Strategy First Trainz Simulation Review

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
2 votes

Price Paid:  $45.00 from EB

Summary:
This is exactly what it claims - a simulation of model railroading. If that's not what you want, you are likely to be disappointed. If you know nothing about railroading or model railroading, you are not likely to find this title very rewarding, because it is basically a set of tools to build you own virtual model railroad.

Oh, but what a set of tools. If you've poured over issues of Model Railroader magazine, if you (like me) have several boxes of locomotives, cars, tracks, etc. sitting idly in your attic (or garage, or basement, or ...), if you've dreamed of owning a huge, finely detailed, operating model railway but lack the money, time, space, carpentry skills, electrical skills, patience, dexterity, other (feel free to pick 1 or more) to build one, then this may just be your lucky day.

There is a learning curve, but it's not huge. Within a few hours you can create mountains and valleys, cover them with a variety of realistic textures, create lakes and streams, plant an array of trees (including the ever-popular fall colors), and place industries, businesses, homes, signs, roads, cars, people, livestock, fences, etc. to your heart's content. Oh yes, and lay track too. The software lets you work in various scales (G, HO, N, etc), so you can work out the details of an actual plan you intend to build. At the same time, it creates an entirely new way to build and enjoy a model railroad - one large enough that you can't see the end of the table (world) from the tracks. Even with long draw distances, it is possible to create a layout that immerses you in its own world.

Oh yeah, and then you can build and run trains in your own little world. Or in one of the three that comes with the software. Or on one you download the the official web site. It's a wonderful title IF you like this sort of thing. However, if you don't like this sort of thing, this could be a disappointment. There is no game (except those you create taking cargo and passengers from one station to another, etc.) - this is a simulation (of a simulation, no less!). There are no steam engines, though, and limited road names. For example, there is a B&O F7 but no C&O engines or cars - a bummer for someone like me who grew up watching C&O trains of coal go by. But these are nitpicks really, and if this sort of thing appeals to you, I would encourage support of this product by buying it. Personally, I love it.

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Price Paid:  $30.00

Summary:
With little expectations I was blown away at the creativeness that Trainz gives you. A sign of a good game is one you want to play over again and hopefully gives you your quarters worth. A sign of a great game is one that you waste away hours by the dozen without even knowing it (like a great 3 hour movie).

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Summary:
After buying MicrosofT Train Simulator some months ago, i basically grew dry of this type of game anymore. I mean how far can a game like this go...A game with no beginning, no end...Simply driving trains. Well Trainz i would say is a replica of Microsoft Train Simulator, in some aspects its better and others its worse. I wont completely down the game, the graphics were beautiful and what i enjoyed most about this game was that it was SO EASY to create your own train course/environments, where in Train Simulator it was close to impossible, again this game is NOT for everybody.