Railroads Online
- October 1, 2021
- Stefan Kelnberger
- 67h median play time
Get on Steam"Railroads Online" is a multiplayer railroad tycoon simulation game that allows players to build and manage their own railroad empire in a persistent online world. Players can construct tracks, purchase and operate trains, transport passengers and cargo, and compete with other players for resources and routes. The game features a dynamic economy, weather system, and seasonal changes, providing a realistic and immersive railroad experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique experience of building and managing your own railroad, which is enjoyable for train enthusiasts.
- The graphics and attention to detail in the locomotives and environment are impressive, creating an immersive experience.
- The developers are actively updating the game, adding new content and features, which shows commitment to improving the game.
- The track building mechanics are clunky and frustrating, making it difficult to create smooth and functional railroads.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and performance issues, especially in multiplayer, leading to crashes and desynchronization.
- The lack of a proper tutorial and user-friendly interface makes it challenging for new players to understand the game mechanics.
- gameplay199 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
Gameplay in this game is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the core mechanics and track-building features, but expressing frustration over bugs, glitches, and unintuitive controls. While some find the gameplay rewarding and immersive, especially in multiplayer settings, others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking essential quality-of-life improvements. Overall, the game shows potential but requires significant refinement to enhance the overall experience.
“I really enjoy how easy the track building mechanics are; there is a bit of a learning curve to the track building, but once you learn how it all works, it makes fun and interesting tracks possible while you can still make mundane lines that even little Betsy can handle.”
“The gameplay is fun, and the ability to do all your track laying and design is what really makes this game enjoyable for me.”
“The mechanics and gameplay are there, but the UI needs some real work; track laying is a bit janky and not everything is intuitive.”
“The gameplay can get repetitive, and there are bugs and control problems that can be annoying.”
“After four hours, I didn't get to experience the game (let alone any fun) because I was constantly fighting the camera, buttons, lack of information, and misleading mechanics.”
“Unfortunately, there's been very little development in the few years since the game was released and developers care more about aesthetics than actual gameplay judging by their actions.”
- stability184 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- -1 % neutral mentions
- 99 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that hinder gameplay. While some players find enjoyment in the game despite these issues, the overall consensus is that it remains unpolished and unstable, particularly in multiplayer mode. As it is still in early access, players are advised to expect ongoing bugs and a lack of optimization, with many expressing hope for future improvements.
“The game runs smoothly without any major glitches, making for a stable experience.”
“I've encountered very few bugs, and the developers are quick to address any issues that arise.”
“Overall, the stability of the game enhances my enjoyment and keeps me immersed in the experience.”
“This game isn't just buggy; it breaks with established conventions on basic things like user interface in ways that are baffling and definitely not better.”
“The game is fun and it's nice to be able to build your own tracks in different ways, but it gets boring fast and annoying with bugs and glitches like cars derailing randomly, among other things like the game just closing out after 2 minutes of playing.”
“It is buggy and damn near impossible to get the rails to go where you want them to.”
- graphics183 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the stunning visuals and realistic physics, while others criticize the dated graphics, poor optimization, and significant performance issues that lead to crashes and low frame rates. Many users report that the game is demanding on hardware, requiring high-end systems for optimal performance, and express frustration over graphical glitches and a lack of essential features like topographic maps. Overall, while the aesthetic appeal is acknowledged, the technical execution leaves much to be desired.
“The graphics are amazing and the physics are great!”
“The graphics are gorgeous and the physics believable.”
“Amazing graphics, details and so on...”
“The graphics are extremely dated and there is consistently a flashing shadow on every object in the game.”
“Game runs extremely poorly and changing the graphics settings doesn't change the FPS at all, just makes it look worse.”
“Yes, I know this is early access, but the bugs and graphic issues are almost to the point of unbearable and make this not fun, tedious, and very slow.”
- grinding109 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, particularly in relation to track laying and loading/unloading cargo. While some players find satisfaction in overcoming these challenges, many express frustration with the game's mechanics, which can feel overly finicky and unbalanced, especially for solo players. Overall, the game appeals to train enthusiasts but may deter those seeking a more streamlined experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The game is not worth the price it's being sold for. I could talk about a lot more features, but the point is the devs should add content instead of improving the game. I know this is early access, but the price is too high for that to be relevant for me. When there's a product for this price, I expect the dev to add small features that improve the quality of life. At the moment, the game is grindy and not fun to play since most of your experience is just walking and loading cars. When I was buying this, I was expecting to enjoy building tracks, but I did not.”
“The track laying system for the working version of tracks is extremely tedious, and its replacement that has been six months in the making is not even remotely close to release.”
“Yes, I know this is early access, but god damn the bugs and graphic issues are almost to the point of unbearable and make this not fun. It's tedious and, unless you have an army to help, very, very slow and boring.”
- optimization102 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly in multiplayer modes and when managing larger rail networks. While some users note improvements in optimization efforts, the transition to Unreal Engine 5 has exacerbated existing problems, leading to lag, frame drops, and crashes, especially on lower-end systems. Overall, the consensus is that while the game has potential, it currently suffers from poor optimization that detracts from the overall experience.
“The sense of accomplishment when your meticulously planned routes run smoothly is unmatched.”
“They were working heavily on performance optimizations, and they have made great strides in that department, but it's not perfect.”
“As it is early access, I feel the game devs have done well and they seem to consistently update the game with new features and optimization updates.”
“The game is incomplete, riddled with bugs and the optimization is abhorrent.”
“It has been a performance hog and performance has been getting worse and worse with each update.”
“Despite the upgrade to Unreal Engine 5, many people find themselves unable to play the game, and for those who can, there are no improvements in performance, only decreases.”
- music48 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its lively and fitting soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. However, some players express disappointment over the removal of a previously beloved soundtrack, describing the current music as repetitive and lacking depth. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally considered good, there are calls for a more expansive and varied selection to maintain player engagement.
“It's a beautiful game with a lively soundtrack and cool looking trains!”
“Very well put together game with a glorious soundtrack and fantastic gameplay.”
“Short of that this game is awesome, the engine models are great same with the cars and buildings, the scenery is perfect (needs some more audio tracks) but the music that plays is relaxing and fitting for the period of the game, overall the devs have and are doing a great job.”
“Time seems to fly when I'm playing, although I do tend to listen to Spotify in the background as the in-game music gets quite repetitive.”
“The gameplay is addictive, the development is awkward (but hopefully improving), the soundtrack used to be great but now it's garbage.”
“Even though the original music can't be used anymore, the chosen alternatives feel... flat by comparison.”
- story37 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting that there is no structured narrative or meaningful progression, leaving the gameplay feeling empty and repetitive. While some players appreciate the unique features and potential of the game, they express a strong desire for a storyline or mission system to enhance engagement and provide context for their actions. Overall, the consensus is that the game lacks a compelling story, which detracts from the overall experience.
“I think they need to update some audio files, and maybe have more color schemes for some of their freight and engines, but other than that, this game, in my opinion, is a remarkable comeback story.”
“Long story, imagine seeing one of the coolest and most unique train sim games capturing an entirely new feeling of gaming.”
“I love the game and how I can run it on a low profile card and that it is a quality game even in beta. It still has a few bugs here and there that need fixing, but there can be a lot more added to this game like adding more engines or some storyline into the game—that's all I really ask, but otherwise, a really good game.”
“It definitely feels like a tech demo; there is nothing in the field of story or scenery, and after one playthrough, the game gets boring and repetitive.”
“It would be nice if you had some sort of story, so your actions actually have an impact and there would be a reason to make progress in the game.”
“There's currently no actual story except the one you create.”
- humor26 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding the glitches and absurdities—like flying trees and janky multiplayer—initially hilarious but eventually becoming repetitive or annoying. While some appreciate the comedic elements and wacky antics, others express frustration over the lack of fixes for persistent bugs. Overall, the game's humor is seen as a highlight, especially for those who enjoy a lighthearted experience despite its early access challenges.
“Super janky multiplayer which makes it funny as heck.”
“Not only can you get up to some of the wackiest, most tear-jerkingly hilarious antics in any train-related game ever.”
“Playing it with a mate of mine, we've had more fun laughing at the bugs than raging at them.”
- monetization16 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" due to a lack of meaningful updates and questionable development decisions. Concerns about future monetization strategies, including potential DLCs and microtransactions, have further fueled skepticism about the developers' commitment to the game's community and quality. Overall, players express disappointment, feeling that the game prioritizes profit over genuine development and player experience.
“Looks so far like Astragon will save this game; they even said they don't plan on adding microtransactions. Hopefully, they stick to that plan.”
“It looked promising, and it now looks like a cash grab.”
“This game is nothing more than a cash grab with a dev 'team' that has no interest in game development and just wants your hard-earned money.”
“Sadly though, this game is just going to be a cash grab.”
- replayability12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability has improved significantly with recent updates, introducing new maps and an enhanced building system that makes gameplay more enjoyable. While some bugs and glitches remain, players find the game increasingly playable and engaging, with a positive outlook for future content. Users recommend keeping an eye on the game as it continues to evolve.
“The updated building system makes the game significantly more playable - placing track is significantly easier than before, and far more enjoyable to do.”
“Along with having more than one map now, it adds more replayability to the game.”
“The effect of the physics, early-game growth, and industry interaction is that the game is highly playable and replayable, because no stage of growth feels punishing.”
“Games like 'Railroader' and 'Derail Valley' are slightly flawed, but they are playable unlike this game.”
“If you're interested in the game, I recommend just keeping an eye on it and waiting until it becomes a lot more playable/has a lot more content, or until it costs 50 to 75% less.”
“Bugs and glitches are still common, but it's more playable.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its beautiful graphics and effective seasonal changes, successfully capturing the essence of narrow gauge railways in the U.S. However, some users note a lack of atmospheric audio and inconsistencies in environmental detail, particularly in areas away from water features, indicating that while the potential is there, improvements are needed for a more immersive experience. Overall, the atmosphere is seen as a mixed bag, with room for enhancement as the game continues to develop.
“This game is now gorgeous, and the lighting and atmosphere are beautiful.”
“I like the atmosphere and graphics of this game; I have had it ever since it came out.”
“It is very atmospheric, capturing narrow gauge railways in the US quite well, and the developers put work into having the seasons change, which is nice.”
“The game's potential is there, but the fact that developers and other associated members keep coming out and quitting, citing management oversight and atmosphere as reasons for their departure, is a huge warning sign.”
“The lack of atmosphere in many areas of the world, especially away from water features or industries, is a significant drawback.”
“If the water textures and overall atmosphere were better, it would be bumped up a tier; as it stands, it's not bad.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional response to the game is overwhelmingly negative, with users expressing feelings of sadness and frustration due to poor gameplay experiences, glitches, and a lackluster tutorial. Many players feel a deep sense of loss over time and effort invested, leading to a strong emotional disconnect from the game.
“100s of hours into them, none made me feel the way this one did.”
“My friends and I have lost so much work; it's heartbreaking.”
