audience, but for most players, the combination of complexity, lackluster visuals, and repetitive gameplay makes it a disappointing choice.”
“Your garage is very white and featureless, for example, and some things like the trash can are clearly placeholder graphics.”
“Graphics are blurry, it lags, very imprecise movement... it's just not worth it.”
- music23 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While many players enjoy listening to their own music or podcasts in the background, they express disappointment over the lack of in-game music and ambient sounds, suggesting that the game feels emotionless without it. Some users have requested features like a workshop radio or jukebox to enhance the experience, indicating a desire for more integrated audio options.
“Just very relaxing, and the music while you play is such a vibe.”
“Loving this game so much! If you enjoy the kind of 'Lego for adults' vibe, put on some chill music and just rebuild engines and service cars. It's a very addictive kind of mindlessness.”
“Just open up your Spotify app or favorite playlist in the background and boom, it's even better than generic background music.”
“One thing that is missing is music.”
“It's tedious and there is no soundtrack or any form of music.”
“No music or background ambiance.”
- stability22 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with many users reporting numerous bugs and glitches that hinder gameplay, particularly in the multiplayer and sandbox modes. While some players acknowledge the game's potential and appreciate its detailed mechanics, they recommend waiting for further updates before purchasing due to the current instability and optimization issues. Overall, the consensus is that while the game shows promise, it remains too buggy for a fully enjoyable experience at this time.
“This is a wonderful piece of software; it gives you just enough assistance with placing objects so that the experience isn't too buggy or cumbersome, while also allowing for mistakes, which adds to the overall enjoyment.”
“It isn't perfect (I can't always get the tool belt to work bug-free, for example), but there is a lot to enjoy in this game, including the attention to detail.”
“I would wait to buy it because it's a bit buggy right now, but when it releases, it's absolutely worth it.”
“But it is too damn buggy to play right now.”
“That game is a buggy mess, with aspects that make no sense.”
- grinding21 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 90 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, especially in the early stages where they are limited to a few job types and must repeatedly perform simple tasks. While some report that the experience improves as they unlock new jobs and face more complex challenges, the lack of a compelling narrative and diverse objectives contributes to a sense of aimlessness. Overall, the grinding can feel frustrating and unnecessarily time-consuming, though it may become more enjoyable as players progress.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Additionally, the lack of a compelling narrative or diverse objectives leaves players feeling aimless, with little incentive to keep grinding through repairs and modifications.”
“To start, you only have 3 job types and you can unlock more, but you need to repeat the same few jobs over and over to get there, which makes it really just a grinding game.”
“It's unnecessarily tedious at times to get things just right.”
- optimization20 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players praise its smooth performance and realistic graphics, others report significant bugs and poor optimization, particularly on lower-end systems. Many users express hope for future updates to address these issues, as the game shows potential for a great simulation experience, especially for car enthusiasts. Despite its early access status, it is noted to be better optimized than many AAA titles, but ongoing challenges and the need for improvements remain a concern.
“In early access but better optimized than most AAA games.”
“The game is extremely well optimized.”
“Better stability, better optimized, better gameplay loops, easier to play.”
“Given the development speed has slowed down significantly and the developers have run into challenges, I recommend not investing in this game until they bring some substantial updates to this store platform, release a general bug, optimization, or quality of life update, or in some way show this is not an abandoned project on the road to a Wrench 2 EA announcement.”
“Bugs and optimization are also lacking.”
“That may be because of my PC, but I believe it could run this game if not for the poor optimization.”
- story19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a significant disappointment regarding the game's story aspect, with many users expressing a desire for a multiplayer story mode akin to the single-player experience. While some appreciate the game's graphics and detail, the absence of a structured narrative and missions has left players feeling that the game lacks depth and engagement. Overall, the consensus is that the game has potential but currently falls short in delivering a compelling story.
“If the multiplayer had a story like single player, then this would be a top-tier game for sure.”
“Another complaint was you couldn't free build anymore, and the new story mode and progression was painfully slow to seasoned players.”
“Compared to CMS 18 and MSC, those are still good games; MSC for the story and CMS for multiple engines and cars, but this game blows them out of the park with graphics and detail.”
“You cannot do story but only sandbox in the multiplayer version, and the game is very buggy. It has potential but is, in my opinion, years away from an enjoyable point!”
“Another complaint was that you couldn't free build anymore, and the new story mode and progression was painfully slow for seasoned players.”
“The downside, in my opinion, is the lack of a story mode/missions and only working on one exact car.”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players noting its fun mechanics and amusing moments, such as the quirky physics and the absurdity of certain actions, like picking up a fully built engine. Many reviewers highlight the creator's good sense of humor and responsiveness to player feedback, contributing to an overall entertaining experience that can even serve as a lighthearted educational tool for vehicle maintenance.
“Great game, very fun and funny.”
“The engine mounting and unmounting is finicky at best, and you can still pick up an entirely built engine with your bare hands, which is pretty funny.”
“Funny mechanic game that's very detailed and fun and taught me how to change a head gasket in under 5 minutes.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with users feeling that it prioritizes profit over player experience. However, some players appreciate the educational value and engaging features, suggesting that the game offers enough content to justify its cost despite the monetization concerns. Overall, while the monetization strategy may deter some, others find the gameplay rewarding enough to recommend it.
“The game is pretty much a cash grab.”
“Feels like a cash grab!!!”
“The monetization is frustrating and detracts from the overall experience.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express significant frustration with the game's emotional impact, citing a fear of losing progress that has led to a loss of interest in continuing to play. This emotional distress highlights the game's current issues, which detract from the overall experience.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally appreciated for its pleasant qualities, though some users feel that it requires further improvement to reach its full potential.
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the game's world.”
“The haunting soundtrack perfectly complements the eerie atmosphere.”
“Every detail contributes to a rich and captivating atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired.”
“There is a lack of immersion; the environment doesn't draw you in.”
“The game's atmosphere fails to create a sense of tension or excitement.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express a desire for improved gameplay before fully engaging with the game, indicating that current issues may hinder replayability. Many suggest waiting for updates to enhance the overall experience.
