Captures the era of Steam
As one would expect, the graphics have significantly improved, although they are not "leading edge". There are higher resolution textures, lightmaps, dynamic shadows, superb trees and grass, animated plants (that sway in the wind) and animated people that board and disembark from your train when you stop. We also have dynamic weather, cargo loading, turntables and a traverser. The smoke and steam effects are also improved. But I think the thing that impressed me the most was the way they have captured the feeling of the countryside - especially on the 1950's steam route in Britain.
Out of the box it comes with only four routes and a handful of trains. Howvever, add-ons can be downloaded from Kuju's website by registered users of the game; and the game ships with a world editor and a scenario editor, which are nicely improved versions of those that shipped with the original MTS. The editors are actually quite easy to use and great fun.
Again, the controls and function of Rail Simulator are identical to Microsoft Train Simulator. One thing I found annoying, though, is that it's often difficult to see if the junctions ahead of you are configured correctly for you to pass through. If not, then you will be derailed. There are a few other minot glitches like lights on trains not working properly, and also signals can be difficult.
The locomotives are superbly done, with beautiful attention to detail and with authentic controls. Although the controls are much more comprehensive than those found in for example "Trainz", it offers nothing new when compared to MTS. Many gauges are non-function pictures, and much of what you see in the cabs of modern trains is eye candy. Steam locomotives are particularly impressive, and seem to offer more in terms of controls, as they did in MTS, but there is no more functionality than in MTS. We have a blower, injectors, coal shovelling rate, a damper, firebox doors, cylinder cocks and more. In advanced mode you have to operate all these independently & correctly - and I can tell you now that's not easy. It has however a challenge, and great fun!
I'm more of a U-boat or Aircraft fanatic, and prefer those kind of sims, but I must say that I find that driving trains in Rail Simulator strangely immersive and therapeutic. For many it recall childhood fascination with trains, railways and trainsets. I long to see more content, such as new routes (especially old steam routes in the UK) and hope enthusiasts get busy with the cool editing tools and create some material. I might have a go at our old branch line from my childhood town ;-)
In conclusion I'd say this is definitely a step forward from MTS, and well worth having for sim fans and train enthusiasts alike. It is not revolutionary, but it is a much needed update and revival of a unique simulation genre. I'm glad that developers and publishers dare to produce such things, because they have a tiny, tiny market when compared to games like Unreal III and World of Warcraft. Just imagine how boring the gaming world would be if all we got were FPSs and MMORPGs!!!