Okay, so I have played several hours with the Trans-Siberian Railway Simulator. This game puts you into the driver’s seat of a powerful freight locomotive on a real-world, 220-kilometer stretch of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway. Very interesting concept, how how does it game?
Let’s start with the good stuff. The developers deserve a round of applause for capturing the sheer scale and beauty of the Siberian landscape. You’ll chug through dense forests, vast plains, and over impressive bridges, all rendered in a decent visual package. It’s a truly immersive experience, especially when you factor in the dynamic weather system that throws snow, rain, and sunshine your way.
Now, about that locomotive. You’re in charge of a beastly VL10 engine, and the level of detail here is impressive. You get to fiddle with all the switches, levers, and gauges in the cabin, feeling the weight of responsibility as you navigate the tracks. But here’s the catch: this isn’t exactly a physics simulator. Don’t expect the same level of precision as something like Derail Valley. Inclines and declines don’t have a huge impact on momentum, so forget about super realistic derailments.
The fun twist comes with the survival elements. This isn’t just about driving a train; it’s about staying alive. You gotta keep an eye on your hunger, thirst, and even body temperature. The cab gets chilly if you keep the doors open too long, forcing you to manage the heating system – a nice touch that adds another layer of challenge.
Then there’s the whole “wear and tear” thing. Just like your trusty car in My Summer Car, your locomotive has parts that wear down over time. Bearings, brakes, levers – they all need replacing to keep your metal stallion running smoothly. This adds a layer of resource management that keeps you on your toes.
Speaking of resources, the game offers multiple ways to make money. You can stick to the straight and narrow, completing freight deliveries or even taking on some hunting for extra cash. But if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a whole mafia subplot where you can take on some less-than-legal missions. It’s up to you to decide how deep you want to dive into that rabbit hole.
Now, for the not-so-great things. The biggest issue is the lack of hand-holding. The game throws you in with minimal guidance. Blow a red signal? Boom, potential head-on collision. While this adds to the realism, it can be frustrating for newcomers. Derailments, when they do happen, sometimes result in an abrupt “MISSION FAILED” screen, which feels a bit harsh.
The replayability is also a bit of a question mark. The current section of track feels substantial, but it’s unclear what happens once you reach the end. Here’s hoping future updates expand the world further.
Trans-Siberian Railway Simulator: Trans-Siberian Railway Simulator is a unique experience. It's a blend of train simulator, survival game, and even a touch of mafia intrigue. While the physics might not be top-notch, the attention to detail in the locomotive and the beautiful environments create a truly immersive journey. Just be prepared for some bumps, both literal and metaphorical, along the way. – Tom Henry
