Huge and detailed, relaxing gameplay... and you need to discover yourself the basics.
What is this all about???, I have a nice train, I can speed up and it goes on... I can apply brakes... uh?... what else...???
Nothing else!
Then, why an 8 score?
As a matter of fact the experience changes when you change the difficulty settings, which in turn makes the train more real life-like, but to be honest, I'm still sticking to the first mode in which you can control just the simple aspects of the train.
The first impression was even worst when I kept derailing in the first mission, over and over... I began with an intense search in the net for tips and / or a walkthrough, mainly because the manuals provided won't give you any clue at what's going on... only the keyboard controls' chart won't really explain the "situation"
...much much later and when there was no more interest in keep derailing, I thought... can it be the 2D map an answer?
Yep!, indeed, if you do not manage the rail direction from the 2D map you are doomed!, more so, if you click on the shift button you can line-up the whole route at once!
Wow!, after this fantastic discovery... I could now engage in the simulator.
And the initial let down, was exchanged for one of the most fantastic experiences. Watching the trains go by is maybe one of your early childhood dreams, and this simulator provides plenty of that fascination.
It becomes stimulating, although the camera angles, one of the main features, are not as polished as they need to be. The game could have a better score if not for this drawback, since most of the time you are "Watching", hence, camera options need better attention... even though, the experience of delivering goods across vast lands and miles and miles of railroads is quite impressive.
The editing tools are just a blast!
You can have the sand-box scenario you ever dreamt of, you just need to learn how to use the "easy-to-use-once-learned" builder... your immagination, if ambitious, could get you a GREAT time...
If you are a "City-builder" this one can be your paradise either... you can be endlessly building here. :)
I recommend this one only if you know what the word "Relaxing" means when playing a game, otherwise, if you are a "button-smasher", approach with caution.