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STATIONflow

Even if STATIONflow is about as dull as can be visually, and feels a bit rough around the edges mechanically, the rewarding gameplay often shone through, engaging me for hours on end.
79%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
stability, grinding
83% User Score Based on 476 reviews
Critic Score 69%Based on 3 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindowsLinuxLinuxMac OSMac OS
Buy Nowfrom $17.99
Buy NowGet on Steam$17.99

About

"STATIONflow is a simulation game where you build and manage an underground train station, directing the flow of thousands of passengers. Create 3D layouts, place structures and transport options, and use signage to guide passengers. Your goal is to efficiently manage congestion and get passengers to their destinations quickly."

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
STATIONflow screenshot
STATIONflow screenshot
STATIONflow screenshot
STATIONflow screenshot
STATIONflow screenshot
STATIONflow screenshot
STATIONflow screenshot

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 479 reviews
gameplay21 positive mentions
stability10 negative mentions
  • Engaging gameplay that challenges players to optimize subway station layouts and manage passenger flow effectively.
  • The minimalist design and intuitive controls make it easy to learn, while still providing depth and complexity as the game progresses.
  • The game offers a unique concept of managing a subway station, allowing for creativity in design and planning.
  • Performance issues arise when managing larger stations with many passengers, leading to lag and reduced frame rates.
  • The signposting system is cumbersome, requiring frequent updates that can clutter the screen and detract from gameplay.
  • The game lacks variety in maps and content, which can lead to repetitive gameplay after unlocking all features.
  • gameplay
    73 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Overcrowded" and "Stationflow" is characterized by simple yet engaging mechanics that involve managing traffic and guiding commuters through stations, often requiring players to place signs to direct lost passengers. While the games offer a solid foundation and enjoyable progression, they suffer from issues like unintuitive mechanics and AI pathfinding problems, which can lead to frustration. Overall, players find the gameplay addictive and rewarding, with potential for further refinement and expansion.

    • “It has a clean visual aesthetic and the gameplay is solid.”
    • “Simple mechanics, layered well to create something challenging and interesting!”
    • “Whatever the reason, the structural design, mechanics, and especially visual appeal of this game is utterly brilliant and 'Stationflow' remains one of the very few that I have played which is both tremendous fun to play and, despite the issues covered elsewhere here, so totally engrossing.”
    • “This essentially is a bad mechanic because all it does is make you place more signs that shouldn't need to be there, increasing workload and clutter.”
    • “I don't know if the AI tries to mimic actual people because many of them will ignore signs and complain to get to their destination. There is a weird mechanic with pathfinding where they can see exits or stairs across the world but not the signs above their heads.”
    • “The main gameplay loop is drawing out new parts of your station while paused, then unpausing and trying to see where the problems are.”
  • graphics
    51 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in the game are characterized by a minimalist aesthetic that is both clean and effective, enhancing gameplay without being overly complex. While some players appreciate the simplicity and clarity, noting that it contributes to an immersive experience, others feel that the minimalism can sometimes hinder clarity and that the game could benefit from additional aesthetic elements. Overall, the graphics are generally well-received, with a few mentions of performance issues during crowded scenarios.

    • “Stationflow visually takes on an almost unique approach; its minimalistic graphics give a real sense of something unique, and as you build more and more complex 3D layouts for your station, you really need to keep on top of things if you want to keep your passengers happy.”
    • “The graphics are simple but detailed, and you will find yourself fully immersed in the game.”
    • “Graphics are perfect for this kind of game too - simple yet clear.”
    • “The graphics are pretty basic, but that doesn't impact gameplay.”
    • “My only complaints are that frame rate can drop when a station is crowded even on a relatively powerful PC, which is surprising given that the graphics aren’t that complex.”
    • “It used to be okay, with minimalistic graphics, but the experience just got ruined.”
  • optimization
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it starts off well with good performance, issues arise as players expand their stations, leading to significant slowdowns, particularly when managing large numbers of passengers. Many users report that the game is CPU-bound and struggles with performance when the complexity increases, with no expected patches to address these concerns. Despite these challenges, players who enjoy route-planning and optimization find the game engaging, though they acknowledge the performance limitations.

    • “This is exactly the kind of game I'm wired to enjoy; route-planning, optimization, and a small sprinkling of tedium.”
    • “It's optimized for people who like to optimize.”
    • “Really great game for those who like efficiency and optimization.”
    • “Fun game with lots of potential, but as your station gets larger, the game's performance begins to tank.”
    • “Game is poorly optimized (CPU bound) - in the beginning, there are no issues at all, but once you reach the current end game with 8-10 stations, the game starts to get choppy.”
    • “Indications are the developer has moved on, so do not expect any patch to come along and improve performance.”
  • replayability
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it infinitely replayable and addictive, others note significant limitations due to a lack of variety and only one map to explore. Suggestions for improvement include adding randomization and events to enhance the experience, as current gameplay often revolves around replaying the same scenario with minimal changes. Despite these limitations, many still feel the game offers good value for its price.

    • “Unbelievably good, and very impressive addictiveness/replayability for an indie 1.0.0 early release.”
    • “Obviously some randomisation when a new game is started will definitely increase its replayability, but just working with this one scenario has had me hooked.”
    • “That would greatly enhance replayability.”
    • “This means you can only really find entertainment replaying the level better, which has very limited replayability.”
    • “Currently, it seems there's only one map to play which limits the replayability of the game.”
    • “Still it has very limited replay value for now, but even for one game it is worth the money.”
  • stability
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report that it runs well and is mostly bug-free, issues such as NPC pathfinding glitches and limited elevator functionality detract from the experience. Some users find the game enjoyable and visually appealing, but others criticize it for feeling incomplete and buggy, particularly regarding accessibility features.

    • “Now the game works perfectly fine, and besides the occasional pedestrian getting lost for no reason—which is never game-breaking—it is mostly bug-free and performance is good.”
    • “Runs great, looks awesome, and seems to do a great job of accomplishing what they've set out to do.”
    • “Not buggy, nice campaign so far.”
    • “Not worth paying for a half-finished, buggy, abandoned game.”
    • “Even after resolving some glitches, such as NPCs commonly losing their way in overly wide hallways and plazas, the problem was still quite apparent with up to a hundred people lost for no reason.”
    • “However, elevator implementation is bogus (allows only 2 floors); elevators are not available from the start, violating disability legislation; passenger pathfinding is very buggy; financial model is weak.”
  • music
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is highly praised for its incredible and calming soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience, particularly in the puzzle genre. However, some users express disappointment over the limited variety, noting that it features primarily one song and lacks character.

    • “The soundtrack alone would sell this game!”
    • “The soundtrack also has a relaxing vibe to it.”
    • “It's a lovely puzzle game with wonderful calming music.”
    • “The soundtrack can lack character and is very short.”
    • “The audio effects are graphically simple.”
  • grinding
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious, particularly as station expansion requires repetitive tasks like updating signs and placing floor tiles. While some may enjoy the meticulous nature of sim building, many feel that the lack of increasing challenge and the inability to clone objects make the experience more of a chore than an engaging challenge. Overall, the grinding is seen as a significant drawback, leading some to recommend only purchasing the game on sale.

    • “It is a tedious nightmare.”
    • “Further to that, as your station expands you'll need to update every single sign one at a time and this gets incredibly tedious in larger stations.”
    • “Maybe later on more interesting things get added, but for now I find myself spending more time on tedious things than solving interesting problems.”
  • story
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is largely criticized, with many users noting that it lacks a meaningful narrative, comparing it to games like "Temple Run" that prioritize gameplay over storytelling. Some mention an underlying moral about complexity arising from increased interactions, but overall, the consensus is that the story is minimal or non-existent.

    • “Epic story.”
    • “Moral of the story is, as more people come, the traffic of their feet alone makes it complicated.”
    • “This game has no story.”
    • “It's like playing 'Temple Run' for the story.”
    • “The moral of the story is, as more people come, the traffic of their feet alone makes it complicated.”
  • humor
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users consistently highlight the game's humor as a standout feature, noting its clever and entertaining delivery that enhances the overall experience. The comedic elements are described as both amusing and cleverly integrated into the gameplay.

    • “But this is so funny!”
    • “And they have a funny way of letting you know ;)”
  • monetization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating the charming graphics and overall execution. However, specific details about the monetization methods or their impact on gameplay are not mentioned.

69%Critics’ scoreBased on 3 critic reviews

Buy STATIONflow

11h Median play time
12h Average play time
10-20h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 8 analyzed playthroughs

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