TRAIN CREW
- September 30, 2021
- Mizotsuki Rail / acty
Get on Steam"Train Crew" is a simulation game that allows players to operate a train on the Tatehama Electric Railway in Japan. By tilting the master controller, players can accelerate and brake the train, and perform other operations such as sounding the horn and switching viewpoints. Conductors can also open and close doors, make announcements, and conduct safety checks. The game is live distribution-friendly and encourages players to share their experiences.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and immersive experience for fans of Japanese trains, with excellent driving mechanics and a realistic scoring system.
- The addition of 'Conductor Mode' allows players to engage in a variety of tasks, enhancing the overall gameplay and educational value.
- Despite being in Early Access, the game is well-optimized, bug-free, and shows great potential for future updates and expansions.
- The graphics are simplistic and could use improvement, lacking the polish seen in other train simulators.
- Currently, the game has a limited route length and content, which may not satisfy hardcore train simulation fans.
- There are concerns about the developer's plans for future content, including the potential for paid DLC for short extensions.
- graphics32 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics in this Japanese rail simulation are generally described as simplistic and not photo-realistic, with some users noting that they appear flat and dull. While the visual quality may not match that of other popular train simulators, the game runs smoothly on various rigs and emphasizes gameplay and simulation depth over graphical fidelity. Overall, the graphics are considered adequate for the experience, but there is hope for future improvements as the game is still in early access.
“The models continue to improve graphically.”
“A fine balance of gameplay and simulation, coupled with a hit Japanese VGM soundtrack, and simple, clean graphical charm.”
“While the graphics are fairly simplistic in regards to model and texture details, they get the flair right.”
“The game is still early access but I hope they work on the graphics; they are currently a bit flat and dull looking.”
“I would not recommend spending $15 on a short train sim with subpar graphics.”
“Nothing bad, but you are no TSW2 or HMMSim in the graphics department.”
- optimization10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is a mixed bag; while it is generally well-optimized and visually appealing for a Unity title, some users report performance issues, particularly with stuttering when deviating from the normal speed profile and struggles to maintain 4K at 60fps on higher-end hardware like the RTX 3070. Overall, the game offers a more immersive experience compared to other train sims, but it still has room for improvement in performance consistency.
“It's made in Unity, is well optimized, and looks great despite not being photorealistic.”
“I would love to be able to manage a train with a defect back to a depot while trying to keep to time and not causing any further disruption or having weather affect the train or passengers' performance.”
“And I am not just talking about the performance; I am talking about the game as a whole.”
“The simulation struggles to render in 4K at 60fps in some areas, even on an RTX 3070.”
“While other video-type train sims are nice, they feel less immersive than Train Crew due to stuttering when going outside the normal speed profile and the inability to change the viewport.”
“I would love to manage a train with a defect back to a depot while trying to keep to time and not causing further disruption, or having weather affect the train or passengers' performance.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its quality and balance between simulation and enjoyment, featuring engaging train mechanics, well-designed routes, and scenarios. Coupled with a captivating Japanese VGM soundtrack and appealing graphics, it stands out as a top-tier experience in train simulation. Overall, players find it fun and worth the reasonable price.
“Train Crew is in rare air, at the pinnacle of train simulation and gameplay.”
“Gameplay-wise, it's what you would expect; trains are good, routes and scenarios are good, it's fun to play.”
“High quality gameplay with a reasonable price tag.”
“A fine balance of gameplay and simulation, coupled with a hit Japanese VGM soundtrack, and simple, clean graphical charm.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game offers strong replayability due to its multiple service patterns and train models, as well as distinct route sections that enhance the driving experience. While current content is somewhat limited, future expansions are planned, and the challenge of achieving high scores adds to the game's replay value. Overall, players appreciate the immersive feel and atmosphere that contribute to its replayability.
“Since there are multiple service patterns and train models, there's good replayability, and the various sections of the route also feel different enough (e.g. there's a pretty steep ramp towards Daidoji).”
“However, the content is limited as of now, with plans of extending the line in the near future. Despite that, there is plenty of replay value as this game simulates many parts of driving a train, so getting a high score is quite difficult.”
“It's the feel, the atmosphere, and replayability.”
- stability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game is stable and largely bug-free, attributing this quality to the efforts of a commendable development team.
“It's bug-free (from what I've seen) and has a very wonderful development team!”
- monetization2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The monetization model of this train simulator is praised for its lack of DLC and microtransactions, offering a more realistic experience compared to competitors like Train Simulator 20xx. This approach enhances player satisfaction by providing a complete experience without additional costs.
“Unlike other train simulators, such as Train Simulator 20xx, this game offers much more realism without relying on DLC or microtransactions.”
“This game provides a more realistic experience compared to other train simulators, and it does so without the need for DLC or microtransactions.”
“The absence of DLC and microtransactions in this game enhances its realism compared to other titles in the train simulator genre.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its immersive quality, contributing significantly to the overall experience and enhancing replayability. Players appreciate how the ambiance effectively draws them into the game world.
“It's the feel, the atmosphere, and replayability.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highlighted as a standout feature, featuring a captivating Japanese video game music (VGM) soundtrack that complements the gameplay and simulation elements effectively. The overall presentation is enhanced by a simple yet charming graphical style.
“A fine balance of gameplay and simulation, coupled with a hit Japanese VGM soundtrack, and simple, clean graphical charm.”
