Developer: Dovetail Games
Publisher: Dovetail Games
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Tested on: PlayStation 4
Train Sim World – Review
In many countries there are a handful modes of transportation available to get you to your destination. When it comes down to the most common types of public transport most people prefer the bus for short commutes and the train for long distances. As most of you know how a car works, it isn’t hard to imagine how it feels to drive a bus. Once behind the panel of a train, well, you suddenly get more respect for train drivers. Train Sim World teaches you how to operate this mean machine on rails in a handful of scenarios all over the globe.
Story
You are among the happy few who make it into the cockpit of a train as you have been selected to commandeer some of the most diverse vessels out there. Ranging from modern powerhouses to old diesels, you are going to learn how it was in the old days and how it is today. The game plays in scenarios but without any real backstory, so it’s just a view in the daily routine of a train route. Despite this absence there is nothing missed for the time being. Each chapter has its own information and while each mission gives you the feeling of moving up in the ranks, this is where the story part ends.
Graphics
Visually the game reminds of a more budget title. Overall, it is noticeable that the finest details are a bit sketchy (e.g., text is readable but with crude edges). The workspace is well-made and trains look good, as does the environment, but somewhere you will notice the lack of depth. The developers did two things very well. First, the interiors of the trains look very realistic and the instruments are detailed in form and function (e.g., buttons and switches are fully actuated). Secondly, while environments may lack depth, they are fully traversable on foot, making the experience even better.
Sound
With good graphics should come great sound. However, nothing too special is to be found here. The sound of Train Sim World isn’t very advanced. Each tutorial is narrated by a different person but there are no real accents that are linked to the current location. In-game there is no music, this is preserved for the menu.
Gameplay
Train Sim World is, as the title suggests, a simulator in which you commandeer a person or freight carrier. Operating this huge steel vessel isn’t like driving a car, it’s more like flying a space vessel. In the various tutorials they teach you the basic operations but leave out some details about power loss or resetting after an emergency situation. This makes the game a headscratcher on crisis occasions. Some players may find the learning curve a bit high, but once you get the hang of it, this turns into a fun game.
For those die-hard train enthusiasts there are many things to explore in the train, from the fully functional cockpit to walking around each train station to collect hidden items. Running at the right timetable is a must for a good driver and you get points for keeping to the schedule. What can be utterly frustrating is the mandatory restart if you do a big mistake (well, it would cost you your job in real life). Without checkpoints and the long scenarios, a little mishap could mean great time loss. Choosing what kind of job is right for you can be done on each occasion, this means you can freely switch between Europe and America, take care of travelers or precious cargo.
Controlling everything can be done in two ways. The first is with on-screen buttons and the second is with quick modes on your controller. Once you master both simultaneously, you notice how easy this whole experience truly is.
Conclusion
Train Sim World is a fun and realistic simulator that lets you experience how it is to be the person that brings people and goods to their destination. With a good variety of locations and a handful of trains to pilot, it will surely keep the player entertained for hours to come. The looks might be a bit bland, but the gameplay compensates for a large part.
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