Train Sim World 4
- September 26, 2023
- Dovetail Games
- 5h median play time
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Get on PS Store"Train Sim World 4" offers a realistic rail simulation experience, featuring new difficulty ratings and settings for accessibility. Explore a variety of iconic routes and trains, with the added freedom to roam and drive any train wherever you want. The Training Center provides a place to learn the basics of operating diesel, steam, and electric power trains.
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Epic Games
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game features stunning graphics and attention to detail, making it visually appealing.
- The addition of free roam mode allows for greater exploration and flexibility in gameplay.
- The variety of routes and trains available keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- The game feels like a minor update rather than a new release, with many bugs and issues carried over from previous versions.
- DLC prices are high, making it expensive to fully enjoy the game.
- Performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, detract from the overall experience.
- graphics186 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics in Train Sim World 4 are generally praised for their detail and realism, showcasing impressive train models and environments that enhance immersion. However, many users express disappointment over the lack of significant graphical improvements compared to previous versions, with some noting performance issues like stuttering and lag even on high-end systems. Overall, while the visuals are appealing, they are often seen as outdated and in need of a more modern overhaul.
“The graphics are exceptionally well-executed, rendering trains and landscapes with a level of realism that is truly immersive.”
“The level of detail in the game is spot on, and the graphics on the trains are just breathtaking.”
“Amazing graphics, amazing feeling.”
“Graphics settings are stuck in the past and are so poorly optimized that people with top-end settings lag and stutter just the same as if they're on lower settings.”
“I do not recommend this game; there is literally no difference compared to Train Sim World 2. If anything, the graphics are worse than Train Sim World 2, and there is not even the slightest difference. I am not happy about this game; it's a complete waste of money.”
“The decision to reuse the same graphics engine means that visually, TSW4 isn't a significant leap forward from its predecessors.”
- gameplay69 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Train Sim World 4 (TSW4) is characterized by a mix of realism and accessibility, appealing to both casual players and train enthusiasts. While the core mechanics remain largely unchanged from previous iterations, the introduction of features like free roam mode and varied timetabled routes enhances the experience, though some players find the gameplay loop repetitive and lacking in challenge. Overall, the game offers a visually appealing and immersive simulation, but the reliance on costly DLCs for expanded content may deter some players.
“Each of these routes has a timetabled mode which introduces an element of strategic gameplay, enhancing the overall simulation and increasing interest for players.”
“The immersive gameplay is further enhanced by the dynamic weather system and realistic sound effects, which make each trip feel like a genuine railway journey.”
“Free-roam in timetable mode is worth the price of TSW4 on its own; it really is a blast to be able to just spawn what you want, drive it where you want, and still have AI traffic rolling around the lines. This feature is undersold big time and is one of the best and biggest gameplay additions DTG have given the franchise since introducing service mode with the original release.”
“Because there's no competition for Train Sim World developers, there's very little incentive for them to make genuine, game-enhancing improvements to actually bring the game's mechanics on par with other games that are being released around the same time.”
“The gameplay loop is inherently repetitive, and maybe this is a symptom of the game's realism, but it turns out driving a train is not particularly challenging or engaging.”
“Well simply, these changes are all very minimal and will have almost no impact on a typical player's gameplay loop.”
- optimization67 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 49 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, freezing, and low frame rates, even on high-end systems. While some users noted improvements in performance compared to previous versions, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, requiring further updates to address persistent issues. Players have expressed frustration over the game's inability to run smoothly, often attributing these problems to the outdated engine and lack of proper optimization efforts.
“This game is amazing! The graphics are pretty good, and the game is so optimized that it can run on a 1070 Ti.”
“I am happy with this version 4 update; much better performance.”
“It runs smoothly at 60 fps, and it's great to be able to play TSW 4 wherever I want.”
“The game is plagued by constant freezes, pauses, glitches, audio dropouts and repetitions, and general issues with poor performance.”
“The stuttering (that the devs said is unavoidable no matter your machine) is just atrocious.”
“Performance has become so terrible with recent iterations and patches that the game is no longer playable on my machine as it continuously dips below 30fps.”
- stability49 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- -4 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The stability of Train Sim World 4 is widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues, including frequent freezes and stutters, even on high-end hardware. Many players express frustration over the lack of fixes for longstanding problems and perceive the game as a cash grab with poorly executed DLCs. While some acknowledge minor improvements, the overall sentiment is that the game remains a buggy and unfinished experience.
“A lot less laggy than TSW3; even on my low-end PC, it runs great on medium graphics.”
“The game maintains a smooth frame rate, making for an enjoyable experience.”
“I haven't encountered any crashes or major bugs, which is a huge plus for stability.”
“This game is plagued by constant freezes, pauses, glitches, audio dropouts and repetitions, and general issues with poor performance.”
“The amount of frame drops, stutters, and freezes that you experience in a single run is truly unacceptable!”
“Dovetail consistently under-delivers and disappoints with their lackluster mess of broken, unfinished, and buggy features.”
- story32 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a general consensus that the game lacks a meaningful story, with many users noting the absence of narrative elements and character interactions. While some missions are available, they often feel repetitive and are marred by bugs and poor tutorials, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, players express a desire for a more engaging story and improved mission structure.
“The routes are jam-packed with little side missions that you can complete, as well as scenarios and timetabled routes.”
“Its fun but it feels long doing the missions, but I do recommend it if you have the time.”
“I had to operate a vectron and mission accomplished.”
“Garbage tutorials that don't teach you everything you need to know to complete the missions.”
“No summary after an hour of driving, no rewards, no overall mission completion information.”
“I am not talking about small glitches, but about game-breaking bugs which prevent you from completing a mission/tutorial.”
- monetization22 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been heavily criticized by users, who describe it as a blatant cash grab with minimal improvements over previous versions. Many reviewers express frustration over the need to repurchase the core game and the inclusion of in-game advertisements, labeling the practices as exploitative and indicative of a lack of genuine innovation. While some acknowledge the game's quality when on sale, the overall sentiment is that the developers prioritize profit over player experience.
“Just a repackaged Train Sim World 3; it's a blatant cash grab with no real improvements that we want, like the start point and consist builder that MSTS had.”
“It's sad that people still pay these cash grabs due to a lack of alternatives in the train sim space.”
“Train Sim World 4 is a bit of a mixed bag; it seems like a cash grab from Dovetail Games as it's practically just Train Sim World 3 with a different label.”
- music10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the beautiful soundtrack and its ability to enhance the gaming experience, while others find the in-game music too loud and distracting, obscuring important sounds. Many users express a strong appreciation for the soundtrack, often listening to it outside of gameplay, and highlight its appeal, particularly in trailers. Overall, the music is a significant aspect of the game, eliciting both admiration and frustration among players.
“The graph and sounds are great, and I can't stop listening to the soundtrack (which can be found separately online) when not playing.”
“There is nothing better than spending an hour and a half in a train with max volume headphones playing phonk music so loud it's vibrating your brain.”
“The soundtrack is beautiful.”
“Stutters along and gives no way to disable the obnoxiously loud music that plays during scenarios, obscuring in-cab and ambient sounds.”
“Sadly, I'm just a lowly musician, so I'll just keep throwing money at DTG until someone better comes along.”
“A year later - they announce TSW 4, make a trailer with a Depeche Mode song, and update the graphics just a little bit.”
- grinding7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
Reviews consistently highlight that grinding in the game is an extremely time-consuming endeavor, often requiring players to invest significant hours to achieve their goals. While some players find satisfaction in completing all tasks and challenges, the overall sentiment suggests that the grinding aspect can feel tedious and overwhelming.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“I personally want to finish all timetables and scenarios for specific trains; it's a tedious task, but definitely something I'd love to brag about when I finish all of them.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its chaotic situations and amusing bugs, which often lead to hilarious outcomes, such as scamming money instead of addressing issues. Players find the relaxed atmosphere enjoyable, making it a great choice for those seeking a stress-free experience, despite the presence of some unresolved bugs.
“The mess leads to funny situations, though.”
“It's very hilarious; you scam people's money instead of fixing bugs in the game and improving the graphics.”
“Some of the bugs can be funny, and if you are really into train sims or want a game where you can chill out without stress, this is a great one to get.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game has seen significant improvements, particularly in graphics and sound, enhancing the overall experience. However, some users feel that certain elements, like train travel views, detract from the immersive atmosphere. Overall, the game is praised for its atmospheric advancements, making it a strong contender in this aspect.
“I thought ECML might be the weak link, but with the atmosphere improvements, it is really very good.”
“This completely ruined the atmosphere when you wanted to watch your train travel around the landscapes from a fly-over view.”
“A huge step in the right direction with more control over what one can do and buckets of atmosphere to go with it through both graphics and sound, which have made a significant step forward.”
