Train Simulator

Rating:
Summary: Worried, you bet I am!
Review: I saw on a website the system requirements for the Press Beta version of the game (which I did not recieve) and I started to get really nervouse. What I saw was 266mhz, and I have a 200mhz computer. I cant wait for the game to be released, and even if it doesn't work on my computer, I'm still going to buy it! Last time I tried a 266 game on my computer it didn't work, that was Nascar Racing 4, but Microsoft says they are trying to get the game to work on low requirements. I hope what I saw wasn't the Minimum Requirements...(gulp). But if it doesn't work, I guess I'll be buying a new computer.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: President and CEO of Atlantic Coastal Virtual Railway.

Train Simulator is truly Microsoft's best, and best looking, simulator to date. Unlike with Flight Simulator, each inch of ground had to be accurately mapped and filled with scenery. Microsoft and Kuju have done this with over 600 miles of real-world terrain, a masterful feat. There are 6 real-world routes, from the US to Europe to Japan, there is something for everyone. Plus it includes editing tools, so users can create their own routes. They can add on to the default routes, create others from around the world, or from their own imagination. Expect to see more trains from other fans as well, designed to Microsoft's own perfection. A recommended buy for train fans, and game fans.

Rating:
Summary: I am falling asleep!
Review: Now I would love to drive a real train but feel this is too much like being a passanger. Nice graphics BUT I dont want to sit there for six hours watching it go by.

Rating:
Summary: Microsoft Heats Up the Firebox with Train Simulator
Review: By Robert and Patrick Scoble

Founders of The MSN Microsoft Train Simulator Fan Site ...

We first got a chance to get up close and personal with Microsoft's Train Simulator at the NMRA (the National Model Railroad Association's National Convention and Train Show in San Jose on August 4-6, 2000) and recently we received a press beta of Microsoft's Train Simulator since we run the MSN Train Simulator Fan Site at ... This was the first time that Microsoft had publicly shown Train Simulator (they say it'll ship in "Spring 2001"). "I want a copy," six-year-old train buff Patrick Scoble says, "they need to finish it."

That about sums up both of our responses. We couldn't wait. We're not usually into games or simulators, but we +are+ train nuts. The Train Simulator has us hooked and we suspect it'll have you hooked too. We're finding as we spend time with the simulator that even folks who don't appreciate trains as much as Patrick and I really are having a great time playing with Train Simulator as well.

First off, driving trains around with a simulator might sound boring, but I guarantee you it is not. This is from the same team that brought us Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Train Simulator will include six trains and tracks based on REAL LIVE RAILROADS. The simulation includes entire tracks over the Marias pass in Montana, for instance -- the other tracks are explained on Microsoft's "Features Page."

One of the activities in the simulator lets you drive a BNSF train going through Marias Pass in Montana. (There are nine engines and six different tracks -- all modeled on real world engines and tracks). The Microsoft Train Simulator will let you drive a simulation of the same train on the same tracks. Microsoft has tried to keep everything as accurate as possible. (Obviously simulation technology isn't as good as the "real" thing, but with Train Simulator it is darn close). This means that you could play with Train Simulator for six hours (on just one of the six tracks) and not see the same scenery. Switch to a different track and you get more hours of not-seen-before fun. Not to mention that it makes a great screen saver (you can leave it running on your desktop and the computer will take you on a tour of any one of the six rail lines that the programmers have built). The Simulator also doesn't force you to drive. You can stand at the side of the track. You can fly overhead in a "helicopter" mode. You can sit inside a passenger train and enjoy the view. Or you can sit in the cab and drive with realistic controls. This is a blast! If you were working on the Whitefish line, you'd start your six-hour trip over Marias pass in a Dash-9 in the Whitefish, Montana train yard. In Whitefish's train yard, the simulator would let you move your engine around on any of the 10 tracks, pick up other engines and cars, and hopefully refuel (many of these features were not demonstrated yet). Everything is realistic. Hey, think the simulator would let my wife visit her favorite antique store which is right near the track? I don't think so, but maybe that's something that we can build on later since Microsoft will give us the ability to add on new buildings and things to Train Simulator. The tools to build new things are quite nice, and already you can trade things with other Train Simulator users. This thing feels and sounds real. Particularly if you have a good 3D video card and a speaker system with a subwoofer. Here's a rundown of some of the features.

VIEWING: You can view the train from outside at any angle. You can "fly" around the train -- at any time (you have complete control of the camera angle and can zoom closer or back off for a wider angle view).

You can sit inside the cab and "drive." All the controls are authentic and you'll have full displays -- the same ones the real trains have.

You can stick your head outside the window and see the view (and you have complete control of the view. Forward, back, tilt, all just like if you were on a real train). This alone is unbelievable technology.

If you are carrying passenger coaches you can sit in back like a passenger. There will be other passengers to watch, supposedly (the "pre-Alpha" was empty). You can just sit there and watch the scenery go by, just like a real passenger.

You can switch to a mode that represents someone standing on the track and watching the train go by. I wonder, can you take a picture of your train?

Oh, did we mention the sound? The sound is VERY good and accurate. The product manager tells us that they actually went on location and did extensive recordings of the sound of each train. The sound changes depending on your perspective, too. If you are inside the cab, it sounds like that. If you are standing by on the side of the track, it sounds just like that too (although we didn't get hit by any flying stones like we did one time when we were trackside). The track noise is realistic and will change based on sections that have concrete ties with welded rails -- trains running on older track will have the familiar clickety clack.

You can switch trains and run them on any of the six tracks (I don't know that I'd want to take the 100+MPH Acela over Marias Pass, but I'm sure I'll try it just for fun).

In helicopter mode you can view each car one-by-one. You can tilt, pan, and elevate the camera position. You can fly over the train. Around the train. Through the train (almost).

The sound is awesome -- it better be, they digitally recorded real trains on location. Blow that whistle. (it's the space bar).

This simulator has one of the best uses of 3D technology I've seen so far. It's well worth the money and if you're into trains it'll blow your mind.

Rating:
Summary: Great game for train lovers!
Review: Unless you need something to put you to sleep, you can skip this one. Given, It was originally published in 2001, so the graphics could be much better, but in the end this is just a very boring game. Essentially, you get to drive a range of different trains, but there is none of the strategy you find in something like Rail Road Tycoon.

Rating:
Summary: Great fun
Review: I purchased this game a couple of years ago, after the initial release. For one reason or another, I ended up getting rid of it. But I just had to re-purchase this game. It was a little cheaper this time around, considering the game has been out some time already.

My decision to purchase this game, twice, should reflect how much I enjoyed this game.

I personally like to play a "free" activity, and my favorite is to take the steam engine on the Northeast Corridore tracks. When driving any of the trains, play with full manual controls for the best effect.

The steam engine has a slightly steep learning curve, but it's definately worth it. Twisting the valves, opening the firebox, shovling coal, all these things (when done manually) can lend a great sense of realism to the game. To the point where I can imagine myself sweaty and grimy, sailing ~60mph trying to keep this infernal contraption from derailing! And yes, make sure you turn derailments ON, and switch to an external view as you realize, with horror, that you just cannot make that curve...

Rating:
Summary: Superb Experience - Gotta love Trains
Review: I totally agree with the Customer from Idaho and others - it really gives you a real life experience, and can be an "addictive" experience
I run it on Windows 2000 and have no problems of downloading and crashing. I hesitate to say but have the impression Windows XP doesn't have enough "steam" for it. Also you need a good graphics/video card. My real joy is driving the steam trains - Deisels don't have the same degree of difficulty - !!!! Ever slid back down a steep grade or gone nowhere with a Deisel.

Rating:
Summary: Train Sim.
Review: I don't know; or can answer for anyone else but I love Train
Simulator form Microsoft. The only problem is it works great
with Windows upto and including ME; problem is when will there
be and up dated version for our WINDOWS "XP" and including with
it all of the add ons for WINDOWS "XP"; MS Train Simulator.

Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Train Driving Expierience!
Review: I purchased this software, but after spending the forty-five minutes installing the software, I attempted to run the program for the first time. It hung the computer, and continued to do so each time I attempted running it. Eventually after my eighth or minth attempt, Windows reported an incompatibility issue with my video driver. I checked the Microsoft website to discover this is a chronic problem with this product. I verified that I did indeed have the most recent video driver, and downloaded the DivX drivers from the Microsoft website, as suggested by Microsoft, but still the computer froze each time I attempted to run the software. I also attemped to change video settings, but still no luck. Once again, Microsoft came through putting out a product that is buggy and does work. After spending a full Saturday on this worthless product, I eventually removed this software from my machine.