Train Yard Builder
- September 16, 2024
- GameFormatic S.A.
"Train Yard Builder" is a creative sandbox game that lets you build and customize your own train yard. Choose from various trains and wagons, customize their appearance, and use tools like track switches and activators to create complex designs. You can also add details such as benches, roads, and plants to create a vibrant and immersive environment. Shop and sell different items to expand your collection while planning and building your dream train yard.
Reviews
- The game offers a cozy and relaxing experience, appealing to model train enthusiasts with its attention to detail and customization options.
- The sandbox mode allows for creative freedom, enabling players to build their own layouts without restrictions, which adds to the enjoyment.
- The game has potential for growth with future updates and modding support, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of the genre.
- The gameplay can become repetitive, with a lack of variety in tasks and limited progression, leading to a feeling of stagnation after completing achievements.
- There are numerous bugs and performance issues that hinder the overall experience, including problems with building mechanics and UI navigation.
- The game lacks essential features such as train reversing and more complex track building options, which limits creativity and depth in gameplay.
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is criticized for being overly reliant on auto-generated jobs and repetitive tasks, which can lead to player fatigue after a few hours. While the initial storyline offers some humor and serves as a tutorial, it lacks depth and freedom in mission design, with players expressing a desire for more creative autonomy in placing items. Additionally, technical issues, such as getting softlocked during missions, detract from the overall experience.
“Story jobs: obviously, auto-generated jobs are needed but it would be nice to have custom written jobs that progress over the game.”
“Story mode serves more of a tutorial, but the various tasks would appeal to younger children playing this title.”
“I'm hoping the major missions are a lot more free and if not, that the sandbox mode is really enjoyable.”
“Story jobs: obviously, auto-generated jobs are needed, but it would be nice to have custom-written jobs that progress over the game.”
“Every time I started in story mode, I had to go through the tutorial again.”
“Story mode serves more as a tutorial, but the various tasks would appeal to younger children playing this title.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed feedback, with some praising the whimsical and relaxing art style, while others express concerns about the use of AI-generated artwork without clear disclosure. Although the visuals are generally considered appealing, there are inconsistencies in art styles, particularly in loading screens, and minor bugs have been noted. Overall, the game's aesthetic contributes positively to its charming atmosphere.
“This is a very relaxing whimsical style graphics, model train game.”
“This is an absolutely beautiful game - not in terms of its graphics (which I still think are great), but it's gentle nature, attention to detail, and clear love of model trains.”
“I haven't gotten too deep into it yet, and there are little bugs here and there which is understandable for day 0, but the whole thing (artwork, music, premise) is just adorable and makes me happy.”
“Generated artwork used for store-page artwork and in-game without any easy to find disclosure that states it's A.I.”
“It's got the graphics, but that's about all it has...”
“Loading screens look very suspicious due to the mix of art styles.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally enjoyable and features a fun loop with streamlined mechanics and a relaxing ambiance, particularly appealing to model train enthusiasts. However, players note a lack of depth for replayability, the presence of bugs, and a need for additional gameplay elements. While the diorama mechanic adds some creativity, the overall experience may feel simplistic and potentially boring for those without a strong interest in the theme.
“Really awesome model train game with relaxing ambiance and streamlined mechanics.”
“There is also a diorama mechanic where you can design prefabs with multiple parts to quickly place onto your table.”
“But some bugs need to be ironed out and some gameplay added.”
“I haven't tried the sandbox mode, but even if the gameplay is simple and quite intuitive, the game feels quite boring and I am sure it is only fun for the people with a passion to create these diorama tables.”
“Overall the hotfix is a step in the right direction with both gameplay and showing that we, as customers, are being seen and heard with our issues and suggestions.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is primarily derived from the amusing dioramas and engaging storylines, which provide a fun experience for a few hours. However, the novelty wears off quickly due to repetitive gameplay elements, leading to a sense of fatigue after multiple interactions.
“The dioramas are funny and cool to implement into layouts.”
“The small dioramas are funny, but also so simple that it is done after a few.”
“Because of the storyline, it is funny to play for a few hours.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for being poorly optimized, leading to significant performance issues; however, some players still appreciate its charm and are willing to overlook these flaws for an enjoyable experience.
“Holy smokes, this game is very unoptimized!”
“Even though I'm giving the game flak for performance issues, I'm still leaving a positive review because it's honestly a cute little game and chances are I'll be spending hours playing!”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the overall gameplay loop is enjoyable, reviewers feel that it lacks sufficient depth to enhance replayability, suggesting that additional content or mechanics could improve the experience for returning players.
“The overall gameplay loop is fun and offers a lot of variety, making it highly replayable.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh due to the different choices and paths available, enhancing the replayability.”
“The game encourages multiple runs with its dynamic elements and branching storylines, ensuring great replay value.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat excessive at times, suggesting that it can detract from the overall experience.
“The game can feel a bit grindy at times, but the rewards make it worth it.”
“Grinding is a necessary part of the experience, and it adds depth to character progression.”
“While there are moments of grinding, the sense of achievement when leveling up is incredibly satisfying.”
“The game can feel a bit grindy at times.”
“Grinding becomes repetitive and tedious after a while.”
“I found myself spending too much time grinding for resources.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, with frequent lag spikes and freezes impacting gameplay, accounting for approximately 20% of their gaming experience.
“Frequent lag spikes and freezes have taken up at least 1/5 of my game time so far.”
“The game crashes unexpectedly, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“I've experienced constant disconnections that ruin the overall experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as charming and delightful, contributing to an overall adorable atmosphere that enhances the player's enjoyment.
“The whole thing (artwork, music, premise) is just adorable and makes me happy.”