VN Ren'Py Summer's Gone [S1 Steam + DLC] [Oceanlab]

[Real Kreten]

Beyond the fact that she never smoked in this version, Ocean's explanation for deciding not to smoke, is what is wrong. And you saying that somehow it is kinda true, is what made me answer your post, besides I had already answered Mortarion's post where he showed the Log where Ocean explained his decision.

You are looking at his explanation from person thinking perspective, but it is meant to be from character building perspective.
It isn't Mila who would think "smoking is worst poor person can do".

Ocean want Mila to be poor, but he want it be something, she's not responsible for. If Mila smoke, she would be responsible for her situation partially. However, she will be somebody, who born to poverty, but through dediction and smart decition get out of it, after this change.

 

[Doomyk]

I don't think,that steam ban for smoking scenes.Nami solo route-they smoke.And i don't see any problems with smoking in game for some characters or in some events.Specifically, in the case of Mila, the dev could have removed the option to smoke, because some people don’t really like smokers. And Mila is not the most popular character,with smoking it will be even fewer fans. It’s the queens who can be forgiven for their little sins. I don’t see anything wrong with the Nick and Bella smoking scene in bed.Not all the time, but in rare cases, why not?

 

[Nurikabe]

Sure, but that doesn't change anything.
It's a western university setting.
Everyone speaks English as a first language, almost everyone has western names with western spellings, metric seems to be the standard and the drinking age seems to be 18, so that narrows down the setting.
Do you remember their high school's name? That narrows it down even more.

You are a fantastic detective. You might want re-read the story.
Perhaps you missed the very points you just made. Metric. Check those names again. 'Football.' The drinking age.

And if it were a "Western university setting," there would not be teachers, detention, a lunch room, lockers, gym time, co-ed sports teams, 'sports college,' art class, a person checking student IDs at a counter, etc.

Have you ever been to a Western university? Nothing in this story resembles a Western university in any way. Nothing.

Then there is the cost of a driver's license. Costs almost nothing in most U.S. states and territories. There are some states that require formal schools before application. That certainly raises the cost. However, in European countries and in several Eastern countries I've lived in, it is quite expensive and usually can't be done until the age of 18 to 21.

So, as you stated, "just don't write based on source material you have no understanding of [sic]."

It is fine if you don't like the VN. But if you are going to write a whole diatribe on reasons it is "wrong," then at least get those wrong things right. Just a thought.

 

[Content_Consumer]

You are a fantastic detective. You might want re-read the story.
Perhaps you missed the very points you just made. Metric. Check those names again. 'Football.' The drinking age.

And if it were a "Western university setting," there would not be teachers, detention, a lunch room, lockers, gym time, co-ed sports teams, 'sports college,' art class, a person checking student IDs at a counter, etc.

Have you ever been to a Western university? Nothing in this story resembles a Western university in any way. Nothing.

Then there is the cost of a driver's license. Costs almost nothing in most U.S. states and territories. There are some states that require formal schools before application. That certainly raises the cost. However, in European countries and in several Eastern countries I've lived in, it is quite expensive and usually can't be done until the age of 18 to 21.

So, as you stated, "just don't write based on source material you have no understanding of [sic]."

It is fine if you don't like the VN. But if you are going to write a whole diatribe on reasons it is "wrong," then at least get those wrong things right. Just a thought.

I didn't miss anything.

"western" doesn't mean only the USA.
In fact, I'm from an English speaking, metric using, sub-21 drinking age western country with world-class universities.

 

[John972]

Everyone speaks English as a first language.

Really? Maybe your game just has automatic subtitles enabled

Your post has some intriguing points then you went and complained about the metric system... Seriously? Fun Fact: MORE Westernized, English-speaking ("as a first language") countries use the Metric System than don't.

SG is not a documentary. The fictional SG world borrows traits from different Westernized cultures. The Dev lives outside the U.S. Many, many players of the game live outside the U.S. People outside the U.S. don't give a crap if SG fully, accurately, or solely represents the entirety of American culture (which it doesn't anyway). ...and people "outside the U.S." includes those from other western, English-speaking countries.

And if it were a "Western university setting," there would not be teachers, detention, a lunch room, lockers, gym time, co-ed sports teams, 'sports college,' art class, a person checking student IDs at a counter, etc.

Valid point. Many of these are high school terms.

Have you ever been to a Western university? Nothing in this story resembles a Western university in any way. Nothing.

Nothing? Invalid point, it's your opinion and hyperbole at that. I attended a western, non-U.S. university and can relate to many university/college things from the game.

Then there is the cost of a driver's license. Costs almost nothing in most U.S. states and territories. There are some states that require formal schools before application. That certainly raises the cost. However, in European countries and in several Eastern countries I've lived in, it is quite expensive and usually can't be done until the age of 18 to 21.

All your point proves is that the SG universe is an amalgam of western cultures. There are Western countries where you have to take a series of costly and mandatory driving lessons before you can sit your license (which itself is not expensive) and it can be done at 15-16.

ADDENDUM: These posts, say it better:

I didn't miss anything.

"western" doesn't mean only the USA.
In fact, I'm from an English speaking, metric using, sub-21 drinking age western country with world-class universities.

PS - I'm from a similar country that's not the U.S.A.

I don't even want to argue, just some quote from the dev FYI:

https://thef95zone.info/threads/summers-gone-ch-5-beta-oceanlab.29981/post-9686883

He also said that he uses the German legal age restriction for drinking beer or wine, which is 16yo.

ADDENDUM 2: I mistook some of Nurikabe's posts for those of the OP, Content_Consumer. So, I apologize to Nurikabe because this meant I assumed he supported Content_Consumer's position in his reply.

 

[yossa999]

I didn't miss anything.

"western" doesn't mean only the USA.
In fact, I'm from an English speaking, metric using, sub-21 drinking age western country with world-class universities.

I don't even want to argue, just some quote from the dev FYI:

From here: The games now play in a fictional world. (No US or Europe). I want to be able to make my own rules, but I adopted traits of the US and Europe.

He also said that he uses the German legal age restriction for drinking beer or wine, which is 16yo.

 

[Nurikabe]

Sure, but that doesn't change anything.
It's a western university setting.
Everyone speaks English as a first language, almost everyone has western names with western spellings, metric seems to be the standard and the drinking age seems to be 18, so that narrows down the setting.
Do you remember their high school's name? That narrows it down even more.

I didn't miss anything.

"western" doesn't mean only the USA.
In fact, I'm from an English speaking, metric using, sub-21 drinking age western country with world-class universities.

Perfect, being from an English-speaking, metric-using, sub-21 drinking age, Western country with world-class universities, you already knew that the setting was obviously not a Western setting and clearly a fictional setting created by the dev.

See? We were arguing over nothing!

 

[AlexFXR]

No worries, didn't feel any aggressiveness there. As for the thing with Mila, I understand both sides: Mila went from somebody who smokes cause they feel like it to somebody who avoids it cause she's thinking in her future plans long term. As for how Ocean worded it though, I personally didn't feel like he was inappropriate... but then again my fiance is German, maybe I'm just immune to how they say things sometimes.

It makes no difference to me whether a person smokes or not. There is some kind of anti-smoking campaign going on in Germany, since Ocean got scared and removed cigarettes from the game?

 

[Nurikabe]

Have you ever been to a Western university? Nothing in this story resembles a Western university in any way. Nothing.

Nothing? Invalid point, it's your opinion and hyperbole at that. I attended a western, non-U.S. university and can relate to many university/college things from the game.

Yes! Absolutely! Like you, I have no problems relating to any of the claims in the story despite none of those things being present in any of the universities I attended, or in any North American university for that matter. Many of the things described in the story DO fit Eastern university ops, and specifically Germany. There are some liberties taken.

Then there is the cost of a driver's license. Costs almost nothing in most U.S. states and territories. There are some states that require formal schools before application. That certainly raises the cost. However, in European countries and in several Eastern countries I've lived in, it is quite expensive and usually can't be done until the age of 18 to 21.

All your point proves is that the SG universe is an amalgam of western cultures. There are Western countries where you have to take a series of costly and mandatory driving lessons before you can sit your license (which itself is not expensive) and it can be done at 15-16.

Thank you, once more. That is exactly my point.

 

[Mortarion]

Then there is not having a driver's license because it's expensive ... really? Maybe in some weird shithole country, but then the story is set in a western country where a driver's license costs next to nothing.

You blame Ocena for not knowing how university looks, well...
Looks like your have clealry no understanding about the driving licences and the cost of it in europe or specially germany.

A proper driving education costs nothing?
Maybe in the states, where a blind and deaf monkey who is barlely able to manage the two pedals can train a other "qualified" person. And we don'T even talk about the third needed pedal...


Here in germany the cost for a drving licence class B can easy go into 3000€ - in Berlin.

Just a little overview about the classes ...

You must be registered to see the links

You have to go through the complete damn precess again if you want the license for a other class.

Fresh numbers from germany.

Source:

You must be registered to see the links

Current information and costs of the class B driving licence at a glance 2023
What are the driving licence costs?

First things first: there is no exact price for a category B driving licence. Driving schools are not subject to a scale of fees. This means that each driving school is allowed to set its own prices for the driving licence. However, they are obliged by law to ensure both price clarity and the so-called price truth. Driving schools must therefore state a fixed price for the services they offer, such as theory lessons, driving lessons and exams, make these prices publicly available - and also adhere to these prices.

All driving licence costs at a glance
Thanks to this law, learner drivers can find out about the prices and costs of driving schools in their area and compare them before applying.

• • Twelve special trips: learner drivers must practice driving four times on the motorway, five times overland and three times at night for 45 minutes each. These driving lessons are compulsory. The costs range from 65 euros to 95 euros depending on the region, federal state and driving school.
  • Additional practice sessions of 45 minutes each: This is where general driving is practised. The number required depends on personal talent and ultimately makes the biggest difference to the total cost of the driving licence. The cost per hour is often between 55 euros and 75 euros.
  • Basic amount: These are the costs for the administration as well as the theoretical lessons. This is currently between 400 euros and 600 euros.
  • Learning materials: Online access to driving licence apps, books and online media is required for the theory test. The costs are between 60 and 80 euros.
  • Exam costs: Fee for the presentation for the theory test (Tüv/Dekra): For a category B driving licence, the theory test costs 22.49 euros.
  • Test costs: Fee for the presentation for the practical test (Tüv/Dekra): This fee differs according to the respective driving licence category; for category B driving licences, the cost of the practical driving test 2021 is 116.93 euros. Previously, the test cost 91.75 euros. Not only the costs of the test organisation are incurred here, the driving schools also charge for this service. On average, these costs for the theory test are between €50 and €100. The costs for the presentation for the practical test are around 150 to 250 euros. Here too, the prices depend on the driving school, the federal state and the region.
• 
  Additional costs for the application to the road traffic authority:
  • Eye test: According to the law, this must cost 6.43 euros and is offered at every optician.
  • First aid course "Life-saving immediate measures at the scene of an accident": Price between 14.50 euros and 40 euros.
  • Passport photos: Price around five to ten euros.
  • Driving licence application from the road traffic authority: 40 euros to 70 euros, depending on the authority.

 

[DirtyMario]

You blame Ocena for not knowing how university looks, well...
Looks like your have clealry no understanding about the driving licences and the cost of it in europe or specially germany.

A proper driving education costs nothing?
Maybe in the states, where a blind and deaf monkey who is barlely able to manage the two pedals can train a other "qualified" person. And we don'T even talk about the third needed pedal...


Here in germany the cost for a drving licence class B can easy go into 3000€ - in Berlin.

Just a little overview about the classes ...

You must be registered to see the links

View attachment 3059926



You have to go through the complete damn precess again if you want the license for a other class.

Fresh numbers from germany.

Source:

You must be registered to see the links

Current information and costs of the class B driving licence at a glance 2023
What are the driving licence costs?

First things first: there is no exact price for a category B driving licence. Driving schools are not subject to a scale of fees. This means that each driving school is allowed to set its own prices for the driving licence. However, they are obliged by law to ensure both price clarity and the so-called price truth. Driving schools must therefore state a fixed price for the services they offer, such as theory lessons, driving lessons and exams, make these prices publicly available - and also adhere to these prices.

All driving licence costs at a glance
Thanks to this law, learner drivers can find out about the prices and costs of driving schools in their area and compare them before applying.

• • Twelve special trips: learner drivers must practice driving four times on the motorway, five times overland and three times at night for 45 minutes each. These driving lessons are compulsory. The costs range from 65 euros to 95 euros depending on the region, federal state and driving school.
  • Additional practice sessions of 45 minutes each: This is where general driving is practised. The number required depends on personal talent and ultimately makes the biggest difference to the total cost of the driving licence. The cost per hour is often between 55 euros and 75 euros.
  • Basic amount: These are the costs for the administration as well as the theoretical lessons. This is currently between 400 euros and 600 euros.
  • Learning materials: Online access to driving licence apps, books and online media is required for the theory test. The costs are between 60 and 80 euros.
  • Exam costs: Fee for the presentation for the theory test (Tüv/Dekra): For a category B driving licence, the theory test costs 22.49 euros.
  • Test costs: Fee for the presentation for the practical test (Tüv/Dekra): This fee differs according to the respective driving licence category; for category B driving licences, the cost of the practical driving test 2021 is 116.93 euros. Previously, the test cost 91.75 euros. Not only the costs of the test organisation are incurred here, the driving schools also charge for this service. On average, these costs for the theory test are between €50 and €100. The costs for the presentation for the practical test are around 150 to 250 euros. Here too, the prices depend on the driving school, the federal state and the region.
• 
  Additional costs for the application to the road traffic authority:
  • Eye test: According to the law, this must cost 6.43 euros and is offered at every optician.
  • First aid course "Life-saving immediate measures at the scene of an accident": Price between 14.50 euros and 40 euros.
  • Passport photos: Price around five to ten euros.
  • Driving licence application from the road traffic authority: 40 euros to 70 euros, depending on the authority.

Guess there's less of a challenge in the US when the goal is to drive an automatic at a maximum of 112 km/h in whichever damn lane you please.

 

[John972]

Yes! Absolutely! Like you, I have no problems relating to any of the claims in the story despite none of those things being present in any of the universities I attended, or in any North American university for that matter. Many of the things described in the story DO fit Eastern university ops, and specifically Germany. There are some liberties taken.


Thank you, once more. That is exactly my point.

I should clarify I attended a Western, non-American AND non-European university. SG's portrayal of university/college so far has several elements I recognize and am familiar with and several I am not familiar with. Therefore, I would never say SG's portrayal of university/college has NOTHING... etc.

"That is exactly my point" - I assume you mean the SG universe being an amalgam of several western cultures.

...and I apologize to you, Nurikabe, because I also mistook you for the original poster, Content_Consumer, who seems to have an issue with SG not treating English-speaking, western culture as SOLELY American culture:

Spoiler: Content_Consumer, post: 12121222, member: 1885345

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

 

[Dr.XxL]

Whether or not ch.5full=season1,and then season 2?

 

[Nurikabe]

Guess there's less of a challenge in the US when the goal is to drive an automatic at a maximum of 112 km/h in whichever damn lane you please.

Spoiler: Interesting tidbits (or not)...

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

Spoiler: Explanation to your question

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

In regards to the SG universe being based on a real culture, my point was that it strongly resembled German and Eastern countries. Not that it came from any single culture. I think Ocean tries to make his games more universal and easier to accept regardless of where we live.

Yossa, later posted the words from Ocean himself describing his take on the SG setting.

 

[yossa999]

You blame Ocena for not knowing how university looks, well...
Looks like your have clealry no understanding about the driving licences and the cost of it in europe or specially germany.

A proper driving education costs nothing?
Maybe in the states, where a blind and deaf monkey who is barlely able to manage the two pedals can train a other "qualified" person. And we don'T even talk about the third needed pedal...


Here in germany the cost for a drving licence class B can easy go into 3000€ - in Berlin.

Just a little overview about the classes ...

You must be registered to see the links

View attachment 3059926



You have to go through the complete damn precess again if you want the license for a other class.

Fresh numbers from germany.

Source:

You must be registered to see the links

Current information and costs of the class B driving licence at a glance 2023
What are the driving licence costs?

First things first: there is no exact price for a category B driving licence. Driving schools are not subject to a scale of fees. This means that each driving school is allowed to set its own prices for the driving licence. However, they are obliged by law to ensure both price clarity and the so-called price truth. Driving schools must therefore state a fixed price for the services they offer, such as theory lessons, driving lessons and exams, make these prices publicly available - and also adhere to these prices.

All driving licence costs at a glance
Thanks to this law, learner drivers can find out about the prices and costs of driving schools in their area and compare them before applying.

• • Twelve special trips: learner drivers must practice driving four times on the motorway, five times overland and three times at night for 45 minutes each. These driving lessons are compulsory. The costs range from 65 euros to 95 euros depending on the region, federal state and driving school.
  • Additional practice sessions of 45 minutes each: This is where general driving is practised. The number required depends on personal talent and ultimately makes the biggest difference to the total cost of the driving licence. The cost per hour is often between 55 euros and 75 euros.
  • Basic amount: These are the costs for the administration as well as the theoretical lessons. This is currently between 400 euros and 600 euros.
  • Learning materials: Online access to driving licence apps, books and online media is required for the theory test. The costs are between 60 and 80 euros.
  • Exam costs: Fee for the presentation for the theory test (Tüv/Dekra): For a category B driving licence, the theory test costs 22.49 euros.
  • Test costs: Fee for the presentation for the practical test (Tüv/Dekra): This fee differs according to the respective driving licence category; for category B driving licences, the cost of the practical driving test 2021 is 116.93 euros. Previously, the test cost 91.75 euros. Not only the costs of the test organisation are incurred here, the driving schools also charge for this service. On average, these costs for the theory test are between €50 and €100. The costs for the presentation for the practical test are around 150 to 250 euros. Here too, the prices depend on the driving school, the federal state and the region.
• 
  Additional costs for the application to the road traffic authority:
  • Eye test: According to the law, this must cost 6.43 euros and is offered at every optician.
  • First aid course "Life-saving immediate measures at the scene of an accident": Price between 14.50 euros and 40 euros.
  • Passport photos: Price around five to ten euros.
  • Driving licence application from the road traffic authority: 40 euros to 70 euros, depending on the authority.

What surprises me the most is the final conclusion of the post.

[...] This does not deserve the 4.5 star rating it has.

It's really weird how different people look at the same things and what they consider important and what they don't.
Yeah, indeed, it is the authenticity of the depiction of the details and rules of college life in a fictional world which though has many similar traits to the Western countries, the accuracy of driving license prices, and the use of the correct measurement system for the temperature; this is the reasons why people give the game a high or low rating.

 

[wd1111]

I fear the next topic will be a discussion how Star Wars got lightsabers all wrong being able to limit the light beam length, and how this is totally impossible in real world, so George should apologize for making a SciFi movie that got physics so wrong...

 

[PaxHadrian17]

Whether or not ch.5full=season1,and then season 2?

CH 5 Full completes Season 1 (which is CH 1 - CH 5 Full).

And - Ocean has already started making renders for Season 2's initial chapter.

This from Ocean's latest dev log (Nov 1st, 2023):


The current render count is:

S2-CH1 = 190 stills + 55 seconds of animations. (I did quite a few animations already.)

CH2 rework = 225 stills.

So, while I'll finish the last part of the rework, I'm also working on Season 2.

I appreciate that Ocean has decided to share future work efforts (Season 2) while he is working on completing CH 5 Full.

This is a recent change to the level of information he provides in his dev logs.

Cheers!!

 

[PaxHadrian17]

No one knows at this point but you have to think of it from the angle Ocean has talked about - his intention is for things to happen in the background, including other characters talking to each other. So if you're flirting with Jenna, and then she walks away and then you're holding Anna's hand, all these women are seeing this, and they all know each other and talk to each other (this book club is essentially a hen house full of gossiping women). So is it gonna get back to Amber that you're flirting with all these women at the book club? Probably. Will it affect anything on her route so early? This is unknowable at this point. Maybe Ocean will write the route to be forgiving if you commit to her later, or maybe it won't. We'll just have to wait and see.
I told Jenna I wasn't interested in her, and then I refused to hold Anna's hand for exactly the reason mentioned above.

Guaranteed later on too if you're on a route with Amber, gotta keep in mind, her sister works at the school so if you're fucking around at the school, she's probably going to hear / see / find out and tell Amber. We all will have to be mindful of these things as we play.

I think Amber is quite aware of how the MC is interacting with the other MILFs, but for now, I believe it is in the context of his impact on the plans she and Noji have re: the book club.

Here is some of what I see playing out with Amber, near term:

I actually think the MC playing on the interest of multiple MILFs during the book club get together will become part of their discussion during the next therapy session, as will any growth in his relationship with Bella.

When the MC shares that he intends to attend future book club meetings to sway things in Noji's favor, this will intrigue Amber (who was almost pedantic in her assessment of the book, like she is playing a role far less lively than what she has shown the MC when he has visited her house).

If the MC asks Amber for her help on how to best play the other MILFs at the book club (I could see Amber's eyes widen as she accepts that he is acknowledging her as a MILF while they both know he cannot fulfill the F part of MILF at this time), I think she will agree to help. I'd see them teaming up to help Noji, all while Amber is deciding how much to share with the MC, and curious just how much he picked up during his first book club visit.

I think Amber greatly values a sharp mind and the MC will impress her with his insights and ability to 'read a room' so quickly.

Re: Bella - I believe that Amber will acknowledge the wisdom of the MC and Bella decision to continue their relationship - see where it will go, but without exclusivity at this time.

I think, based on both the MC's honesty about his desire to be able to be intimate with Bella and the frustration at his current inability to function normally for a man in his late teens, Amber will push for the cabin visit sooner than later. Given her relationship with Marla, I can see this happening as soon as middle of the next week - an approved school absence (although the timing is, OC, my conjecture ... and my desire to see Just how close Amber and the MC get during that Long day spent together).

I believe that the MC needs to be on the Bella path for there to be a future path with Amber.

I have no idea how the MC threads the needle to get off the Bella path and get on the Amber path without causing major issues between Bella and Amber (and I don't see Amber allowing this to happen - a true breakdown in her relationship with Bella - given that she has already 'lost' one daughter).

We may get some hints in the first chapter of Season 2 as the MC and Bella will be working on their project (if they continue to work on it in Bella's room) and I could easily see the MC and Amber chatting briefly about the book club/having a friendly catching up prior to the next therapy visit (Monday/Tuesday coming up?).

Amber is a very observant woman and I'm curious what she says to the MC, knowing that he is a very large pebble thrown into the pond that is the still waters of Bella's heart. I'm certain Amber has noticed the ripples.

It is hard to go wrong when the MC gets to see both Bella and Amber in a given chapter!

Cheers!!

 

[MF_DOOM]

I see the Dev still doesn't know anything about university.
He's written and rendered the whole thing like it's high school 2.0.

Oh no two students had sex? Quick call the president!
NEWS AT SIX! Students in university allegedly had sex!

Also even the idea that a midget would have any chance to get into a D1 basketball team is hilarious, as is the idea that a roid junkie wouldn't get tested out nearly immediately.

I think even in the "school" bathroom scene one of the women said something about leaving before they get detention.
Detention? Really? In uni?
How are you going to put adults into detention?

There are so many more examples [like being on some sort of sport rotation throughout the year? That's still a high school thing.] just don't write based on source material you have no understanding of.

Then there is not having a driver's license because it's expensive ... really? Maybe in some weird shithole country, but then the story is set in a western country where a driver's license costs next to nothing.
In western countries the government wants people to drive, because driving means buying vehicles, fuel, paying taxes and thus working, which is a net positive for the economy.
They don't want to put stupid barriers, like making the license expensive, in place because that then lifts the average age that people would be driving.

View attachment 3059528
View attachment 3059530

Nami seems to have forgot that earlier she said the temperature in Celsius, when telling Sonya that she should wear less because it was going to be 36C that day.



This does not deserve the 4.5 star rating it has.

You are definitely right about the UNI stuff, but I think the US is the backwards country letting some drunk uncle teach you how to drive. Maybe thats why Americans are the worst drivers in the world.
I live in Israel and we have to take a minimum of 28 lessons, thats about $35 per lesson, plus a theory test and a driving test, both costing money. If you fail in the driving test you have to take another minimum of 28 lessons and take another test.



But the bottom line is, you are right, this does not deserve the 4.5 star rating it has because the game is very average.
Like the times the MC thinks he is a Mosad agent, running around collecting info and spying on people. It's just stupid.

 

[KekWGgWP]

You are definitely right about the UNI stuff, but I think the US is the backwards country letting some drunk uncle teach you how to drive. Maybe thats why Americans are the worst drivers in the world.
I live in Israel and we have to take a minimum of 28 lessons, thats about $35 per lesson, plus a theory test and a driving test, both costing money. If you fail in the driving test you have to take another minimum of 28 lessons and take another test.



But the bottom line is, you are right, this does not deserve the 4.5 star rating it has because the game is very average.
Like the times the MC thinks he is a Mosad agent, running around collecting info and spying on people. It's just stupid.

Correction, it doesn't deserve 4.5 star rating in your opinion and others who think the same, don't talk like it's a general rule and everyone should think the same because you or someone else said so.