Review: Train Sim World 5

It is time to jump back on the rails as Train Sim World 5 is released. This improvement on last year’s iteration will have train enthusiasts frothing at the mouth. Furthermore, the developer has included requested content to keep its fan base happy. On top of this, the creator club lets you unleash your inner artist as you paint the livery of your dreams. Alternatively, maybe you wish to create a route and share it with the masses. Either way, the choice is yours.

This simulation game was developed and published by Dovetail Games. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that can be enjoyed in both first and third-person. This choice of camera angles was great as you can lose yourself in the moment or jump outside the cab to take in your surroundings. Additionally, there is a camera mode to capture perfect train shots as you explore the UK, Europe, and some iconic American locations.

Train Sim World 5 takes you back to school. 

If you are a little rusty, or you are new to the franchise, worry not. The exceptional training school in Train Sim World 5 will have you up to speed in no time. What’s more, the helpful icon and highlighted switches, dials, and handles keep you on track. First, you will feel out of your depth. Every train feels alien and learning the fundamentals can be daunting. Luckily, the bite-sized chapters build your knowledge without overwhelming you. Though there may be a temptation to jump into the free mode, I wouldn’t be hasty. Every train is different and frustration and failure will be apparent if you run before you walk. 

Like its predecessors, this doesn’t rely on a story. Instead, you focus your energy and time on the hulking freight locomotives or the EMUs or DMUs. Honestly, this approach should annoy me. However, I was too busy sounding the horn, flicking the point work, and playing with the safety systems to be bothered. What’s more, the stunning world and the desire to do a great job take centre stage.

Familiar elements. 

Train Sim World 5 has maintained a familiar core. The AP system rewards you for a job well done, and you can examine your acceleration, braking curve, and accuracy when your day is done. Alongside this, there are the normal bells and whistles, and you are free to explore each location as you wish. This sense of freedom is essential if you want to improve your in-game score. As you find route plaques and other secret items, your experience bar will increase. Though this isn’t essential, I liked the badge of honour layer that highlighted your virtual prowess. 

I admit that I overlooked the isolation of the AWS and DSD vigilance in TSW4. Consequently, I wasn’t going to make that mistake again. Though the safety systems make the action less relaxed, I preferred the increased difficulty and realism. Furthermore, the blend of old and new traction was fantastic. Whether I was navigating the West Coast mainline or hooking up trailers in a dusty American yard, I was spoilt for choice. 

This is where this game excels. There are mountains of routes to explore and plenty of trains to play with. Furthermore, the free-roam mode lets you muck around without any restrictions. This will be perfect for streamers or role-play lovers. Whatever your reason for playing, you will lose yourself for hours. 

Train Sim World 5: in with the new.

Driving a train is a dream job for many. However, have you ever wished to be a train guard? Checking tickets, interacting with the public, and moving luggage are all part of the role. Alongside this, you’ll have to manage the platform train interface whilst keeping the train on time. If this sounds like something you wish to do, now is your chance. Allow the train to do its thing as you scream “Tickets please”.

Though I didn’t spend hours undertaking this role, I found the interactions to be amusing and the system is well integrated. Furthermore, it makes a pleasant change from staring out of a window. 

Another key change is the route-hopping feature. Though this seems simple and not that exciting, it perfectly connects your DLC across multiple routes. As long as you own the routes that combine with your current content, you may move from point A to B seamlessly. This was a great way to extend your run without having to mess around.

Fast travel. 

The route hopping was a well-conceived idea. Moving between routes and common locations was sensible and user-friendly. However, the ability to view live maps of the whole network was spectacular. Like a train controller, you have full visibility of the surrounding world. What’s more, the realism of trains passing your location and the volume of rolling stock was an improvement on previous games.

The fast travel option was the icing on the cake, though. If you love to flit between routes and locations, this will tickle your fancy. Simply selecting a new station from your current location will move you around the rail network. Subsequently, you can enjoy different elements without having to waste hours between terminus stations.

Train Sim World 5 looks gorgeous. 

I know train enthusiasts drool over steam trains and unusual liveries. However, I don’t understand the appeal. Yet, I can’t help but adore Train Sim World 5’s spectacular graphics. The sense of realism is off the chart and the in-cab equipment is accurate and great to look at. Alongside this, the varied weather fronts and the lighting effects are awesome. I loved the glint of headlights shimmering from the rails or the poor viability of belting rain. What’s more, the role of the conductor had some nice varied character models. Accordingly, the overall presentation was well-considered and this can be appreciated by NEDs and gamers alike.

The audio is immersive and superb. I adored the sound of each unique engine and the noise of the trains profiling across the rails. Furthermore, the sense of depth perception was excellent as speeding trains glide, and the audio intensity follows their movement. This was noticeable when wearing decent headphones. However, desktop speakers will do just as well.

Incredible controls. 

Driving a train isn’t as easy as people think. The idiotic mindset over the past 2 years in the UK was unnecessary. It is a skilled task that requires a particular mindset. The developers have captured this idea in the challenging but incredible controls. The aforementioned tutorial sets you on your way. Furthermore, the training school acts as a recap if necessary. Consequently, you can brush up on your skills whenever it’s needed.

If you love the idea of driving trains, or you love this franchise, you will cherish Train Sim World 5. There is so much to do that this will keep you busy for hours. Moreover, you can incorporate any content you purchased if you’ve played the previous games. Therefore, this oozes replay value and longevity.

Train Sim World 5 is a great sim title. 

Dovetail Games are market leaders. Their simulation products are second to none and this title doesn’t buck that trend. I loved the ultra-realistic trains and the spectacular tutorial. Furthermore, the trains are varied and interesting. Finally, I enjoyed the conductor mode and the fast travel was a welcome addition. As such, this is a great sim title and I recommend buying it here! Do you want to watch the world roll by? Pick your traction, grab your key, and get ready to become a train driver.