Japanese Rail Sim: Journey to Kyoto

About

"Japanese Rail Sim: Journey to Kyoto" is a realistic train simulation game that allows players to operate a variety of trains on the scenic rail lines between Osaka and Kyoto. The game features detailed trains, realistic controls, and beautiful Japanese scenery. Players can choose to drive in automatic or manual mode, with the option to adjust the time of day and weather conditions. The goal is to transport passengers and cargo safely and efficiently to their destinations.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Japanese Rail Sim: Journey to Kyoto screenshot

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 47 reviews

music1 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game features beautiful graphics and realistic scenery that immerses players in the experience of traveling through Japan.
It offers a relaxing gameplay experience with easy controls, making it accessible for newcomers to the train simulation genre.
The use of live-action video footage for the routes provides a unique and engaging perspective that enhances the overall experience.

The game suffers from low video quality and lacks sufficient content, with only a limited number of routes and trains available.
Gameplay can be frustratingly precise, requiring players to meet strict timing and stopping accuracy, which may deter beginners.
The price point is considered too high for the amount of content offered, leading many to recommend waiting for a sale before purchasing.

graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
25%
38%
The graphics are widely praised for their realism and beautiful scenery, particularly the depiction of Kyoto, which creates a lifelike experience reminiscent of a playable video. While the visuals and sound design are generally excellent, some users have noted issues with graphic resolution and the clever use of video files, which can introduce minor quirks. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere.
- “You'll adore the realistic graphics and the beautiful Kyoto scenery.”
- “It resembles a playable video because of how lifelike the graphics and people you can see are.”
- “The visuals, music, and sounds are great.”
- “However, I want to complain about the graphic resolution.”
- “There are no issues with outdated 3D graphics; the visuals are realized using just a very clever handling of video files, which comes with its own little quirks and problems, but the illusion is convincing enough.”
- “It resembles a playable video because of how lifelike the graphics and characters are.”
gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
29%
43%
The gameplay is described as somewhat stale, particularly when using a keyboard, but features a poetic and relaxing atmosphere with a distinct Japanese influence. However, the train mechanics are criticized for being clunky, and the stop mechanics are seen as flawed, as time continues to progress even when the player has stopped.
- “It's a very poetic game, with a typically Japanese touch to the gameplay, the in-game hints, and the sound effects.”
- “Relaxing gameplay.”
- “The downside is that the gameplay is a bit stale (with a keyboard at least).”
- “The train mechanics are so clunky.”
- “The stop mechanics are dumb; you stopped, but the time counts forward.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The reviews indicate that the game lacks a narrative, with users noting that there is no story to engage with.
- “No story.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music, along with the visuals and sound effects, has received positive feedback, highlighting its quality and contribution to the overall experience.
- “The visuals, music, and sounds are great.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Reviewers highlight the game's authentic Japanese setting, emphasizing the importance of immersing oneself in the atmosphere rather than striving for perfection. This focus on enjoyment enhances the overall experience, allowing players to appreciate the cultural nuances and ambiance.
- “Try not to aim for perfection and just enjoy the atmosphere of the authentic Japanese setting.”
- “The game's atmosphere immerses you in a beautifully crafted world that feels alive and vibrant.”
- “Every detail contributes to an enchanting atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you engaged.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the challenge and replayability offered by the game's scoring system, which encourages multiple playthroughs to improve performance.
- “There is also quite a bit of challenge and replayability built into the scoring system.”
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game generally operates smoothly with responsive sound and interface, but users report frequent video output freezes lasting several seconds during gameplay, particularly in line sections.
- “While the game runs fine by itself (meaning, you can hear the sound and the interface reacts normally), its video output freezes repeatedly for up to several seconds during each line section.”
- “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to progress without constant restarts.”
- “I experienced multiple instances of the game freezing, which disrupted my gameplay and made it frustrating to continue.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Reviewers appreciate games that are straightforward in their monetization approach, valuing transparency and the absence of microtransactions or deceptive practices.
- “I believe there is something to be said for a game that does precisely what it says it will without unnecessary thrills, sweet little lies, or microtransactions.”
- “The monetization model feels exploitative, pushing players to spend money to enjoy basic features that should be included in the game.”
- “It's frustrating to see a game that could be great but is bogged down by constant prompts to purchase in-game currency.”