Train Wreck- an anticipated game from Sid Meier, who normally produces lavish titles, does not live up to the reputation
The graphics are wonderful to be sure. The mechanics of game also seem to work in a fine fashion. But gone is the realism I have enjoyed in previous versions. The 2006 "Sid Meier's Railroads!" could have been a glorious return to the initial age of computer gaming, such as the new "Sid Meier's Pirates!" was. Instead it seems to be a plaything for those not in the slightest concerned with appearance or history...realism.
The first thing I find unrealistic is trains themselves. The locomotives and cars are brightly adorned with greens, blues, and reds. I never knew I steam engine that did not contain mostly the coal black of a boiler. The passenger cars are similarly coloured. This use of the rainbow suggests to me that Sid intended this game to be a toy train palace.
There are also other unrealistic elements of the game. Materials of the world are available immediately instead of waiting for the appropriate moment in history to appear and perhaps disappear later. The financial model is also simplistic compared to PopTop Railroad Tycoon 2 and 3 which featured a fully functional stock market and the ability to buy out and do a hostile takeover of your opponents.
There are aspects which are delightful, such as the ability to use multiple layers of parallel track. Into major cities it is common for me to use 5 or even 6 side-by-side rails. It helps tremendously when a dozen trains are in operation continuously from that station. The track laying is beautifully modeled, and the routing of trains work wonderfully.
The final blow to the game for me is the crash to desktops. They are common and frequent, even with the latest patch (1.10) and latest video drivers loaded. Just when a nice route has been completed, the game often crashes waisting an otherwise good time.
For me, this game could have been great but did not live up to its glamorous reputation. One can only hope yet another patch will address the frequent crashes and perhaps give new skins to the colorful locomotives. For a much more realistic, and reliable platform, stick with PopTop Railroad Tycoon 2 and 3.