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Trainz
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Graphics & Sound:
Trainz' graphics are very attractive. All of the textures for the train cars, engines, and layouts are well done. Compared to MS Train Simulator, which at least on this reviewer's machine did not look very good graphically, Trainz has superior graphics. And unlike that train game, Trainz' frame rate is rock steady. There isn't any music in the game, but what sounds are included are excellent. The trains have especially convincing horns, but engine sounds and ambient sound effects all seem very authentic.
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Gameplay:
Trainz isn't really a game per se. It isn't even really a train simulator either. It is more of a train set simulator. The layouts that come with the game do not seem to represent any actual land masses, and are quite small. And using the included tools to build your own layouts is as much a part of the 'game' as running the trains is. Trainz includes three modules: 'My Collection', 'Driver', and 'Surveyor'. The 'My Collection' module allows you to look at each train car in detail, viewing it from any angle, zooming in or out to get a better look, as well as viewing information on the car itself. 'Driver' allows you to select a layout as well as one or more consists, and drive the trains. 'Surveyor' offers a set of tools to create your own layouts, and includes an extensive collection of textures, buildings, and other items from Australia, Great Britain, and the USA. A typical 'Driver' session involves at least creating a consist, which is a simple point and click affair. You can include whatever mix of train cars you wish to, and there is an extensive list to choose from. You can create multiple consists, and place each one at a different track mark in the layout. You can also choose a layout, and as mentioned above, there are three to choose from initially, but you can create as many as you want to using the 'Surveyor' module. Finally, you load the layout and take control of the train. If you've created a closed layout that doesn't require any management, you only have to crank up the trains' speed, and then watch them run using the various camera views available. But if you are using one of the supplied layouts, or you've created one with junctions, signals, and portions of track that allow trains to derail, you will have to spend more time managing your trains.
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Difficulty:
As mentioned above, Trainz really isn't a game. Although the 'Surveyor' module can be a bit confusing, other than any difficulty you might have with it, there is no real difficulty level present. You can configure the derail level, though, as well as enable or disable a semi-automatic mode, which allows the trains to slow down or stop while not directly under your control. You can also configure the control method, which allows you to use the less realistic but always available speed control, or the cabin controls, which allow more realistic engine physics, but are only available from the cabin view. Trainz sports a very snazzy user interface, and offers context sensitive help at every turn. The manual is small but provides a substantial amount of information, and overall is very helpful. Getting the game up and running is quick and easy to do. With a little practice, even young or inexperienced family members should be able to at least run the trains. |
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Game Mechanics:
Installation is straightforward, and the game only takes about 300MB of disk space. The user interface is simple, and provides a stop and go (red and green light, respectively) signal metaphor for navigation. The 'Surveyor' module offers a tabbed interface, and although some of the settings are difficult to decipher, most of the ones you will typically be accessing are clearly marked. The game supports both DirectX and OpenGL for its 3D graphics. From the main menu you can access a configuration program and configure the resolution up to 1600x1200, as well as adjust the color depth, texture quality, and various other settings. While in the game, you can also adjust a number of performance related settings. Trainz is well supported by the developer, and their web site already offers an extensive number of downloads. New modules are already under development, which means the simulator should remain viable for some time to come. The graphics are excellent, the frame rate rock solid, and the user interface well conceived. More importantly, Trainz appears to be bug free, and any issues that have come up so far are covered in at least one patch that has been released. For this reviewer, the search for a train set simulator (which is what I wanted - a pure train simulator just doesn't sound like much fun), is over. Auran and Strategy First have done an amazing job transferring the little trains I grew up with to the computer screen, and I for one will be spending an enormous amount of time watching and controlling them. |
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-Gordy, GameVortex Communications AKA Gary Lucero |
Minimum System Requirements:
400Mhz Pentium II, 128MB RAM, Nvidia TNT2 16MB video card |
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Test System:
Windows 98SE, 400Mhz Celeron, 256MB RAM, GeForce with 32MB RAM, SoundBlaster Live! Value, 32x CD-ROM. |
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