Tracks: The Train Set Game
- September 27, 2017
- Dr. Whoop
"Tracks: The Train Set Game" is a creative sandbox simulation where players can build and operate their own train sets. Customize detailed landscapes, lay tracks, and control various trains across multiple scenarios or a free-play mode. With realistic physics and a variety of tools at your disposal, the possibilities are endless in this relaxing and engaging experience for all ages.
Reviews
- The game evokes strong feelings of nostalgia, reminiscent of playing with wooden train sets as a child.
- It's a relaxing and calming experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
- The sandbox mode allows for endless creativity, enabling players to build intricate train tracks and towns.
- The controls can be clunky and unintuitive, making it frustrating to navigate and build tracks.
- There is a lack of content and variety in terms of train types and scenery, which can lead to repetitive gameplay.
- Some players have experienced bugs and glitches that disrupt the gaming experience.
- music51 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and relaxing qualities, featuring a soothing piano soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere. Many players appreciate the nostalgic and peaceful nature of the music, which complements the creative gameplay, although some note that it can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant highlight, contributing to a stress-free gaming experience.
“The music is relaxing and you can enjoy a stress-free game with plenty of options from sandbox to mission-based.”
“The music and sound design are sublime and understated; they’re perfect for brightening up and selling what may otherwise seem like a boring or repetitive task.”
“Beautiful music, extremely gorgeous & slightly cartoony graphics, and great lighting effects.”
“Wish I didn't buy the music thing; I never listen to it ever.”
“The music gets repetitive.”
“The music is very relaxing, but there is no atmosphere. It feels like you are on an astral plane; I would love to have some train sounds (at least a whistle) and maybe some environmental sound effects, as there are no sound effects.”
- graphics24 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charm and detail, featuring a beautiful wooden aesthetic and clean visuals that enhance the overall experience. Many reviewers appreciate the game's artistic style and lighting effects, noting that it creates a relaxing atmosphere, although some mention occasional oddities like color fog. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout aspect, contributing significantly to the game's appeal despite some calls for more content.
“The graphics are really a step up from what you could expect; the wood that makes up the train is so detailed, and with Unreal Engine 4, the physics are also a pleasant surprise to find how well everything is.”
“Aesthetically, it's gorgeous, and I hope they add more items and game modes.”
“Beautiful music, extremely gorgeous and slightly cartoony graphics, and great lighting effects.”
“The graphics to me are the only saving grace.”
“It took a few minutes running on Linux to get the graphics downgraded correctly so that the user interface was adequately responsive.”
“The visuals are charming but sometimes seem odd with the color fog and such.”
- story15 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is minimal, with many users noting the absence of a traditional narrative. Instead, players can choose between sandbox and mission modes, with the latter focusing on passenger and cargo delivery, though the missions are criticized for being short and lacking depth. Overall, while the gameplay offers some enjoyable elements, it leaves players wanting more content and better controls.
“The music is relaxing, and you can enjoy a stress-free game with plenty of options from sandbox to mission-based gameplay.”
“Personally, I mostly enjoy the passenger missions where you have to pick up a group of people and bring them to the station.”
“There is a sandbox mode and a mission mode, where you deliver passengers and cargo, so even for early access, there is plenty for you to do.”
“Little light on mission content.”
“There is no story - n/a.”
“Unfortunately, this game's mission is so short that it only costs you half an hour, and then I keep waiting for the update for the new missions, but it let me down.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it repetitive and lacking depth, comparing it to other sandbox games like Scrap Mechanic and Minecraft. While there are elements of nostalgia and relaxing gameplay, others note that the game feels empty and could benefit from more complex mechanics and content. However, there is potential for improvement as new features and challenges are introduced in future updates.
“A lot of nostalgia and nice relaxing gameplay.”
“It's not Skyrim for gameplay length, but it's very, very good.”
“The new challenge mode of getting passengers to the right stations is in a very early, basic stage, but the potential there for imaginative gameplay and solutions is limitless.”
“The gameplay gets so boring; at least the music is nice. I would not buy it unless you want this, though.”
“No gameplay to speak of; just a 'toybox,' as the trailer says.”
“In my opinion, the game feels too empty content-wise and gameplay-wise, even for early access.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game evokes strong emotional responses, with players highlighting its ability to rekindle childhood nostalgia and imagination, creating a relaxing and wholesome experience. Many reviewers express deep affection for the game, describing it as incredibly wholesome and capable of eliciting tears of joy. Overall, it is celebrated for its heartfelt design and the warmth it brings to players.
“This game is one of my favorite games; it reminds me of those wooden train tracks and toys for kids, making me feel like a kid again.”
“Captures childhood imagination perfectly, great to relax with, and just an all-around wholesome game with a lot of love put into it.”
“Incredibly relaxing and wholesome.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally described as calming and cute, with relaxing music that enhances the experience. However, some users feel that the lack of environmental sound effects detracts from the overall immersion, suggesting that additional audio elements could improve the atmosphere. Overall, it is recommended for those seeking a chill sandbox experience reminiscent of childhood train set building.
“Such a cute, atmospheric, calming game.”
“Highly recommend to anyone wanting to enjoy a very chill sandbox atmosphere or just wanting to relive train set building days from your childhood.”
“Very nice atmosphere and beautiful music.”
“The music is very relaxing, but there is no atmosphere. It feels like you are on an astral plain. I would love to have some train sounds (at least a whistle) and maybe some environmental sound effects, as there are currently no sound effects.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game currently lacks optimization for tilt five, which affects the overall experience, but it runs smoothly with impressive graphics. Players appreciate the customization options and express a desire for more diverse track and train types, as well as challenges that require optimized designs rather than purely sandbox gameplay.
“However, I'm a firm believer in the principle of limitations leading to enhanced creativity, so I would like some challenges and levels that aren't purely sandbox, whereby I must make an optimized railway that navigates an area using only the pieces provided—like Bridge Constructor, but modular and less physics-based.”
“Great customization and optimization; I wish there were more track (tram) and train types (diesel, electric).”
“Other than that, the game is very nice; it runs smoothly, and the graphics are very nice and cool.”
“It is not optimized for Tilt Five yet, so it's just an okay game.”
“I would like some challenges and levels that aren't purely sandbox, where I must create an optimized railway that navigates an area using only the pieces provided—like Bridge Constructor, but modular and less physics-based.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game exhibits stability issues, particularly with freezing upon resuming from sleep mode, and users report frequent bugs typical of early access titles. While players enjoy the game, the instability detracts from the overall experience.
“One problem, though, is that when you close your laptop and come back to it later, it sometimes freezes the game.”
“Yeah, sure, it can be super buggy.”
“I like this game, but it is buggy, as expected with an early access game.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is appreciated by players, particularly those who enjoy creative titles like Minecraft and Stardew Valley. It features whimsical elements, such as amusing sound effects and lighthearted gameplay, contributing to a relaxing and entertaining experience. Overall, it offers a fun and humorous atmosphere that enhances the building and exploration aspects.
“Great for creative players and funny! I recommend it if you like games like Minecraft and Stardew Valley.”
“The funny horn goes 'woo wooooo'!”
“Hours of relaxing fun building wild tracks or getting the funny little passengers to the station.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers decent replayability with room for creativity, though some users feel it could benefit from improved GUI and additional features to enhance the experience. While it may have limitations, many agree that it remains a worthwhile investment.
“Could use a little GUI work with easier changes to the view and a few more hotkeys, but definitely replayable and offers lots of room for creativity.”
“While it has limited replayability, it's still worth the investment.”
“It needs just a little bit more for replay value.”
“Limited replayability, but worth the money.”
“Could use a little GUI work with easier changes to the view and a few more hotkeys, but definitely has room for creativity.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect tedious, often requiring multiple attempts to progress due to accidental button presses, which can lead to frustration in building tracks.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grinding is a rewarding experience that keeps you engaged.”
“The grind is challenging but ultimately satisfying.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“It makes it tedious to build tracks when the wrong button is pressed.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players feel that the monetization strategy, particularly through videos and advertising, misrepresents the actual gameplay experience, leading to disappointment when the game does not align with their expectations.
“The videos and advertisements for this game led me to believe I would be playing a very different game.”
“The monetization strategy feels overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
“I feel pressured to spend money to enjoy the game fully, which is frustrating.”