JR EAST Train Simulator
- November 14, 2022
- ONGAKUKAN Co.,Ltd.
Get on Steam"JR EAST Train Simulator" is a realistic train driving simulator that offers high-definition, live-action images of JR East's train lines. The game provides an authentic experience with instrument panels and sounds recorded from actual trains. The basic pack includes the Keihin-Tohoku line and various train cars to choose from. You can drive the train from the same perspective as the driver and enjoy a professional simulator used for training by JR East drivers.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Highly immersive experience with realistic graphics and sound, capturing the essence of Japanese train driving.
- Simple controls make it accessible for casual players, while the monthly updates and new content keep the experience fresh.
- Great for fans of Japanese trains and culture, providing a unique perspective on the JR East rail system.
- The base game feels like a demo with limited content, requiring expensive DLCs for a full experience.
- Lack of variability in gameplay, as routes are one-directional and do not allow for changes in time or weather.
- High pricing for both the base game and DLCs, especially for international users, leading to perceptions of unfair pricing.
- gameplay28 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
Gameplay is generally seen as simple and enjoyable, appealing to those who prioritize realism over complex mechanics. However, many users feel it lacks depth compared to other train simulation games, with issues like bugs, inconsistent performance, and a lack of instructional overlays detracting from the experience. While the core mechanics are easy to grasp, the game is criticized for feeling unfinished and in need of significant polish.
“The mechanics are simple and easy to grasp, but it takes time to master braking and the stop zone.”
“The gameplay and audio are worth the price when you compare it to other similar games, but it still needs a lot of polish.”
“And the core gameplay itself is good, simple, and enjoyable too.”
“Gameplay... well again if you are coming from TSW with its all-day timetable, several scenarios, and the journey mode which gives a kind of 'best of' experience, JRETS does fall a bit flat.”
“The gameplay isn't that bad and the videos of the tracks are nice... but it all feels so unfinished and like a fast cash grab.”
“I assume this because the amount of bugs, gameplay choices that draw you out of the experience, and lack of support would surely produce real-life drivers one would think twice about entrusting their safe commute to.”
- graphics28 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are praised for their ultra-realistic quality, providing an immersive experience that closely resembles real life. However, some users report issues such as pixelation in 4K resolution, jagged edges, and a lack of customizable graphics settings, which detracts from the overall visual experience. Despite these drawbacks, many players express excitement for future updates and improvements.
“Graphics is just real life; no other sim will give you such an insight.”
“It has great quality sounds, very easy to operate, stunning real-world style graphics, and actual people.”
“Super immersive train simulator with epic visuals and very good sound and beautiful lines.”
“One thing I have noticed watching YouTubers run this game is that very often their displays have jagged edges on the text, and the visuals of the scenery are slightly janky.”
“The quality of the graphics in 4K looks pixelated and low resolution.”
“There are no graphics options to fix this.”
- optimization12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback; while some players report smooth performance even on low-end systems, others express frustration with the lack of performance evaluation and summary features. Additionally, there are concerns about overall optimization quality, with some users finding the game underwhelming and difficult to run smoothly despite attempts to improve performance.
“Runs smoothly, even on toasters.”
“Seems a plenty of people have a decent experience.”
“Unless something changes regarding optimization, it's a disappointment, not even talking about minor flaws mentioned in other reviews.”
“No performance review or summary at the end of the run, no record of how many km you have driven in the game.”
“Your performance is not evaluated.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its low replayability, with many users noting that each ride feels nearly identical and lacks variety in routes. While it appeals to train enthusiasts, particularly those interested in Japanese trains, players express a desire for more diverse lines and features to enhance replay value. There is hope for future updates to introduce additional content that could improve the overall experience.
“Good game if you like trains and are interested in those in Japan. I kinda wish there was a bit more replayability with those lines, such as being able to go from one end to the other and vice versa. I also wish there would be more diverse lines.”
“This would greatly improve replayability outside of route sightseeing.”
“But I am excited for future updates and just hope more playable content comes very soon to keep excitement and support alive.”
“Low replayability; every ride is almost the same.”
“As I said, due to low replayability, it won't become your main train game.”
“Good game if you like trains and are interested in those in Japan, but I wish there was a bit more replayability with those lines, such as being able to go from one end to the other and vice versa. I also wish there were more diverse lines.”
- stability8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- -12 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game currently suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent bugs, sound setting malfunctions, and video freezes, particularly when stopped at stations. While the simulation runs well overall, players have noted problems with physics and missing features like announcements and speed limits, which detract from the experience. Developers have acknowledged these issues and plan to expand the game with more routes and improvements.
“The simulation runs smoothly, and while there are currently only two short routes available, the developers have assured players that more routes will be added in the future, which is promising.”
“The game operates well overall, with a stable performance that enhances the gameplay experience, despite some minor issues that are being addressed by the developers.”
“The stability of the simulation is commendable, providing a solid foundation for future updates and expansions, which players are looking forward to.”
“This game is still buggy; my sound settings get screwed up all the time.”
“When stopped at a station, the video freezes.”
“It's like just sitting in the cockpit that can't move, and when I'm playing, it sometimes freezes.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious due to its stop/start nature, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay.
“Grinding can get a little tedious as it is very much stop/start.”
“Grinding can get a little tedious as it is very much stop/start.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is presented in two parts, offering a substantial amount of content relative to its price, which users consider to be a strong value on the Steam store.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for effectively immersing players in the experience of driving Japanese commuter trains, complemented by a vibrant and authentic Japanese urban setting.
“It gives you the experience of driving Japanese commuter trains and has a nice Japanese urban atmosphere.”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music aspect has received negative feedback, with users expressing disappointment over the inability to adjust the display settings or stop the menu music.
“Very disappointing, cannot adjust display or stop the menu music.”
