Finding time to tackle Train Sim World 6 alongside my job of actually driving trains hasn’t been easy. I love to invest time into my gaming, but playing a game that is effectively my day/night job isn’t entirely appealing. However, I do love the freedom that the TSW franchise affords. Moreover, every mistake I make in the virtual world acts as a valuable lesson I can take forward.
Train Sim World 6 is so realistic that I believe the average Joe could learn to make a train move with its instructions. Yet, don’t be deluded into thinking you could become a train driver. It takes years of learning, plenty of hoops to jump through, and let’s not forget the testing along the way. Accordingly, if you haven’t got what it takes to make it in the real world, TSW is the next best thing.
I reviewed this simulation title on PC using Steam. My normal go-to is Xbox, so all my previous data wasn’t available. This wasn’t a problem as I don’t care about my character level, the miles of driving I have completed, and the experience I have for any of the previous traction and routes. Instead, I focused on the 3 new lines and the brand new trains on offer.
Train Sim World 6 is Dovetail’s flagship title.
Dovetail is an expert in their field. Unfortunately, when you aim for perfection, you leave yourself open to harsh criticism. This year is no different, as people are complaining about asset issues, bugs, glitches, and other problems. Though I experienced some minor issues regarding my passengers, I wasn’t too concerned about minor frame rate drops or the occasional weird-looking individual.
Alongside this, I’m no train spotter, so I have no idea if the headlights on a Voyager were wrong or slightly out of place. Quite frankly, I don’t care, but I admire the passion of the people who shout and make the publisher/developer work harder year on year.
What’s new?
3 brand new routes are on offer to tease and impress newcomers and veterans alike. Though I enjoyed a trip to Germany and New York, it was my stomping ground of the GWR Riviera Line that drew me in and grabbed my attention. My word, Dovetail Games have got this route spot on! Signals, mileposts, gradients, and the surrounding area are pinpoint perfect. Additionally, the ambient sound and profiling of the train are eerily accurate.
Alongside the GWR trek, I enjoyed the beauty of Germany and the urban nature of New York. Each is captivating in its own right, and driving through them was a joy. Each of the 3 routes has unique traction to impress hardcore fans. I have to say the Hitachi IETS or 800/802 class trains were impressive. However, every engine running on every trip was far from realistic.
Expect the unexpected.
Dovetail Games makes a vague statement to expect the unexpected. Now, on paper, this is odd and doesn’t give you any clue about some of the key gameplay changes. Consequently, I want to highlight how the latest additions to Train Sim World 6 work. Passenger announcements are now an integral part of the soundscape. Though we all hate station and train announcements, “See it, Say it, Sorted!”, they are essential. Therefore, this minor improvement enhances realism tenfold.
Random events represent the real-life challenge of driving a train. Things go wrong daily, and being alert and prepared are essential tools for any train driver. Slow to change signalling and unexpected temporary or emergency speed restrictions cause bedlam. You may think the issue is minor, but delayed trains cause problems across the network that soon bite you in the arse.
Finally, trains break all the time. This is something that must be dealt with while reducing the impact on your passengers. Issues with headlights, doors, pantographs, wipers, and more must be rectified asap. If you then consider the weather, your passengers, and an ungodly number of stops, you have a lot to consider.
Train Sim World 6 looks fantastic.
I’ve skimmed across the visual issues because I believe they will be patched out. Moreover, I didn’t experience enough to make a song and dance about it. I know others have had problems, and that is disappointing. Yet, I’m hoping any problems will quickly be ironed out. Regarding the overall visual impact, Train Sim World 6 is spectacular. The trains look amazing, and the attention to detail is phenomenal. Moreover, the routes are accurate, and the use of lighting and the day/night cycle and weather enhances realism.
Train driving is a loud affair. Yes, modern rolling stock is quieter, but the rails make noises, and you cannot escape the power of nature. Subsequently, I think Dovetail Games has got this element just right. The introduction of announcements and the incredible ambient sounds make the game shine.
A fantastic tutorial.
If you are new to the franchise, you needn’t worry. Thankfully, this is an easy game to play. Though there is plenty of traction and loads of routes to master, a helpful training school talks you through the fundamentals. Moreover, some interesting tasks break down each key element to make everything manageable. However, if this isn’t your first rodeo, it is practically identical to previous instalments. Therefore, you can jump into your favourite train and get on with your job.
Sim games tend to be addictive as hell. Train Sim World 6 is no different, as its huge fan base will moan about and love every new element on offer. If you try to master every goal and traction, this will keep you busy for hours. Alternatively, you can undertake some other train-related jobs if you want to take a break from driving.
Train Sim World 6 keeps the franchise on the right tracks.
This isn’t perfect, but many modern games are not. Yes, there are some minor bugs and glitches, and there are the odd, weird visual issues. Yet, this isn’t enough to undermine the overall experience. Train Sim World 6 adds some great elements to its solid and addictive foundation. Accordingly, I think it is wonderful, and I recommend buying it here! Can you master every route and train on offer? Hit the training school, take in the advice, and become a champion train driver.
