When comparing Euro Truck Simulator 2 vs Tropico 5, the Slant community recommends Euro Truck Simulator 2 for most people. In the question“What are the best Simulation games on Steam?” Euro Truck Simulator 2 is ranked 1st while Tropico 5 is ranked 15th. The most important reason people chose Euro Truck Simulator 2 is:
The game is a classic rags to riches story that starts the player off in a little garage working for other companies and earning money to eventually buy a truck of his own. Owning a truck allows getting higher paying jobs, that allow getting the truck upgraded, that allows getting even higher paying jobs. At some the opportunity to hire other drivers presents itself and building a trucking empire is not far off.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Addicting progression system
The game is a classic rags to riches story that starts the player off in a little garage working for other companies and earning money to eventually buy a truck of his own. Owning a truck allows getting higher paying jobs, that allow getting the truck upgraded, that allows getting even higher paying jobs. At some the opportunity to hire other drivers presents itself and building a trucking empire is not far off.
Pro Gorgeous scenery
The game has a huge map that covers much of Europe and delivers detailed, varied scenery throughout giving each place a sense of identity and creating a specific atmosphere.
Pro Simple VR setup
To run the game in VR mode, add -oculus command line parameter.
Pro Cathartic experience
Because much of the game is based in routine and long-distance travels, it gives the ability to switch the brain off, relax and tune out the real world and supplement it with peaceful in-game representation of Europe. Minor details like local radio stations are also included, letting you can get into that driving groove without ever leaving your living room.
Pro No VR sickness
Since the player and the character are stationary with the vehicle creating a frame of reference, much of the issues with motion sickness are avoided.
It also helps that you don't need to look around very quickly either - the only time you need to move your head significantly is to look back out the window. Other than that, it's usually just slightly looking left/right.
Pro Accessible
The game is easy to pick up. It provides a friendly tutorial that explains the essential mechanics and tools used in the game in a clear and concise way.
Pro Has tons of mods
The game has a wide variety of mods available that add new locations, game content and functionality. There's even a multiplayer mod.
Pro Allows for choice in play
There is a mission mode (which is great for those that want to learn the ins and outs of the game through progression) and a sandbox mode (which is more like a city builder where it is up to you how to create your civilization). This makes for a good choice of different play depending on what the user wants at the time. There is also a multiplayer mode that works through competition (who can export more cigars, build a bigger plantation, etc.) that can extend the endgame content when the player feels they have experienced all the single player has to offer.
Cons
Con Runs on Rift in extended mode only
Runs much slower on an HMD (head mounted display) than it really should.
Con Some parts may feel slow
Since it is a simulation game, trips and progression may feel too slow for some.
Con Menues and text aren't optimized for VR
Small text and loading screens can be hard to read as they aren't optimized for VR.
Con Requires a performant machine to run smoothly
Con Poor representation of changing times
The art in the game does not represent different time periods very well. The game starts out in the early 20th century and eventually builds up to the modern era. It does not matter what time period the player is in, little in the design of the games is representative through graphics changes.