Railroader

98%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,986 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • optimization
Railroader Game Cover
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"Railroader is a strategy game that offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, including co-op. Set in transition era Appalachia, the game allows you to manage and run your railroad using vintage steam and diesel locomotives. Your goal is to deliver freight cars and passengers safely to their destinations, while expanding and upgrading your railroad in a player-driven world."

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,986 reviews
gameplay57 positive mentions
grinding31 negative mentions
  • Great blend of railroad management and train operation, providing a unique gameplay experience.
  • Active development with regular updates and responsive developers who listen to community feedback.
  • Engaging logistics puzzles and a sense of progression as players expand their railroad and manage contracts.
  • Graphics and scenery are currently lacking, with many areas feeling empty and underdeveloped.
  • AI functionality needs improvement, as it can be cumbersome to manage multiple trains effectively.
  • Some gameplay mechanics, such as the signaling system, can be confusing and may require excessive micromanagement.
  • gameplay181 mentions

    The gameplay of this early access train simulation game is generally praised for its solid mechanics and immersive experience, blending elements of train operation and management effectively. Players appreciate the intuitive controls, addictive gameplay loop, and attention to detail, although some note that the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks certain polish, particularly in environmental design. Overall, the game offers a fulfilling experience for train enthusiasts, with room for future improvements and expansions.

    • “Even here in early access, it's like a full game with hours and hours of gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is smooth and enjoyable.”
    • “The train mechanics are a perfect balance between realism and enjoyment - 'flying switch' maneuvers have never been more fun in any other game.”
    • “Recommended specifically if you like what you've just read, but otherwise beware that it can become very tedious and repetitive in terms of actual gameplay: the track layout is fixed and the contracts by definition always involve the same locations and the same types of jobs every time they come up.”
    • “The way you unlock the map is great but once you have unlocked the map there is no progression and the gameplay loop is incredibly repetitive.”
    • “However, running the railroad as one person can be quickly overwhelming, so much so that the core gameplay borderline, if not outright, requires that you play with other people and the current AI system is not a solution especially if you are trying to run more than 3 trains at once as one person.”
  • graphics135 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the realistic train models and attention to detail, while others criticize the overall optimization and environmental visuals, which some describe as dated or lacking polish. Players appreciate the game's beautiful graphics and immersive gameplay, but note that it can be demanding on hardware, leading to performance issues. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good, there is a consensus that further optimization and enhancements are needed to elevate the visual experience.

    • “The graphics are fantastic, the 3rd person activities are very cool and the way you manage your waybills is done very well.”
    • “The graphics are wonderful - the environment is absolutely beautiful.”
    • “The attention to realism in both the graphics, details, and operating procedures is next to none.”
    • “The graphical engine of the game lacks graphical optimization; it puts heavy load on the GPU despite having medium to low graphical settings.”
    • “I have a pretty beefy PC setup and it struggles with these so-so graphics at any decent setting, so it's certainly not optimized.”
    • “The graphics and scenery are not up to today's standards, and the operation of the engines themselves are not totally realistic, but that is not what the game is about.”
  • optimization42 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant performance issues such as stuttering and low frame rates, even on high-end systems. While some users report smooth gameplay and stable performance, particularly in multiplayer, the consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization improvements to enhance stability and graphical performance. Players express hope that future updates will address these concerns, as the core gameplay is enjoyable despite the current technical shortcomings.

    • “The optimization is good as well; most of my PC hardware is pushing eight years old with a six-year-old GTX 1080, and this runs between 50 and 60 FPS comfortably on max settings.”
    • “Its highly playable with friends as the servers are stable and so well optimized that at times you forget that this only takes 6GB of space.”
    • “I have been following Railroader for about 2 years now, and was very happy when it went into early access. I think this is a perfect case for early access as the core gameplay loop is there, the game is very well optimized and runs very well, and honestly is way more fun than I even thought it could be.”
    • “This game is currently suffering with performance.”
    • “The game severely needs to be optimized though, I have a pretty high-end machine and it really taxes it.”
    • “Before I can honestly recommend this game, it'll need some significant improvements in performance and stability.”
  • story37 mentions

    The game's story is centered around a quest system that allows players to progress by completing missions, which adds depth compared to other train simulation games that lack narrative elements. While some players appreciate the logistical focus and the economic aspects of the gameplay, others find the missions repetitive and lacking in intrigue, suggesting that the overall story could be more engaging. Despite mixed feelings, many players enjoy the progression and the sense of accomplishment that comes from building and expanding their railroad network.

    • “Great storyline! The missions keep you moving forward and wanting to play.”
    • “Not only this, the game has a nicely detailed industry system, involving contracts and waybills, driving mechanics involving stop and go through altering tonnage, and the storytelling of a small network that begins from a flood.”
    • “There is a storyline behind the game and milestones you have to meet before progressing, which allows players to slow down and actually enjoy the gameplay.”
    • “Sadly, there just isn't much in the way of gameplay intrigue or story that would interest a casual audience, so if this is your first introduction to railroading, I can't say I'd recommend.”
    • “Railroads Online is cool since you get to lay your own track, but without any missions or any progress forward, it feels pointless over time.”
    • “Recommended specifically if you like what you've just read, but otherwise beware that it can become very tedious and repetitive in terms of actual gameplay: the track layout is fixed and the contracts by definition always involve the same locations and the same types of jobs every time they come up.”
  • grinding36 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, particularly in the early stages where players must engage in repetitive tasks like shunting and managing logistics. While some players appreciate the depth and complexity of the gameplay, many express that it can feel excessively grindy, requiring significant time investment to progress. However, there are suggestions that future updates and mod support could alleviate some of the grind, making the experience more enjoyable.

    • “The principles are sound and so far not too grindy.”
    • “It'll be half a lifetime before I've unlocked it all, and I've not got that sort of time to sink into grinding.”
    • “Recommended specifically if you like what you've just read, but otherwise beware that it can become very tedious and repetitive in terms of actual gameplay: the track layout is fixed and the contracts always involve the same locations and the same types of jobs every time they come up.”
    • “This game is very grindy; you run cargo with a system of contracts, and if you do not deliver the cargo on time, your reputation goes down.”
  • stability20 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag typical of early access titles, with many users reporting a generally smooth experience and minimal crashes, especially on lower-end systems. While some players have encountered bugs and graphical glitches, the developers are actively addressing these issues through regular updates. Despite the presence of some minor stability concerns, the game remains enjoyable and fun to play.

    • “Runs great on a lower-end laptop.”
    • “Obviously the game is still in early access, so there are a few things still missing, but overall it looks great and runs exceptionally smooth for a Unity game.”
    • “Runs great, never had a game crash, but a few cars have been derailed; fairly regular updates, paintable cars, and some locomotives.”
    • “Always buggy.”
    • “Sure the game has its fair share of bugs and glitches, some worse than others.”
    • “Slightly buggy at its current state but still very playable and fun!”
  • humor8 mentions

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted by players, with many finding the absurdity of scenarios, such as slow trains and unexpected multiplayer moments, to be genuinely hilarious. The game's comedic elements, particularly the "funny choo choo" theme, contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining experience that sets it apart from other titles in the genre. Overall, players recommend it for its unique and amusing take on train simulation.

    • “My experiences in multiplayer servers have also been absolutely hilarious at times.”
    • “It was funny and caught me off guard.”
    • “Laughing about going 12 miles an hour uphill with 2 locomotives and 1 car is certainly something I can't find in another game.”
  • music6 mentions

    The game lacks background music, which some players initially found odd but ultimately appreciated for its relaxing atmosphere, allowing for a more personal experience with their own music. However, the absence of engaging in-game music can make the slow-paced gameplay feel empty at times, prompting players to seek external audio to enhance their experience. Overall, while the music aspect is minimal, it can complement the game's tranquil nature when players choose to incorporate their own soundtracks.

    • “And because there's no rush to expand, you can take the game at your own pace, and it's really relaxing, especially with good music.”
    • “There's no music to get you into the groove while you manage your network, and a lot of the world is still empty or filled with placeholder objects.”
    • “The game is very slow; definitely something you'll want to have music or a video going alongside.”
    • “There's no background music, which seemed strange at first, but was kind of nice, actually.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    Players express a mix of frustration and admiration regarding the emotional aspect of the game, highlighting that while it is still in early access and requires improvements in landscape and controls, the overall experience is profoundly impactful and evokes strong feelings.

    • “Look controls make me want to cry.”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its captivating quality, enhanced by a supportive community and dedicated developers. Players appreciate the seamless blend of operations, problem-solving, and business-building elements, all contributing to a sense of atmospheric realism.

    • “This is my first Steam review ever, and it is because I am amazed at the community, the devs, and the entire atmosphere surrounding this game.”
    • “This is a very good game; its atmosphere can captivate you.”
    • “This game does a great job of blending operations, problem-solving, planning, business-building, and atmospheric realism.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game offers high replayability with stable base mechanics, numerous goals, and various missions that keep players engaged for hours. Users express optimism about its future potential, suggesting that ongoing updates will further enhance the experience.

    • “At least for what it is now, it's incredibly stable. The base gameplay mechanics are there and there's unlimited replayability.”
    • “This team has so much potential and yes, the replayability is high. There are goals to work towards, financials to be aware of, and rail missions to fulfill. There's more than enough to keep one occupied while they sort things out and continue to release fixes. The future looks bright for these guys and gals!”
    • “This team has so much potential and yes, the replayability is high; there are goals to work towards, financials to be aware of, and rail missions to fulfill. Like I said, there's more than enough to keep one occupied now while they sort things out and keep coming out with fixes and such, but man, the future looks bright in my book for these guys and gals!”
    • “There are hours and hours worth of progression here, and lots of replay value as well.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is characterized by active developer involvement in server management, alongside a community-driven approach that allows players to share experiences and promote their own multiplayer servers.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Play time

49hMedian play time
135hAverage play time
14-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 21 analyzed playthroughs

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