Info about Trackmania® Turbo:

Official game description:
Test your skills in outlandish tracks and challenge your friends at home (offline splitscreen) or online.  
*   4 ENVIRONMENTS = 4 GAMEPLAYS  
    \- Rollercoaster Lagoon: Defy gravity in a tropical paradise, racing on magnetic tracks.  
    \- International Stadium: Use your driving skills to master the tracks of this worldwide competition.  
    \- Canyon Grand Drift: Drift your way through narrow tracks in this red canyon landscape.  
    \- Valley Down & Dirty: Use air control and jump through the hills in this countryside setting.  
*   CAMPAIGN MODE  
    Unlock up to 200 unique tracks in over 5 difficulty levels. Drive your way to the tops of worldwide rankings!  
*   DOUBLE DRIVER  
    For the first time in a racing game, team up with a friend and control one car with two controllers!  
*   TRACKBUILDER  
    Design your own tracks or simply generate random ones. Save and share your best tracks to make the competition last forever.  
*   VR COMPATIBLE  
    The immersion in the arcade racing univers goes to another level with 40 exclusive VR tracks.  
    VR recommended system requirements:  
    *   Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 or better.  
    *   CPU: Intel Core i5 4590 / FX-8350.  
    *   RAM: 8GB or more.

Release date: Mar 24, 2016

Categories: Arcade Racing, Time Trial, Track Building, Local Multiplayer, VR Support, Single-player Campaign, Online Multiplayer

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 60; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: Linux users report Ubisoft launcher/login friction, including an explicit case where login fails without a working Uplay launcher. Other reviews show the game can become playable after manually installing the Ubisoft Launcher via Protontricks/Wine and switching to Proton-GE or another compatibility layer on Bazzite and SteamOS. The evidence points to workaround-heavy tinkering rather than out-of-the-box Linux support.
- Steam Deck: score 75; verdict: Broken on Steam Deck; summary: The Steam Deck experience is dominated by Ubisoft Connect/Uplay requirements, mandatory sign-in, Linux login failures, offline restrictions, and manual Proton or Protontricks workarounds. Some users report the game runs well after switching compatibility layers, but it is not an out-of-box Deck title and is also described as officially unsupported. For many users, launcher and login blockers are severe enough to prevent play entirely.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $15.00 - $25.00
  - Reasoning: Reviews repeatedly reject the full 40-euro price as too high and recommend buying only on discount or at a cheap price. One reviewer found value around 29.99 euros on sale, while another was satisfied after buying for under $15, and other non-English feedback similarly says to wait for a discount. This points to a fair base-game range well below the original full price, roughly $15-$25.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: 20.0h
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: 1200.0h
  - Reasoning: The 20-hour campaign quote supports a campaign/story completion estimate of about 20 hours; it does not establish full game completion, so gameCompletion is null. The Trackmania Turbo quote directly supports a long session of about 3 hours. The 1.2k-hour quote indicates long-term/endgame play of roughly 1,200 hours, though it does not separate campaign from post-campaign time.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players most often describe the core time-trial loop as immediately addictive and local multiplayer as fun from the outset, though dead online multiplayer and missing community features are recurring caveats.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Dead or limited online multiplayer; Missing community and custom-server features; Ubisoft/Uplay sign-in prompts; Local multiplayer restrictions such as forced ghosts and reduced split-screen visuals; Bugs and tricky environment handling; Repetition for players who dislike time trials
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Enjoying time trials and perfecting individual runs; Having friends available for couch co-op or local multiplayer; Not expecting a robust online multiplayer experience; Accepting missing community and custom-server features; Tolerating Uplay/sign-in prompts; Playing primarily single-player or local multiplayer
- Player Archetypes:
  - Veteran PC Community Time-Attacker (no buy)
    - Motivation: Sustaining a competitive, community-driven time-attack ecosystem with custom servers and leaderboards.
    - Playstyle: Online time attack on custom servers, chasing leaderboard times and using community tools.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: TMUF; TM2
  - Solo Campaign Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Conquering the 200-track solo campaign and earning medals and Trackmasters through repeated time trials.
    - Playstyle: Single-player campaign runs, replaying tracks for gold medals and Trackmaster times.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: tryhard
    - Reference games: TrackMania 2
  - Couch Party Racer (buy)
    - Motivation: Sharing relaxed, social racing fun with friends in local multiplayer.
    - Playstyle: Split-screen and local multiplayer sessions, including Double Driver co-op and party modes.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


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:
- Stunning, well-optimized graphics (weight 0.32): Reviewers consistently praise the game's beautiful, colorful graphics that are also lightweight and well-optimized.
- Extremely fun gameplay (weight 0.22): Many players find the game incredibly fun, with the core gameplay loop being highly enjoyable.
- Local split-screen multiplayer available (weight 0.22): The game supports up to 4-player local split-screen multiplayer, which is easy to launch and offers several fun game modes.
- Best Trackmania campaign yet (weight 0.19): The campaign is considered the best in the series, offering a challenging but rewarding experience.
- Varied and exciting environments (weight 0.17): The game features diverse and exciting environments, including the new Lagoon setting with breathtaking rollercoaster sections.
- Double Driver mode is fun (weight 0.15): The new Double Driver multiplayer mode, where two players control one vehicle, is a fun addition for playing with friends.
- Favorite and stylish Trackmania (weight 0.07): Some reviewers consider it one of their favorite Trackmania games and the most stylish entry in the series.
- Four TM2 environments combined (weight 0.07): The game includes four environments from TrackMania 2 that were previously separate, adding variety.
- Casual party-game focus (weight 0.07): The game is great for players who enjoy a casual party-game focus, with fun local multiplayer modes.
- Distinct car handling (weight 0.06): Different cars drive differently and are ideally suited to their individual themes.

Common complaints:
- Car customization gutted (weight 0.36): Customization is limited to pre-made paintjobs only, with no custom models, skins, horns, or per-environment paints. Players cannot change vehicle paints to their liking or customize avatars and nicknames.
- Uplay launcher blocks game (weight 0.36): Players cannot start the game because Uplay fails to connect, hangs on loading, or requires a separate Ubisoft launcher installation. The mandatory launcher dependency is the most frequently reported barrier to entry.
- Ubisoft account login broken (weight 0.3): The game demands a Uplay account but the service no longer exists in a usable form, and logins are rejected even when credentials work on the website. Constant sign-in prompts and account creation failures with 'services not available' errors prevent play.
- Multiplayer is dead (weight 0.28): Online multiplayer is described as basically dead with few active lobbies and severely limited compared to other games. Players cannot find matches or online play is not possible at all.
- No dedicated servers (weight 0.24): The game lacks dedicated servers and the Dedimania plugin, relying only on player-created rooms that shut down when empty. Community features like jukebox and plugins are absent.
- Track editor limitations (weight 0.24): The trackbuilder is awkward and unintuitive, and players cannot name their tracks, only assign numbers. Saved tracks cannot be renamed, edited, or deleted once uploaded.
- Poor audio and control settings (weight 0.16): Audio options are appalling with only basic music settings and two sound buttons. Control settings are hidden behind a gear icon, and gamepad buttons cannot be rebound.
- Missing leaderboards (weight 0.15): There are no in-game leaderboards at all, and viewing them requires opening an external website in a browser. This is a core feature expected in a Trackmania title.
- Missing community features (weight 0.12): The game lacks many quality-of-life and community features from previous Trackmania titles, including reduced customization compared to older games. Reviewers note it offers less than its predecessors overall.
- No Steam achievements (weight 0.12): Steam achievements are completely absent, and the Uplay requirement on Steam also blocks Workshop and achievement support. Players note there are zero achievements to validate progress.
- Replay saving broken (weight 0.1): Replay saving and editing are broken, with only the fastest replay saved and others overwritten. Players cannot properly save or edit their replays.
- Server down connectivity errors (weight 0.07): A connection is required but servers appear to be down, with 'Ubisoft service is currently unavailable' errors blocking access. Online play is not possible for affected users.
- No ghost hiding option (weight 0.06): There is no option to hide opponents' ghosts during play. A small but specific quality-of-life omission repeatedly mentioned.
- Full HD resolution bug (weight 0.06): The game sets resolution to 1600x900 instead of 1920x1080, and the only workaround is playing in fullscreen windowed mode. This display bug affects players with Full HD monitors.
- 100 player server cap (weight 0.06): PC players face a hard limit of 100 players per server. This restriction is noted as a downside for large community events.
- Overpriced for content (weight 0.06): Reviewers consider the game not worth the price given the limited feature set and missing customization. The value proposition is questioned relative to older titles.

Gameplay feedback:
- Online multiplayer (weight 0.38): Online multiplayer is available through player-created rooms, with servers supporting up to 100 players.
- Track editor available (weight 0.36): Players can create and customize tracks using the in-game editor, which is accessible from the cog/gear menu and offers both classic and advanced options.
- 200-track campaign (weight 0.36): A large single-player campaign offers 200 tracks across five difficulty levels.
- Four environments (weight 0.3): The game features four distinct environments: Stadium, Canyon, Valley, and Lagoon (Rollercoaster Lagoon).
- Double Driver mode (weight 0.2): A cooperative mode where two players control one car using two controllers.
- Random track generation (weight 0.17): A random track generator is included, allowing players to quickly create new tracks without manual editing.
- Arcade time trial focus (weight 0.12): The game is an arcade racing title centered on time trial and track challenges.
- Car customization options (weight 0.1): Players can customize cars with stickers, materials, flags, colors, and patterns.
- VR mode with 40 tracks (weight 0.1): The game includes a VR mode featuring 40 exclusive tracks.
- Magnetic rollercoaster tracks (weight 0.1): The Rollercoaster Lagoon environment includes magnetic tracks that allow driving upside down.
- Dynamic music system (weight 0.09): The game features adaptive music that responds to gameplay.

Performance notes:
- Smooth performance and good optimization (weight 0.13): Many users highlight fluid performance, excellent optimization, constant 60 FPS, and smooth triple DSR without stutters, with improvements over TrackMania².
- Linux compatibility requires Proton-GE (weight 0.11): The game works on Linux only with Proton-GE; without it, Uplay uses an ancient version that causes issues, and switching compatibility layers fixes it on Bazzite and SteamOS.
- Launcher connection failures block play (weight 0.08): Players report the game does not launch because the launcher fails to connect, and Ubisoft/Uplay server connection issues make it unplayable.
- Steam Deck compatibility praised (weight 0.04): The game works great on the Steam Deck, according to player feedback.
- Runs well across hardware (weight 0.04): Once past the launcher step, the game runs really well on any hardware, according to users.
- Long loading times reported (weight 0.04): Some players complain about extremely long loading times.
- Heavy graphics requirements (weight 0.04): Graphics are described as very heavy, which may affect performance on lower-end systems.
- Server lag due to no dedicated servers (weight 0.04): Some servers lag because the game lacks dedicated servers, impacting online play.
- VSR does not work (weight 0.04): Virtual Super Resolution (VSR) is reported as not functioning.

Recommendations:
- Not recommended for Trackmania veterans (weight 0.39): Many reviewers advise against buying if you expect gameplay like previous Trackmania titles, recommending older games such as Trackmania 2 or United Forever instead. Veterans are told to avoid this installment due to missing features and design issues.
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.39): Numerous reviewers recommend waiting for a discount before purchasing, often suggesting 50% off or more. The game is frequently considered not worth full price.
- Better alternatives exist (weight 0.24): Reviewers suggest playing Trackmania United Forever or TM2020 instead for more content and popularity, or buying TM2 environments for customization.
- Good for racing game fans (weight 0.22): Reviewers recommend the game to racing game enthusiasts, calling it a must-have for fans of the genre. It is especially praised for those who enjoy fast-paced, skill-based racing.
- Not recommended for everyone (weight 0.21): Some reviewers explicitly do not recommend the game, citing it is not for everyone or that they would not recommend it. Common reasons include expecting a regular racing game or seeking online multiplayer.
- Ubisoft support issues (weight 0.16): Several reviewers do not recommend the game due to poor Ubisoft support or publisher practices. Some advise against buying from Ubisoft entirely.
- Try before buying (weight 0.15): Some reviewers suggest trying the game, possibly via demo, to see if it appeals to you. Others recommend starting with free alternatives like Trackmania Nations to decide.
- Publisher boycott (weight 0.12): Some reviewers refuse to buy from Ubisoft due to ethical concerns, advising not to support the publisher.
- Great for casual party play (weight 0.12): The game is highly recommended for couch co-op and local multiplayer with friends, providing fun party experiences.
- Good for single-player or local multiplayer (weight 0.12): Reviewers recommend the game for its single-player campaign and local multiplayer modes, especially if you enjoyed singleplayer aspects of earlier Trackmania games.
- Good entry point for newcomers (weight 0.11): New players to the series are encouraged to try the game, as it offers a unified experience and is accessible to those unfamiliar with Trackmania.
- Flawed but enjoyable (weight 0.06): The game is a real treat if you can overlook obvious flaws, offering fun gameplay despite issues.
- For perfectionists and restart lovers (weight 0.06): Ideal for players excited about perfecting racing lines and living on instant restarts, with a lot of restarts expected.
- Not for first-time franchise players (weight 0.06): Some reviewers advise against buying for first-timers, suggesting other titles or free alternatives instead.
- Fans should decide themselves (weight 0.06): Reviewers note that Trackmania fans can make their own judgment about the game, as opinions vary.
- Not for narrative or progression seekers (weight 0.06): Not recommended for those needing narrative, progression with rewards, or an always-full community.
- Optional VR content (weight 0.05): VR is optional and not required to enjoy the main game; a comparable VR experience is suggested with the game Distance.
- Excellent arcade driving with caveats (weight 0.04): Recommended for excellent arcade driving, but not for everyone, and the online community feels small.

Other player notes:
- Uplay launcher requirement (weight 0.33): Players must install and log into Uplay (Ubisoft Connect) to play. This is seen as an unnecessary third-party requirement.
- Console port criticism (weight 0.21): The game is viewed as a console port not originally intended for PC, which affects its design and feel. Some note it is made for console and controller.
- Part of Trackmania franchise (weight 0.16): The game is recognized as an entry in the Trackmania series and supplements previous titles. It is compared to other Trackmania games.
- Downgraded compared to TM2 (weight 0.1): Reviewers feel the game is a stripped-down or reskinned version of Trackmania 2, with features removed. It is considered a downgrade.
- Compared to previous titles (weight 0.1): The game is frequently compared to earlier Trackmania games such as Original, Sunrise, Nations, United, and Trackmania 2. These comparisons highlight differences in features and content.
- Developed by Ubisoft/Nadeo (weight 0.08): The game is developed by Nadeo and published by Ubisoft. This is noted for context.
- Functionality cut from older titles (weight 0.07): Many options and customization features from earlier games were removed or restricted. This makes the game feel less feature-rich.
- Price questioned vs free Nations (weight 0.07): Reviewers compare the game to the free Trackmania Nations Forever and question whether the price is justified. This reflects concerns about value.
- Diverges from traditional formula (weight 0.07): The game moves in a different direction from previous Trackmania titles, deviating from the traditional formula. This may appeal to some but alienate others.
- No Steam Workshop support (weight 0.07): The game lacks Steam Workshop support, limiting modding and user-generated content sharing. This is a drawback for PC players.
- Connectivity issues in mainland China (weight 0.07): Server infrastructure is the same as previous games, causing connectivity issues for players in mainland China. This affects online play.
- Free-to-play demo available (weight 0.06): A free-to-play demo is available, allowing players to try the game before purchasing. This is a positive point for accessibility.
- Same engine as Trackmania 2 (weight 0.06): The game runs on the same engine as Trackmania 2, which may affect graphics and performance expectations. This is noted for technical context.
- Chinese language support and elements (weight 0.05): The game has official Simplified Chinese language support and includes Chinese elements in promotion. This caters to Chinese players.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.27): Players report being unable to launch or play the game due to Ubisoft Connect/Uplay errors, mandatory logins, and server outages, often despite owning a license. They also face steep difficulty spikes, slippery and unpredictable car handling, and restrictive or buggy track editors with poor UI. Additional annoyances include mandatory radio chatter, freefall sections that add time on resets, and missing basic options such as camera configuration or ghost toggles.
- Disappointment (weight 0.24): Many feel the game lacks key features from earlier Trackmania titles, including customization, dedicated servers, replay saving, camera options, and community tools. The online multiplayer is widely described as dead, with empty servers and small player counts, while progression and UI issues further reduce the experience. Some also cite broken DRM, removed features, and a console-port feel that fails to meet series expectations.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Players find the core driving fun, with varied environments, solid gameplay, and an addictive one-more-try loop. Track creation, skill-based progression, local multiplayer, and the casual party-game focus are highlights. Good graphics, sound, and overall presentation contribute to a positive experience.
- Anger (weight 0.06): Anger is directed at Ubisoft's handling of Uplay, including a broken launcher, service outages, and account lockouts that prevent play. Players feel disrespected by anti-consumer behavior, forced installations, and the perception of being treated as thieves. Some also see the game as a lazy console port and an insult to the Trackmania license.
- Annoyance (weight 0.05): Annoyances include excessive track locking, poor UI choices, and obnoxious announcer comments or repetitive music behavior. Settings are janky, some options are missing (e.g., hiding ghosts or other players' cars), and keyboard controls can be overly sensitive. The game also feels like a console port with community aspects missing.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Players are satisfied with beautiful graphics, improved gameplay, and good performance even on older hardware. The game maintains the essence of Trackmania with solid physics and a well-paced campaign, and its content justifies the price for many. Working well on Linux via Proton is also a positive.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasts praise the game as the best Trackmania yet, full of soul, with new cars, magnetic roads, and improved performance. Couch co-op and local multiplayer modes are especially appreciated, along with the delightful single-player and Lagoon environment.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia arises from memories of playing Trackmania since childhood or 2009, and the game's classic design. It is described as a huge classic that evokes fond recollections of earlier titles.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Players describe the game as very fun, especially in split screen, with plenty of tracks and cool music. It is seen as a slick game with its own character.
- Addiction (weight 0.01): The precise arcade physics, instant restarts, and time-trial format create a strong one-more-run appeal. Players are hooked on shaving fractions of a second off personal records and restarting races to earn gold medals.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike is focused on specific elements such as the Lagoon environment being called the worst part, the Valley campaign, and Ubisoft as a publisher.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness stems from being unable to log in, create an account, or play the game, and from seeing a favorite racing franchise ruined. The loss of customization and community features also contributes.
- Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement comes from the game's aesthetic, environments, and cars, as well as the adrenaline of racing and new rollercoaster tracks. VR support and stunning graphics add to the thrill.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Some players are confused about the one-car two-pilot mode and do not understand the widespread hate the game receives.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express love for the game overall and its new features, simply loving the game itself.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief is felt when the game runs well after getting past the Ubisoft launcher, and from a straightforward interface that includes all four cars in the base game after TM² and Maniaplanet.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern arises from developers banning people for negative opinions and fear that they will alienate the community and kill the franchise.
- Rage (weight 0): Rage is directed at critics who complain about the game being console-focused, the editor, music, and 'Canyon died' comments, which are seen as nonsense.
- Adrenaline rush (weight 0): Players experience an adrenaline rush from going through loops and wallrides in VR.
- Outrage (weight 0): Outrage is felt because Nadeo is seen as disregarding what made Trackmania successful.}