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Rolling Line

96%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
story, stability
96% User Score Based on 3,646 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindows
Buy Nowfrom $19.99
Buy NowGet on Steam $19.99

About

"Rolling Line" is a model railway simulator that allows players to build and share their own layouts via the Steam Workshop. Explore pre-made official layouts based in New Zealand, America, and Brazil, or download and play on thousands of player-made layouts. The game also features its own official magazine with updates, community content, and layout building guides.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
Rolling Line screenshot
+17

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,646 reviews
graphics118 positive mentions
story14 negative mentions
  • Rolling Line is a fantastic game for model train enthusiasts, allowing players to build their own layouts and drive trains in both VR and non-VR modes.
  • The game features a vibrant community with extensive modding support, providing a wealth of additional content and customization options.
  • The developer is highly engaged with the community, frequently updating the game and responding to player feedback.
  • The user interface and controls can be clunky and unintuitive, especially for non-VR players, making it difficult to navigate and build layouts.
  • There are limitations in the variety of trains and scenery available, which can hinder creativity for some players.
  • The game can experience performance issues and crashes, particularly with larger layouts or when using many mods.
  • graphics
    246 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming low-poly art style that prioritizes simplicity and whimsy over photorealism, making it visually appealing and easy to run on lower-end hardware. While some players appreciate the consistent and coherent design, others find the simplistic textures limiting, particularly in terms of detail and realism. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the immersive experience of building and managing train layouts, though opinions vary on their depth and ambition.

    • “The graphics of Rolling Line are pleasant; they have a low-poly style but at the same time, a huge amount of detail goes into the assets of this game, from the trains themselves to the block pieces to create your own map. The colors are very coherent, and everything seems to make sense, from the menus, music, and overall art.”
    • “The simplistic art style and low-poly models mean this game can run on a toaster with ease, and allows you to do insane amounts of detailing and massive layouts without incurring much of a performance hit.”
    • “This game is a really great idea; the way the graphics were designed looks cartoony but realistic at the same time, creating a nice mix of realistic, beautiful, yet stylized graphics.”
    • “The graphics are purposely horrendous!”
    • “It's a simple game that delivers simple gameplay, and it certainly has charm, but I feel like the basic graphics are a flawed concept when you go to miniature scale and this train 'simulator' ends up looking like Minecraft.”
    • “Graphical issues such as clipping, lack of lighting effects at night, all the cabs being the same, and wheels not moving on trains.”
  • gameplay
    74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is generally praised for its simplicity and ease of understanding, making it accessible for players of all ages. Many users appreciate the active development and regular updates that introduce new mechanics and features, enhancing the overall experience. While some critiques mention the basic graphics and a lack of intense gameplay, the charming design and smooth controls contribute to a fun and engaging model railroading experience.

    • “Gameplay is really nice, with easy-to-understand controls that are easy to remember for older players like myself.”
    • “With more than 1500 hours of gameplay, I can confidently say this is a very good game.”
    • “The developer is very active on this game and adds new and meaningful gameplay additions regularly.”
    • “But the gameplay is honest and simple; a baby can figure this out.”
    • “I would recommend this to everyone, but keep in mind there isn't much intense gameplay.”
    • “It's a simple game that delivers simple gameplay, and it certainly has charm, but I feel like the basic graphics are a flawed concept when you go to miniature scale and this train 'simulator' ends up looking like Minecraft.”
  • story
    54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game lacks a traditional storyline, with users noting there are no objectives, missions, or scenarios to engage with. While it offers an enjoyable VR experience, particularly for train enthusiasts, those seeking a narrative-driven game may find it unsatisfactory. Overall, it serves more as a sandbox for creativity rather than a story-focused title.

    • “There is no objectives or scenario as of yet, but if you can create story and setting inside yourself.”
    • “I doubt my small piece could tip the balance for the game so I think I just want to tell a story.”
    • “It is a fairly well made piece of software, though the graphics could be a bit more ambitious (even in VR mode) given my hardware, but there really is no gaming purpose, no objectives, no missions, no anything, just an alternative to spending thousands of dollars and room space building your own.”
    • “So if you prefer story-heavy games, or simulators, this probably isn't going to be your cup of tea, and that's fair.”
    • “There are no objectives or scenarios as of yet, but if you can create a story and setting inside yourself.”
  • optimization
    52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game "Rolling Line" is praised for its excellent optimization, allowing it to run smoothly on low-end systems and VR platforms, with many users reporting high frame rates even on less powerful hardware. While the simplistic art style contributes to its performance, some players note that larger layouts can lead to performance issues due to high RAM usage. Overall, it is considered one of the most optimized sandbox games available, with customizable visuals and effective performance management features.

    • “Rolling Line, like a growing number of games these days, understands the futility of endlessly chasing photorealistic graphics, and opts for a simpler art style to be more whimsical and improve performance.”
    • “On the matter of optimization, this game is probably one of the smoothest running games I own, 60 fps cleanly on any map with the help of the in-game view distance limiter, which allows you to keep the detail of a large scale layout without crashing every 3 seconds because 90,000 assets are trying to load in at once.”
    • “The simplistic art style and low-poly models mean this game can run on a toaster with ease, and allows you to do insane amounts of detailing and massive layouts without incurring much of a performance hit.”
    • “Performance can suffer on larger layouts, particularly in terms of RAM usage.”
    • “My major problem with the game is the optimization for models with large textures and large community layouts (such as IRM, beer line, etc).”
    • “This can make working on large layouts or running trains feel less fun due to the worry of memory-eating as a result of minimal to no optimization.”
  • music
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and soothing qualities, enhancing the overall relaxing experience of building layouts. Players appreciate the option to use the supplied soundtrack or add their own music, with many noting the soundtrack's ability to complement the game's graphics and sound design effectively. However, some users found certain tracks to be jarring, indicating a slight inconsistency in the musical experience.

    • “The soundtrack is great and the sounds of trains come to life.”
    • “Soundtracks are super relaxing and building your own map is very satisfying.”
    • “A nice mix of realistic, beautiful, yet nicely stylized graphics, and a beautiful ambient soundtrack.”
    • “If I had one complaint about the game, it'd be that the music is a bit too jarring.”
    • “First off, the soundtrack.”
    • “The graphics, soundtrack, and overall feel just give you something I haven't experienced in other rail sims.”
  • humor
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is highlighted by its playful sandbox nature, allowing players to create amusing maps and experience comical elements like funny crash noises and quirky train antics. Many users find themselves laughing throughout their gameplay, appreciating the lightheartedness and fun that the game brings, even as they navigate challenges like track placement. Overall, the game successfully combines humor with engaging mechanics, making it an enjoyable experience for players.

    • “It is a very fun sandbox game in my opinion; it allows the player to make very detailed maps or funny maps.”
    • “The controls feel great, and I found myself laughing as I was riding a train that I placed on the tracks.”
    • “But fricking Rolling Line, a game where funny train goes brrrrr?!?”
  • stability
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many users report it runs well on lower-end PCs and is optimized effectively, several also note the presence of bugs and glitches that detract from the experience. Some players have experienced minor issues, leading to a perception of the game as slightly unpolished. Despite these concerns, many still find the game enjoyable and well-crafted.

    • “The game runs great, and is optimized very well.”
    • “I've never had any bugs, no glitches, a complete game that everybody can pick up fast.”
    • “The game runs great on an i5 3570 and a GTX 970, so should not have any issues with lower-end VR setups.”
    • “3 stars in my opinion with all the bugginess.”
    • “But still quite buggy and therefore I put it away for some months.”
    • “The game is a little buggy and not fully polished.”
  • grinding
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players consistently express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming and tedious, often feeling like it requires an unrealistic commitment. This has led to frustration and difficulty in fully engaging with the game.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “However, everything is so tedious it's impossible for me to get into it.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
  • emotional
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the game to evoke a strong sense of calm and enjoyment, particularly appreciating its immersive VR elements and the engaging train manipulation mechanics. However, some users express frustration with certain gameplay aspects, indicating that these issues detract from the overall emotional experience. Overall, the game is described as a wholesome and situational experience that can be both relaxing and enjoyable.

    • “The game, at least to me, was very situational, meaning there were aspects that I absolutely loved like the train manipulation, the sheer size of them in VR, and just how chilled this game made me feel.”
    • “A wholesome little game.”
    • “#wholesome”
  • atmosphere
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a relaxing and charming stylization, enhanced by a dynamic weather system that adds depth to the experience. Players appreciate the creative potential offered by the extensive modding community, which further enriches the nostalgic and immersive environment. Overall, it creates a captivating and inviting world for exploration.

    • “The relaxing atmosphere, the charming and cute stylization of the worlds, the endless modding community, it has it all!”
    • “Get ready to fall into a bottomless chasm of creativity, atmosphere, and nostalgia.”
    • “The weather and atmosphere is an astonishingly complete touch.”
  • replayability
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate a mixed perception of replayability, with some users rating it as average (5/15), suggesting that while there may be some elements that encourage replay, they are not strong enough to significantly enhance the overall experience.

    • “5/15 game time / replayability”
    • “5/15 game time / replayability”
    • “5/15 game time / replayability”
  • monetization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviewers express disappointment regarding the monetization model, highlighting the absence of microtransactions and the expectation for more frequent updates, especially given the capabilities of modern game engines. There is a sense of frustration that the game's monetization strategy does not align with what was anticipated based on its promotional materials.

    • “I'm just concerned and disappointed by the fact that it hasn't been already and by how the advertisement of this game makes it appear as if it is.”
    • “No microtransactions and constant updates.”

Buy Rolling Line

71h Median play time
411h Average play time
35-666h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 32 analyzed playthroughs

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