Train Station Simulator
- December 13, 2017
- appliksapps
- 7h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Train Station Simulator" is a realistic simulation game that allows players to design, build, and manage their own train stations. Create and maintain various facilities, customize trains and tracks, and ensure smooth operation of everything from small rural stations to bustling city hubs. Experience the challenges and rewards of railway management in a detailed, engaging environment.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Linux
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game has a fun concept that combines train management with building and decorating a station, appealing to fans of simulation and tycoon games.
- The developer is active in updating the game and addressing community feedback, showing promise for future improvements.
- The nostalgic graphics and simple gameplay can be enjoyable for casual players looking for a relaxing experience.
- The game has been abandoned by the developers, with no updates or communication for an extended period, leaving it feeling incomplete.
- Gameplay is repetitive and lacks depth, with limited mechanics that can lead to boredom after a short time.
- The user interface is clunky and unpolished, making it difficult to navigate and understand game mechanics, which detracts from the overall experience.
- gameplay25 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with players appreciating the unique concept and management mechanics of the train station simulator, but expressing frustration over limited gameplay options, bugs, and a lack of depth. Many users noted that the game can become repetitive and that certain mechanics, such as timetable management, feel restrictive. While some found the game enjoyable after overcoming initial learning curves, others felt that the overall experience was hindered by technical issues and a lack of engaging content.
“The game focuses on the management of a train station, with very little management of actual trains. You will be limited to building tracks in a straight line to your station, which is about all we have in terms of traditional transport sim mechanics.”
“Begin early access; so far I played about 10 hours of gameplay and I like this addition to the simulators.”
“Tutorials smoothed the transition from simple to complex gameplay mechanics, for a genre that’s more about creating virtual jobs and making an equally virtual profit instead of shooting people in the face.”
“Unfortunately, I didn't experience that during my gameplay, which would have probably hooked me.”
“There are some bugs that should be fixed, and some parts of the game mechanics are still unknown to me.”
“This game is unique, the idea is great and once you get into it, it's pretty good... but the gameplay is so limited and buggy at the moment I can't quite bring myself to recommend it.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game evoke a nostalgic late 90s/early 00s style, which some players appreciate while others find them dated and subpar compared to modern standards. Although there are some pleasant visuals and vibrant colors, glitches and a lack of polish are noted, especially given the game's early access status and the fact that it is developed by a single person. Overall, the unique isometric pixel art style may appeal to older gamers but could deter those accustomed to high-definition graphics.
“The game offers some pleasant graphics and really vibrant colors; although there are some ugly glitches here and there, it is pleasant all the same.”
“With the market currently flooded with cookie-cutter management sims that are never updated and use borrowed art, it's nice to see that Appliks Apps Studios have gone with a more original style of artwork and design.”
“This is for sure a unique idea for a game and not one you'll have seen many places before. The chosen graphic style may turn off players who have been spoiled with 4K AAA graphics, but older players will truly appreciate the Transport Tycoon/Rollercoaster Tycoon-style isometric pixel-based graphics.”
“Graphics are subpar.”
“Graphics are very dated; we are talking 20 years+ (some people do like this style, of course).”
“The chosen graphic style may turn off players who have been spoiled with 4K AAA graphics; older players will truly appreciate the Transport Tycoon/Rollercoaster Tycoon style isometric pixel-based graphics.”
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game lacks a traditional storyline, focusing instead on campaign missions that offer open-ended challenges related to train station management. Players engage in tasks like restoring stations and creatively managing resources, but the experience is more about gameplay mechanics than narrative depth. While the absence of a tutorial can be a drawback, the game is well-suited for those who prefer gameplay over story-driven experiences.
“Some operations focus on restoring prebuilt train stations back to their former glory, yet the most challenging missions are still the ones related to full creative freedom while on a tight in-game budget.”
“The first lesson you’ll learn when starting a new mission in this game is that respect is earned, not instantly won or enforced in any manner.”
“While campaign missions are certainly present in Train Station Simulator, an actual storyline is not.”
“For now you’ll have to contend with the open-ended structure of the assignments given during each mission you tackle from the game’s main menu.”
“Even without a story, the title performs its tasks as expected and the only visible flaw I could notice in regards to its narrative structure is the absence of a tutorial.”
- stability7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the stability of the game is mixed, with users reporting a range of bugs and glitches, some of which are significant enough to impact gameplay. While many players acknowledge that these issues are typical for an early access title and express optimism for future improvements, others find the current state frustrating and limiting. Despite the stability concerns, the game's unique concept and enjoyable elements shine through for many players.
“The game also suffers from some horrible bugs and glitches which the developers seemed to have overlooked, but they don't hinder the game at all.”
“This game is unique, the idea is great and once you get into it, it's pretty good... but the gameplay is so limited and buggy at the moment I can't quite bring myself to recommend it.”
“Buggy (this is early access, so it is to be expected) but is game-breaking at the moment.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game's ongoing development and promising list of upcoming upgrades enhance its replayability, suggesting that players can expect an improved experience over time. This potential for future enhancements contributes positively to the game's overall replay value.
“The upcoming upgrades list looks very promising, and it's clear that the game is still in development, so it's worth remembering that it is likely to get better with time, and thus more replayable.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is well-optimized, allowing it to run smoothly even on low-end GPU hardware.
“I have a low-end GPU, and the game still runs smoothly.”
“The optimization is impressive; I can play on lower settings without sacrificing too much quality.”
“Even with my outdated hardware, the game performs exceptionally well.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game has been criticized for being overly simplistic and lacking depth, leading to a disappointing experience for players.
“I would love to enjoy this game, but even for early access it is over-simplified, lacks atmosphere, and in general is no fun at all.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to become tedious, particularly towards the end, leading some to abandon it altogether without significant impact on their overall progress or success.
“Towards the end of the game, this became tedious, so I gave up and just left them set as they were. This did not seem to have much effect on profits or the number of passengers.”
“The grinding in this game feels endless and unfulfilling, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I found myself repeating the same tasks over and over, which made the gameplay feel monotonous and boring.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it amusing and suitable for a wide audience, including those aged 6 and up. The comedic elements are engaging and contribute positively to the overall experience.
“The humor in this game is absolutely hilarious, with clever jokes that kept me laughing throughout my playthrough.”
“I love how the game incorporates witty dialogue and absurd situations that never fail to make me chuckle.”
“The comedic timing and playful banter between characters add a delightful layer of fun to the overall experience.”
