Railroader
- December 7, 2023
- Giraffe Lab LLC
- 50h median play time
Get on Steam"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
Reviews
- Engaging gameplay that combines railroad management with train operations, providing a sense of purpose and progression.
- High level of detail in locomotives and rolling stock, with customizable features such as whistles and road numbers.
- Active development and community support, with frequent updates and responsiveness to player feedback.
- Graphics and scenery are currently sparse and lack detail, with many placeholder assets.
- AI functionality is limited, requiring significant micromanagement for efficient operations.
- Some sound effects are repetitive and could use improvement, particularly the chuffing sounds and whistle variations.
- gameplay318 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this early access train simulation game is generally praised for its smooth mechanics, addictive loop, and intuitive controls, making it enjoyable for both casual and dedicated players. While some users note that the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks certain features, the core mechanics are well-developed, offering a blend of management and operational tasks that keep players engaged. Overall, the game is seen as a solid foundation with potential for future improvements and expansions.
“The gameplay is smooth and enjoyable.”
“Even in this early access state, the gameplay loop is addictive and rewarding.”
“Fantastic representation of railroad operations, the gameplay captures the struggles and challenges of railroad ops day in and day out.”
“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 (although you do have to build up to the full layout by completing some one-time missions) 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.”
- graphics238 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed feedback, with many players appreciating the detailed train models and overall visual style, while others criticize the optimization and environmental graphics as lacking polish. Some users note that the game runs well on lower-end systems, but high settings can be demanding, leading to performance issues. Overall, while the graphics are considered decent and enjoyable by some, there is a consensus that improvements are needed, particularly in optimization and environmental detail.
“The graphics are wonderful - the environment is absolutely beautiful.”
“The graphics are great, the models look fantastic, and trains run extremely smooth.”
“Yes there are still bugs and some environmental stuff (primarily buildings) missing, but the game plays very well and the visuals are very good with a great amount of attention to detail.”
“The only cons I can say is graphically it's a bit dated, and clearly early access.”
“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.”
“Trains look nice but the environment graphics are really bad for a 2024 game (RTX 3090).”
- optimization72 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering and low frame rates, even on high-end systems. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay, particularly in multiplayer, the consensus is that substantial improvements are needed to enhance stability and performance. As the game is still in early access, there is hope for future updates to address these optimization concerns.
“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.”
“Before I can honestly recommend this game, it'll need some significant improvements in performance and stability.”
“The game severely needs to be optimized; I have a pretty high-end machine and it really taxes it.”
“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.”
- grinding58 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 16 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The game is generally perceived as quite grindy, especially in the early stages, where players may find the repetitive tasks and fixed track layouts tedious. While some appreciate the flexibility to avoid grinding for major upgrades, many reviewers note that the gameplay can become a significant time sink, requiring substantial effort to progress. Overall, it appeals to those who enjoy logistics simulations but may deter casual players due to its demanding nature.
“The principles are sound and so far not too grindy.”
“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 (although you do have to build up to the full layout by completing some one-time missions) and the contracts by definition 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.”
“Although I like the idea of having to work out the logistics of putting the trains together in the most efficient way to get everything where it's going, personally I found that the shunting becomes tedious rather quickly, since it's pretty much all you do for hours at a time.”
- story58 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 84 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the inclusion of a narrative that provides progression and goals, others find the missions repetitive and lacking depth. Many users express a desire for a more engaging storyline that enhances the gameplay experience, particularly through dynamic missions and world-building elements. Overall, the game shows potential for a more immersive story-driven experience, especially with its focus on logistics and economic management.
“I like actually having a story to follow and it's not just individual missions that mean nothing.”
“Great storyline; the missions keep you moving forward and wanting to play.”
“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 always involve the same locations and the same types of jobs every time they come up.”
“There is a storyline behind the game and milestones you have to meet before progressing, which allows for people to slow down and actually play.”
- stability38 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 63 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many players reporting smooth performance even on lower-end systems and no major crashes. However, it is still in early access, leading to some bugs and graphical glitches, particularly with AI and environmental transitions. Regular updates from developers are noted, which helps address issues and improve the experience.
“Runs great, never had a game crash, but a few cars have been derailed, fairly regular updates, paintable cars and some locomotives.”
“Obviously the game is still in early access, so there are a few things still missing, but overall it looks great and runs great (for a Unity game, this one runs exceptionally smooth).”
“The scenery is beautiful, the game runs great, and overall, there aren't many better train sims out there, certainly not one I could list.”
“Always buggy.”
“Sure the game has its fair share of bugs and glitches, some worse than others.”
“The sky transitions with jumps/glitches with its shading.”
- humor14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the humor in the game to be a standout feature, often highlighting hilarious moments in multiplayer sessions, such as the absurdity of trains moving slowly uphill. The recurring phrase "funny choo choo go brrrrrrrr" captures the lighthearted and unexpected comedic elements that contribute to the game's charm, making it a favorite among train enthusiasts. Overall, the humor adds a unique and enjoyable layer to the gameplay experience.
“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.”
- music12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game lacks background music, which some players initially found odd but ultimately appreciated for its calming effect, allowing for a more relaxed pace. However, many users noted that the absence of engaging music can make the gameplay feel slow and empty, suggesting that having personal music or videos to accompany the experience enhances enjoyment. Overall, while the lack of in-game music is a notable aspect, it can be both a drawback and a unique feature depending on player preference.
“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.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a mix of frustration and admiration regarding the game's emotional impact, highlighting that while it is still in early access and requires improvements in landscape and controls, the overall experience is profoundly engaging and promising. The emotional response is particularly tied to the game's potential, despite current technical shortcomings.
“Look controls make me want to cry.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its captivating quality, enhanced by a supportive community and dedicated developers. Reviewers note that it effectively combines elements of operations, problem-solving, and business-building with a strong sense of realism, creating an immersive experience.
“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 just atmospheric realism.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability with stable base mechanics and numerous goals, including financial management and rail missions, ensuring players have hours of engaging content. Users express confidence in the game's potential for future enhancements, further solidifying its replay value.
“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 - 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.”
“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 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!”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game appears to focus on community engagement, with developers actively involved in technical support and players encouraged to share experiences and promote their own multiplayer servers. This suggests a player-driven economy rather than aggressive monetization tactics.
