For a genre that you assume would be suffering from overcrowding, the train driver simulation scene has been underwelming to say the least. Microsoft did their bit with the Microsoft Train Simulator, which featured realistic engines, scenery and real world tracks. Auran's answer, Trainz, cuts back on the real world tracks and the detail but beats its more fancied opponent on the ground simply by being more fun to play. The game features three different "worlds", America, Great Britian and Australia. None of these networks are based off real world settings, but are still well detailed and expansive. There's a large selection of engines and carriages available as well, with a great deal of the world's finest on show. The detail of these engines and carriages goes to show Auran's commitment to the cause, and trainspotters will delight in every detailed coupling and accurate colour scheme. One noticable absentee however is Queensland Rail's Tilt Train, which, when you consider that most of the other Australian train services are represented, is a bit sad. The controls are an interesting package; They can be as impossibly complex or mind-numbingly easy as you want them to be, from a set of complex start up and take off procedures to merely just hitting the "go forwards" button. Younger players will appriciate the simpler controls while the hardcore sim fan will appriciate the more complex system. If the game has a fault, it's that the game might be a little too simplicistic. The graphics, presentation, and scenery are all fine, but they can be a little sparse and samey, and it's one area that MTS beat it hands down. Also, with only three major track systems in game, it won't be long before you have your fill of the tracks on offer, and wonder where the next track will come from. Luckily, there is a steady community out there that can provide custom tracks as well as engines, carriages and scenery. Like MTS, there is a scenario mode available. And like MTS's scenario mode, most of the scenarios play out much the same way - Drive the train without breaking the rules, stop at all the stations, drive in varible conditions and so forth. While admittedly, there's not much you can do in this regard with a train simulator, it would have been nice to see a bit of variation in the missions. Having said that, it's fun, hard work, but probably unsuited to younger players who may like driving around the tracks at high speed better. There are some problems with the track editor, too. Overall it's fun to play around with but far too often you'll find yourself building tracks that are too dangerous for the trains to drive on. Building tracks of any real substance or realism also requires a great deal of patience. Don't expect to be able to construct your local train network in an afternoon session, or with any great precision. In spite of its problems though, the track editor is still much better than the one provided by Microsoft for MTS. Sonically, the game is everything you'd expect it to be. There's nothing spectactular here, but nothing completely outragious either, which is just as good. It should be noted that the version reviewed here is the budget release of Trainz which features the Scenarios mentioned in the review. Readers should also note that an updated version of Trainz was released in 2004. Those looking for a more realistic experience might be advised to seek out Microsft Train Simulator. However, if all you want to do is play Train Driver and storm about the make-believe countryside in the Orient Express, then Trainz is the better option.
When I first laid eyes upon trains, I thought, " What a dumb game." Boy, was I wrong. Even If you know nothing about trains, you will like this. Everything about it is superb. There are four modes. Driver, colletion and ... Read Full Review
This game has so much to offer. Not only does it allow you to drive the train it also lets you build your own routes, run a train yard, paint your own trains and much more. It has varying amounts of realism from model tr... Read Full Review
