Transport Fever 2 – Console Edition is the perfect opportunity to test your OCD mindset and strategic powers. Furthermore, this simulation game enables you to turn a hefty profit, run a marvellous transport company, and experience some wonderful locations. However, its audience will be niche as the intricacies and the patience that is required to be successful will be a turnoff for some.
Developed by Urban Games and published by Nacon, this is a realistic simulation title. Moreover, it has 100s of life like vehicles to use, some interesting scenarios to explore, and an amazing freeplay option. In short, if you fall for its charms, you will waste hours building the business of your dreams.
Though I know this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, it was an easy sale for me. Having adored Railroad Tycoon as a teenager, I had high hopes when I received my code. Spoiler alert, I wasn’t disappointed, as I happily invested hours of my life into my virtual transport network.
Transport Fever 2 lets you play as you wish.
Like its peers, Transport Fever 2 has a structured campaign mode to play through. This interesting, albeit extended tutorial takes you on a journey across multiple eras. Moreover, you are drip-fed new time-specific vehicles and different resources and commodities are unlocked as you go. This was an excellent choice, as you never feel overwhelmed or out of your depth. Alongside this, the excellent UI ensures that this is simple to pick up and play once the fundamentals are nailed.
During the campaign mode, you are tasked with completing an array of main quests as well as some bonus objectives. Frankly, the latter option was occasionally absurd, but it added some lighthearted elements to an otherwise deadpan atmosphere. The aim of the game is to connect roads, train lines, fly planes, and build docks to deliver goods and passengers from point A to B. On top of this, you’ll have to move resources to be processed before you can make a profit. Furthermore, each town has specific needs that must be attended to, and your profit and loss rely on an eye for detail.
Simply ideas in a complex world.
The core ideas are simple to understand. However, it is a tough task to balance every element. Moreover, you’re asked to maintain your vehicles, manage your routes, and alter any problems as they arise. Additionally, you must weigh up the benefits of new vehicles over any potential outlay. Now, this may seem straightforward, but it is harder than it appears. Yet, trying to maintain a profitable business while expanding your empire was moreish as hell.
The campaign was all well and good. But where Transport Fever 2 shines is its freeplay mode. Here, you are able to create a massive empire that serves every randomly spawned town. Furthermore, you are free to invest however you wish, as you move fruit, coffee, logs, or precious materials from one location to another. Each random map is created from a set of factors, such as climate, difficulty, continent, and geography. These elements combine to generate a unique map that can be shared with others if you wish.
A brilliant port from PC.
Simulation games have a terrible reputation from the console perspective. Why? Well, the control system and UI are normally fiddly and frustrating to use. Thankfully, Transport Fever 2 bucks this trend with its intuitive setup and excellent user interface. Yes, there is a steep learning curve, but thanks to the campaign mode and its structured approach, you’ll learn the basics in no time at all.
What was also fantastic was how easy it was to adjust your errors or alter your fleet of vehicles. Furthermore, you could tweak your business at the touch of a button. This was great, as there weren’t layers of data or mess to work through. Consequently, you could adjust your railway, bus, flight or shipping routes with minimal effort.
Transport Fever 2 looks great, but there are some minor issues.
I rarely expect decent graphics from the simulation genre. Why? Well, the developers focus on their gameplay and the graphics play second fiddle. However, luckily, Transport Fever 2 is pleasant to the eye. Additionally, the unique landscapes and masses of vehicles look great as well. Yet, there were some minor performance issues and the frame rate wasn’t as stable as I’d have liked. Fortunately, though, it has little impact on the overall experience, so it is a minor issue.
What was fantastic, however, was how alive each map was. As your business grows, each town and city expands with it. Therefore, your business model must adapt to maximise your profit while servicing every resident.
The audio was fantastic as well. The weird blend of jazz, honky tonk piano, and high-energy tunes will get under your skin. Alongside this, the excellent sound effects never get boring. Subsequently, you’ll toot the horn of your train, listen to your horse neigh, or enjoy the sound of your ship carving through the water. Alongside this, the main campaign is brilliantly narrated by era-specific characters. Now, this does create a few uncomfortable moments, but luckily, they are few and far between and can be easily forgiven.
Spectacular controls.
I applaud the developers for their excellent control setup. I fully expected this to be an overwhelming and complicated experience. Yet, despite its tough learning curve, it was an excellent game that was intuitive, fun, and simple to play. Moreover, the brilliant UI and radial menus ensure that keeping on top of your data and tasks was straightforward.
Though the campaign is relatively simple to work through, Transport Fever 2 still has plenty of replay value and longevity. Because of its excellent freeplay mode, you can waste hours of your life tweaking and designing the perfect transport network. What’s more, the evolution of each town and the constant flux of resources and demands forces you to change tactics to maximise your profits.
Transport Fever 2: a brilliant but niche experience.
I completely understand why Transport Fever 2 may be overlooked. Yet, I urge you to think twice. This incredible simulation game works fantastically on console and is deep, rich, and rewarding to play. On top of this, both game modes are enjoyable, and the audio is particularly good. Yes, there were minor performance issues, but they do not taint the action enough to cause major problems. Accordingly, I adore it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you run a transport business and become a wealthy individual? Buy your vehicles, create your routes, and cash in on every opportunity.
