The most realistic train simulator has just gotten better with Train Simulator 2013. This latest release has more trains, routes, and even multiplayer functionality. That’s right – you can play with your friends online.
If you have a passion for trains and have always wanted to drive one, Train Simulator 2013 is the closes thing to the real deal. The game delivers a stunningly authentic experience that surpasses last year’s release.
RailSimulator also introduces the Steam Workshop in Train Simulator 2013; this opens up endless possibilities for the player. With the power of Steam Workshop, you can create and then submit your own scenarios that can be shared with the entire Steam community. This adds infinite replay value to Train Simulator 2013. Once you have completed the single-player experience, you can then choose from an unlimited amount of player made scenarios.
The game comes with eight basic locomotives and four gorgeous routes (locations) to explore. These locations are massive and have multiple routes that can be taken. Train Simulator 2013 is very flexible; it gives the player enough freedom to explore and it doesn’t matter if you’re playing Career Mode, Quick Drive or playing a scenario downloaded from the Steam Workshop.
Quick Drive mode allows you to drive any locomotive and route during any time of the day. This is a great mode if you only have a few hours to spare and don’t have a lot of time to play. This mode also makes it easy to jump right into the game and enjoy the simulation. Plus, Quick Drive is a great way to learn the controls and practice your locomotive skills.
Controls are an important factor when driving your locomotive. Everything you need is available at your fingertips. No matter what camera angle you use, it’s easy to slow down, stop, and speed up your locomotive. Nothing forces you to use the inside cockpit view to drive and it’s not even necessary to play the game from that perspective. The inside cockpit view happens to make the game more entertaining, but again it’s not required.
There is a small control panel inside the GUI (Graphical User Interface) located at the bottom of the screen. This panel has everything you need to control the locomotive. This configuration is great; it makes controlling the train easy and it adds to the fun factor. The control panel doesn’t have to be used; all the authentic controls and gauges are accessible through the cockpit view. But for first-timers, I strongly recommend using the easier controls that come turned on by default.
Since there are many buttons, leavers, and gauges in the cockpit, it can be very overwhelming for a beginner to handle. Once you learn how to operate all the proper controls, you will be able to run things without the easy controls active.
There is a small learning curve to overcome in Train Simulator 2013. And since this is a simulation, you are expected to do things by the book. When playing the Career (campaign) mode, you are trained in the basics to maintain and sustain your locomotive.
Running routes in either Career mode or player made content can be a lengthy process that can sometimes lead to hours of driving. You have to haul cargo that must be dumped and/or unloaded depending on the merchandise you are hauling. Every mission (job) you embark on has its own unique objectives. Nothing feels rehashed; it adds a lot of variety to the game.
Relay mode allows you to play online with friends via the Steam Network. The online gameplay is very unique; you do not compete against other players, but actually work with them. The Relay Mode works like this: either you or a friend starts an online scenario and the other player finishes it. The idea is to work together to achieve the best score possible and complete goals.
And since you’re not battling per se online with other players, the online aspect is very relaxing. This is a very different take on co-op multiplayer, but it works very well. I find this form of gameplay very engaging. You don’t have the pressure of trying to be the best while playing; it almost has an offline feel to it.
Train Simulator 2013 is backwards compatibility with previous releases in the series. Plus, the game is compatible with Microsoft’s PC Xbox 360 controller, so if you don’t feel like using the keyboard and mouse, you can use a controller instead.
Train Simulator 2013 is an outstanding simulator that is perfect for the hardcore train enthusiast or the weekend warrior who likes to dabble. There’s an enormous online community and plenty of published DLC to keep train enthusiasts busy for a long time.
James ‘Daripp3r‘ Pittaro
Platform: PC
System Requirements:
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- ●OS: Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8
- ●Processor:Processor: 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo (3.2 GHz Core 2 Duo recommended), AMD Athlon MP
- ●Memory:2 GB RAM
- ●Graphics:512 MB with Pixel Shader 3.0 (AGP PCIe only)
- ●DirectX:9.0c
- ●Hard Drive:6 GB HD space
- ●Sound:Direct X 9.0c compatible
- ●Other Requirements:Broadband Internet connection
- ●Additional:Quicktime Player is required for playing the videos
Developer: RailSimulator.com
Publisher: RailSimulator.com
ESRB: N/A
Price: $54.99 ($45.99 Promotion on Steam until November 11th, 2012)
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| Breathtaking landscapes and sensational views. | |
| Sound | |
| All the bells and whistles of a real locomotive are present. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Train Simulator 2013’s gameplay is relaxing and includes a lot of features. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Train Simulator 2013 is a train enthusiast’s dream come true. | |
