Info about LOTUS-Simulator:

Official game description:
LOTUS-Simulator is a driving simulator in a class of its own! At the beginning, the player chooses freely a vehicle and drives it around town, enjoys the ultra-realistic feeling of driving and the original sounds and may even forget that the vehicle is virtual. Once gripped by the excitement of simulation driving, the standards increase: stick to tight schedules, carry special passengers, master the difficult traffic. But that’s not all. The ambition grows with the experience: Now the multiplayer is played under real conditions – the colleagues in the control centre coordinate by radio, the game leader set challenges in the middle of the road, unpredictable weather, real duty rosters and long shifts. And after all, how about recreating the way of the school bus and to master the student’s traffic this time on your own? Didn’t the mate from the historic vehicle society have an ancient tram car with crank control standing around? You could breathe life again into it in the simulator – as a museum run or maybe even at the time it originates…  
With LOTUS, dreams and ideas come true – and the best of it: every good realization will find followers and supporters that are hoping for extensions or are looking for exhausting the adventure of simulation driving. They are waiting for you!  
LOTUS, that means: L like Leitstelle, (German, control centre), O like omnibus, T like tram, U like underground, S like suburban train.
Features
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*   Modular structure: Buy and play only what you are interested in – vehicles of the railway, like trams or trains, or vehicles of the road, like buses and trolleybuses, or even other modules that will be released later.  
*   Realism: Driving physics, environmental physics, graphical effects, sounds, weather, seasons and the world coordinate system are uncompromisingly realistic – that is our first priority.  
*   Multiplayer: Driving different tours with friends, greeting each other at the meeting point, ensure the connection by radio, coordinate everything in the control centre on your own or follow the instructions of your colleague – this and much more is provided by the multiplayer of LOTUS.  
*   Map editor: With many tools, aids and quite a few ingenious gimmicks mountains are moved, embankments planned, tracks laid and streets tarmacked. Afterwards the landscape is shaped and decorated with buildings, trees, lights, stops, benches, fences and much more.  
*   Content tool: Whether a single scenery object or a whole vehicle – with the content tool the objects are configured. From material settings to complex animation, from the design of the physics, the sound settings and the import and debugging of scripts, the content tool accompanies and supports the developer.  
*   Plugin interface: A discarded crank, the board information system with display, a driver’s desk or a whole cockpit can be operated with the simulator and get information back from it by the use of the plugin interface.
\*Some features, like weather, will be enabled during Early Access and are not available from start!

Release date: Sep 14, 2018

Categories: Driving Simulation, Racing Simulation, Vehicle Customization, Map Editor, Mod Support, Multiplayer, Public Transport Simulation, Physics Simulation

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 90; verdict: Predatory; summary: The game's monetization strategy is widely perceived as predatory, with users highlighting several aggressive practices: (1) DLCs priced similarly to the base game for minimal content, (2) paid DLCs released for an unfinished early access game, (3) no discounts for existing players, (4) third-party DLCs sold at high prices despite being incomplete, and (5) base game lacking core content, effectively forcing DLC purchases. These issues create a strong sense of exploitation, particularly given the game's unstable and unfinished state.
- Steam Deck: score 60; verdict: Tinkering Required (High Friction); summary: The game suffers from high friction on Linux due to the lack of native support for critical features like the map editor and content tool. While modern tools (e.g., DXVK) can address graphics API limitations, the absence of official Linux compatibility forces users to rely on workarounds, creating a suboptimal experience. Developer communication about porting efforts is inconsistent, and level design flaws further detract from usability. The technical barriers align with the 'Tinkering Required' category, but the lack of core feature support elevates the severity.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Highly realistic tram simulation (weight 0.4): Players praise the detailed and authentic simulation of trams, routes, and physics, which surpass other tram simulators. Features like functional buttons, realistic sounds, and well-modeled vehicles enhance immersion.
- Multiplayer enhances experience (weight 0.34): Multiplayer mode, including physical player visibility, adds enjoyment and realism. While not perfect, it is considered a valuable feature for collaborative gameplay.
- Optimized performance (weight 0.33): The 64-bit application runs smoothly on high settings, with better optimization than predecessors like OMSI 2. Players report stutter-free gameplay and decent realism even in Early Access.
- Active development and updates (weight 0.29): Frequent updates, monthly patches, and developer responsiveness to feedback are highlighted. The transition to a new engine (Bevy/Rust) promises better performance and OS support.
- Expansive public transport scope (weight 0.29): The game combines trams, buses, and future plans for trains/airplanes, offering a comprehensive public transport simulator. Players appreciate the ambitious roadmap and sector integration.
- User-friendly tools and editors (weight 0.26): Built-in tools like the Map Editor and Content Tool are praised for enabling custom content creation. These features make the game accessible to hobbyists and beginners.

Common complaints:
- Unfinished Early Access Game (weight 0.99): The game has remained in Early Access for over 8 years with minimal progress, lacking critical features, bug fixes, and updates since 2022. Players feel misled by the store description and abandoned by developers.
- Overpriced for Current State (weight 0.94): The base game and DLCs are criticized for being excessively priced (e.g., 40€–97€) given the unfinished, buggy, and minimal content. Players argue the price-performance ratio is abysmal.
- Poor Developer Communication (weight 0.77): Developers are criticized for ignoring criticism, locking forum topics, providing misleading information, and exhibiting hostile or dismissive behavior toward the community. Transparency and updates are lacking.
- Outdated Graphics and Engine (weight 0.73): Graphics are compared to 2012 standards, with poor textures, missing reflections, and an unoptimized engine. The game feels outdated even at launch, with no modern innovations.
- Premature DLC Releases (weight 0.72): DLCs are released unfinished (e.g., Munich map, bus modules) to generate revenue, often requiring additional purchases to make the game playable. Players feel exploited by this monetization strategy.
- Minimal and Broken Content (weight 0.71): Base game and DLCs include only one tram/bus, tiny test maps, and lack fundamental features like AI traffic, passengers, schedules, and collision detection. Many features are half-finished or non-functional.
- Severe Performance Issues (weight 0.6): The game suffers from poor optimization, causing crashes, single-digit FPS on high-end hardware, and compatibility issues (e.g., AMD GPUs). Performance degrades further with complex maps or 3D objects.
- Inferior to Predecessor (OMSI 2) (weight 0.45): Players argue the game is worse than OMSI 2 in physics, graphics, and modding freedom. Developer hostility toward OMSI creators is also noted as a negative factor.
- Poor Community Management (weight 0.34): The community feels alienated due to censorship, unhelpful forums, and aggressive responses from developers. Criticism is often deleted or ignored, fostering distrust.
- Unplayable Multiplayer and VR (weight 0.18): Multiplayer is unplayable due to performance issues, and VR support is described as 'absolute garbage' with broken menus and lack of controller support.

Gameplay feedback:
- Early Access limitations (weight 0.66): The game is in Early Access with incomplete content, such as missing routes, trams, and a small test map. Development has been ongoing for over 5 years, with promised features like buses and airplanes still pending.
- Content scarcity in base game (weight 0.66): The base game offers minimal content, such as a single tram, a small test map, and limited routes. Most vehicles and maps require DLCs or mods, frustrating players expecting a complete experience.
- Lack of tutorials and guidance (weight 0.63): Players criticize the absence of tutorials, confusing menus, and unclear mechanics (e.g., scheduling, controls). This hinders accessibility for beginners.
- Modding and Workshop support (weight 0.63): The game heavily relies on modding via Steam Workshop for additional maps, vehicles, and content. Community-driven tools and DLCs (e.g., Munich, Düsseldorf) expand gameplay but may require separate purchases.
- Core tram simulation gameplay (weight 0.62): The game focuses on tram driving mechanics, including physics, schedules, and route management in Berlin. Players can experience realistic tram operations with features like IBIS and articulated bus physics.
- VR and immersive features (weight 0.62): VR support enhances driving immersion, though core mechanics like physics and AI traffic are still under development. Pedestrian reactions to traffic lights add realism.
- Physics and realism issues (weight 0.61): While physics are a key selling point, players report unrealistic vehicle behavior, missing derailment mechanics, and scripted AI. Weather systems and dynamic world elements are also absent.
- Editor tools and creativity (weight 0.6): The game includes map and content editors for building routes, vehicles, and destinations. However, these tools are unfinished, especially on Linux, and lack polish.
- Bus mechanics and DLC dependencies (weight 0.56): Buses are either sold separately or locked behind DLCs, despite being advertised as core features. Payment mechanics and modular design (e.g., rails/streets) are underdeveloped.

Performance notes:
- Outdated engine and optimization (weight 0.44): The game uses an outdated 32-bit engine with poor memory access and optimization, leading to performance drops, texture loading delays, and compatibility issues. Users report unplayable conditions on mid-to-high-end systems.
- Map and asset rendering flaws (weight 0.42): Complex maps (e.g., Berlin) and assets (3D trees, grass) cause FPS drops or crashes. Scenery tiles fail to load properly, and physics issues (e.g., trams swerving) disrupt gameplay.
- Unresponsive UI and menus (weight 0.42): Menus frequently crash or freeze, and the overall interface feels unpolished. Some users cannot even reach the main menu due to loading failures.
- Hardware trade-offs required (weight 0.4): Players must choose between visual quality and performance fluidity, even on high-end hardware. VR support is limited by performance constraints.
- Linux/macOS compatibility issues (weight 0.37): The game runs poorly on non-Windows platforms due to OpenGL dependencies and lack of optimization, despite better hardware on those systems.
- AI impacts performance (weight 0.03): Performance varies significantly with AI enabled, with some users reporting smooth gameplay without it. Early access limitations make long-term performance unclear.

Recommendations:
- Avoid purchasing currently (weight 0.44): The majority of feedback strongly advises against buying the game in its current state due to poor price-performance ratio, lack of development, and incomplete features. Many suggest waiting for future updates or improvements.
- Better alternatives available (weight 0.43): Players frequently recommend alternatives like OMSI 2, TramSim, or The Bus for a more complete and polished experience, especially for bus/tram simulation fans. These are cited as better value for money.
- Low price justification (weight 0.39): The game is perceived as overpriced for its current state, with suggestions that it should cost no more than €5-£20. Many believe the price will only be justified upon full release or beta.
- Niche recommendation for supporters (weight 0.32): The game is only recommended for a small audience, such as developers, addon creators, or those eager to support the project despite its flaws. Most players are advised to wait.
- Refunds and removal demands (weight 0.14): Some players advocate for refunds or even removal of the game from the market until it is properly developed, citing dissatisfaction with pricing practices and lack of progress.
- Future potential acknowledged (weight 0.1): A minority of feedback expresses optimism about the game's future, suggesting it may improve with updates or full release. Some recommend buying now to secure a lower price.
- Train mode prioritized (weight 0.04): Players who do recommend the game suggest focusing on train mode due to its more developed lines and content compared to other features.

Other player notes:
- Engine switch concerns (weight 0.1): Players frequently mention the game's transition from Unity to Bevy (Lotus NG) and earlier shifts from OpenGL to Unity. The small development team and use of tools like Rust are also noted, raising questions about stability and long-term support.
- Development priorities questioned (weight 0.03): Criticism targets perceived misaligned development priorities, with some players accusing the project of being a 'money grab.' This reflects distrust in the team's decision-making and resource allocation.
- Abandoned solo development (weight 0.02): The game's origins as a solo project that was later abandoned are noted, contributing to skepticism about its future viability and the team's ability to deliver on promises.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.32): Players are frustrated by the game's poor performance, unresolved technical issues, and lack of progress despite years in development. The high price for an unfinished product, combined with server downtime, broken features, and perceived misuse of Early Access, exacerbates dissatisfaction. Additionally, poor developer communication and perceived exploitation of players contribute to this emotion.
- Disappointment (weight 0.31): Disappointment stems from the game's failure to meet expectations after prolonged development, remaining buggy and unfinished despite its potential. Players feel misled by the mismatch between promises and reality, including stagnant progress, lack of updates, and poor value for money. The high cost for minimal content and unfulfilled features further deepens this sentiment.
- Anger (weight 0.1): Anger is directed at developers for perceived greed, poor handling of criticism, and dismissive behavior toward the community. Players feel scammed by misleading trailers, overpriced DLCs for an unfinished game, and forced rebuys. Bans for voicing concerns and developers' unresponsiveness to critical issues amplify this emotion.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Satisfaction arises from the game's realistic simulation, well-modeled trams, and Workshop support. Players appreciate the availability of development tools, improved graphics, and community-driven growth. Some also value the unique features and smooth performance, especially when expectations for Early Access are met.
- Hope (weight 0.05): Hope is fueled by the belief in the game's future potential, including engine upgrades, monthly updates, and community content. Players anticipate improvements that could justify the game's price and fulfill its initial promise, especially if developers deliver on planned features.
- Distrust (weight 0.04): Distrust stems from developers' poor communication, lack of transparency, and perceived prioritization of profit over user experience. Misleading information about the game's state and unaddressed technical issues erode confidence in the developers' ability to deliver on promises.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement was initially generated by the game's potential, next-level physics, and graphics, as well as big plans for future content. Early announcements and developer engagement also contributed to anticipation for updates and mods.
- Regret (weight 0.02): Regret is tied to wasted investments in the game, particularly due to poor performance or failure to seek refunds. Players lament buying into an unfinished or broken product that did not meet their expectations.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is directed at developer behavior, including arrogant responses from community managers and poor community management. Players are repulsed by the dismissive attitude toward criticism and lack of professionalism.
- Disillusionment (weight 0.01): Disillusionment arises from the game remaining unfinished and poorly developed over seven years, despite initial promise. Players feel let down by the lack of progress and the gap between expectations and reality.
- Betrayal (weight 0.01): Players feel betrayed when developers fail to keep promises, such as delivering key features or updates. The perceived breach of trust, especially in Early Access, contributes to this emotion.
- Resignation (weight 0.01): Resignation reflects acceptance of lost money and the futility of expecting improvements. Players express frustration with phrases like 'Viel Spass mit meinem Geld,' indicating they no longer expect value from their purchase.}