Developer: Bitrich.info
Publisher: Bitrich.info
Platform: PC, Switch
Tested on: Switch
Rail Route – Review
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a train dispatcher? Rail Route gives you the total package to experience what this profession is like. At first, Rail Route doesn’t seem that special, and the many features may overwhelm you at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll see this game offers a lot of positive elements. Yet, it also has a couple of cons that need to be mentioned, but besides those cons, the game is a relaxing train simulator and therefore quite ideal to play after a long and busy day.
Story
The story is simple. The game starts with you becoming a new dispatcher at the train station. There, you’ll meet a seasoned veteran who will lead the tutorial. This person is your mentor and explains everything well, which is necessary because there are a lot of buttons and things to remember. The person giving the tutorial draws you into the game, and it’ll feel like you’re able to shut out reality for a while. This is a very good aspect of Rail Route.
You become a train dispatcher who has to control and manage train networks. You’ll do this for many different stations all over the world, which is a pretty cool addition. Besides this, there isn’t much more story. However, this game doesn’t need a deep and complex storyline at all. Rail Route is all about gameplay and helping you escape from reality for a bit while introducing you to a real-life profession.
Graphics
Rail Route’s visuals are simple, too. The game doesn’t offer any cutscenes or detailed character designs. And yet, its visuals are quite charming, and here’s why. The game looks like an actual train dispatcher’s interface. The lines represent tracks, and the many different symbols and colors stand for all the different things. You’ll have to learn what all of them mean, and this may take a while, but that’s part of the fun. Once again, the focus of the game is on gameplay, not on flashy visuals or detailed backgrounds. The visuals Rail Route offers are perfect for this type of game.
Sound
The music you hear in the background while you’re managing your train networks is so soothing and relaxing. It fits the purpose of the game. However, there isn’t one song that stands out, but again, that’s not necessary. It’s also important to mention that the voice acting for the man who guides you at the start is well done. His voice is just as soothing and calm as the background tunes and thus fits the game perfectly.
Gameplay
Rail Route is a relaxing train management simulator in which you become a dispatcher who guides different trains in different networks all around the world. After the tutorial given to you by the veteran, you’ll gradually start doing things by yourself. The tutorial is important, though, as there are many things to keep in mind, and it’s easy to get lost in all the buttons and menus. This is why the interface may feel overwhelming at first, but the trick is to look through this and learn what everything means.
You’ll start with a small network, controlling signals and routes to make sure the trains arrive at the right destination, and – most importantly – on time. More tools will become available to you as you progress. After a while, networks will become more complex and you’ll have to take care of other things too, like infrastructure and creating timetables, which will require planning.
Rail Route offers different modes that give you the freedom to choose the one that fits your playstyle. Story Mode focuses on the narrative, gradually introducing the mechanics to the players. Endless Mode offers a more relaxing experience and lets you build and manage your network at your own pace. Next, Timetable Mode offers structured challenges based on pre-set maps and schedules. Lastly, Rush Hour Mode is for those who do well under pressure and aren’t afraid to think quickly and make fast-paced decisions.
On the Nintendo Switch (and Switch 2), you’ll either use the touch screen or the cursor that you can control using your Joy-Cons or a controller. Honestly, the cursor might work better on a PC, but for the Switch, it feels rather stiff. It also takes a while to get used to all the different menus and buttons, and when you open multiple menus at the same time, everything becomes a bit chaotic. But practice makes perfect!
Another thing to keep in mind is that time in Rail Route passes the same way as in real life. An in-game minute equals a minute in real life. This makes the game feel slow at times, even though there’s an option to make time go faster by pushing a button. The man who gives the tutorial even mentions you’re free to enjoy another activity while managing your network. So, this is a feature you must like to enjoy this game.
Conclusion
Rail Route doesn’t have a storyline, impressive visuals, or a standout soundtrack, but it doesn’t need it. It’s almost magical how this game is good without having any of that. The gameplay needs some getting used to, and it might feel slow and stiff at times, but in the end, it’s a relaxing game that’s ideal to play after a long and busy day. In addition, it also introduces players to a real-life profession. The biggest plus Rail Route offers is its four different modes to suit players’ playstyles. However, you need to like this kind of slow-paced game to be able to enjoy it. If you prefer fast-paced games, then it’s better to sit this one out. But if you’re looking for an interesting game to relax, then it’s worth giving a shot.
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