A-Train 8
- September 18, 2013
- ARTDINK
Get on SteamA-Train 8 is a detailed train simulation and city-building game. Construct and manage multiple transportation systems, including trains, subways, buses, and aircraft, while developing a bustling city. Balance economic growth, pollution, and traffic to create a successful and sustainable metropolis.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Retains the fun and challenge of the original game with improved graphics and gameplay.
- Offers engaging train building and property management mechanics, appealing to fans of simulation games.
- Provides a rewarding experience once players overcome the steep learning curve and understand the mechanics.
- Lacks a tutorial, making it difficult for newcomers to learn the game and navigate its complex interface.
- The game feels dated and overly complicated, with unintuitive controls and a confusing user interface.
- Many players find the game frustrating due to its high barrier of entry and lack of clear objectives or guidance.
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay of A-Train 8 retains the fun and challenge of its predecessor while introducing improved graphics and mechanics, particularly in train building and property management. While the core mechanics are simple, players will find that designing an efficient network presents a significant challenge, requiring a deeper understanding of the game's systems. Some mechanics may need thorough explanations, but mastering them enhances the overall experience.
“Still has all of the fun and challenge of the original Maxis distributed version I played 30 years ago, with better graphics and gameplay.”
“Great train building and property management mechanics.”
“The mechanics are simple (dispatching building materials and tweaking train schedules) but designing an efficient and profitable network is a challenging task.”
“I didn't, but maybe if you are into trains and games that require you to learn everything (not only gameplay mechanics, but also a weird UI), go ahead and get this game.”
“A-train 8 has simple mechanics in theory, but can have very complex behavior at times with certain situations.”
“Some mechanics need detailed explaining, but once you learn how they function, then it makes sense.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated and simplistic, yet they maintain a smooth performance even on mid-range hardware. While some players appreciate the visual style, others find the graphics to be unremarkable and secondary to the gameplay experience. Overall, the visuals do not detract significantly from the fun and challenge of the game.
“Still has all of the fun and challenge of the original Maxis distributed version I played 30 years ago, with better graphics and gameplay.”
“The visuals are simple, but I like the style and it makes the game perfectly smooth on my mid-range video card, with everything maxed out on high resolutions, even when the screen is filled with large buildings.”
“Dated graphics, but not the worst.”
“The graphics aren't all that, and the layout of the tracks is tricky and illogical.”
“It accomplishes more in gameplay than visuals.”
“The graphics in this game are just that, graphics.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The inclusion of a map editor and the ability to create custom scenarios significantly enhance the game's replayability, offering players endless opportunities for new experiences.
“The map editor is a fantastic addition; custom scenarios and maps provide endless replay value.”
“Each playthrough feels unique thanks to the variety of choices and paths available.”
“The game offers multiple endings, encouraging players to explore different strategies and outcomes.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replayability feel pointless.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
“The limited variety in gameplay mechanics leads to a repetitive experience on subsequent playthroughs.”
