23.7 hours played
Written 10 days ago
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is a highly detailed, methodical, and deeply satisfying simulation game that puts players in the gritty, grease-stained shoes of an auto repair professional. Developed by Red Dot Games, this installment significantly expands on its predecessors with a more polished engine, a broader array of parts and vehicles, and a host of new gameplay systems that elevate the overall experience. From the moment you step into your first garage—modest, worn-down, and full of potential—the game presents a realistic and immersive representation of what it’s like to diagnose, dismantle, and restore automobiles. The attention to detail is remarkable, whether you're unscrewing a spark plug, draining oil, or completely rebuilding a junkyard relic from the ground up.
One of the game’s greatest strengths is its authenticity. Every car is composed of hundreds of individually modeled and interactable parts, requiring players to not only know how to fix things but how to disassemble and reassemble them correctly. The game’s expansive part catalog includes everything from brakes and exhaust systems to complex engine components, each with wear levels that affect performance and resale value. Diagnosis tools like the OBD scanner, multimeter, and compression tester add depth to the repair process, encouraging thoughtful investigation rather than trial-and-error guessing. Whether you're working on everyday sedans or high-performance sports cars, the sense of realism and care in mechanical design is consistently impressive.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 also offers more gameplay variety than ever before. The story missions and job orders provide structured objectives that gradually introduce new mechanics and systems, while the open-ended restoration projects—found via junkyards, barns, and auctions—allow for true creativity and personal investment. The addition of car washes, custom painting, interior detailing, and even engine swaps gives players a deeper layer of customization and ownership. Over time, players can upgrade their garage with new workbenches, lifts, and test tracks, transforming the humble beginnings of their shop into a high-end facility capable of handling exotic builds and full restorations.
Visually, the game has received a solid upgrade over previous versions, with improved lighting, sharper textures, and more realistic environmental details. The cars themselves are highly detailed, both inside and out, with authentic wear-and-tear effects and satisfying animations for every repair action. While the visuals won’t rival AAA racing titles, they serve the simulation well, creating a grounded and believable atmosphere. The audio complements this with a subdued but functional soundscape—tool noises, engine hums, and the occasional background music track keep the experience immersive without becoming intrusive.
However, Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 isn’t without its shortcomings. The repetitive nature of some job types can lead to a grind, especially early on when funds are limited and high-end jobs are out of reach. The UI, while functional, can feel clunky at times, particularly when managing inventory or navigating part categories. Additionally, the learning curve may be steep for players unfamiliar with automotive mechanics, though the in-game tutorials and gradual progression do help ease the challenge. Some bugs and performance hiccups have been reported, especially in larger garages or when using mods, but these are generally minor and have been steadily addressed through patches.
In conclusion, Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is a remarkably detailed and rewarding simulation that captures the tactile joy of taking something broken and making it whole again. Its wealth of content, authentic mechanics, and steady sense of progression make it a standout in the simulation genre, especially for players who appreciate patience, precision, and problem-solving. While it may not be for everyone—especially those seeking fast-paced gameplay—those who do get hooked will find countless hours of satisfaction buried beneath the hoods of its many cars. Whether you're a real-life gearhead or just someone who enjoys building and fixing things, this game delivers an engaging, hands-on experience unlike any other.
Rating: 9/10