World of Subways 3 – London Underground Circle Line
- May 12, 2014
- TML-Studios
Get on Steam"World of Subways 3 – London Underground Circle Line" is a simulation game that allows players to drive a train on the actual Circle Line of the London Underground. The game features realistic 3D graphics, accurate depictions of the London tube stations, and a range of challenges to complete. Players must follow speed limits, stop at the correct stations, and open and close the train doors at the right times.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a highly detailed and realistic simulation of the London Underground Circle Line, with well-modeled trains and stations.
- Players appreciate the immersive experience of setting up the train, managing passenger announcements, and driving according to strict schedules.
- The graphics and sound design are praised for their quality, enhancing the overall experience of driving a subway train.
- The game is plagued by numerous bugs and crashes, making it frustrating for players to complete missions or even start the game.
- Controls can be clunky and unintuitive, with issues such as the inability to walk backwards or sideways, and a lack of clear instructions.
- The strict failure conditions, such as instant game over for minor infractions like speeding or running a red light, can lead to a frustrating gameplay experience.
- graphics158 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally well-regarded, with many players noting that they hold up surprisingly well for a title released over a decade ago, showcasing detailed environments and realistic train simulations. However, some textures and character models appear dated, and there are reports of performance issues when adjusting graphics settings, leading to crashes and frame drops. Overall, while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are considered good enough to enhance the gameplay experience, especially for fans of simulation games.
“The graphics are very detailed, the noises, the automatic announcements, and the driving physics make it superior to today's most emblazoned simulators.”
“The graphics are gorgeous, the sounds are convincing, and the driving experience itself is realistic.”
“Graphically, the game looks fantastic as there's lots of detail in and out of the tunnels, that give you the feel of really being on a subway line.”
“No multi-monitor support, no resolution support, graphics are primitive and outdated, missions are buggy, you have to restart all of them several times before you can even attempt to do them.”
“The game runs very poorly when graphics options are enabled, but nicely when they are disabled, so it seems the mirrors and shadows options are not optimized (I'm talking about a 90 fps difference between on and off here...).”
“The graphics aren't the best I've ever seen, as from my experience so far the weather seems 'stuck', like it's about to rain, but there is still some lighting like a sunny day on certain scenery objects.”
- story148 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game lacks a traditional narrative, focusing instead on a series of missions that simulate driving trains on the London Underground. While the missions are unique and offer a realistic driving experience, they are often criticized for being overly strict and punishing, with instant failures for minor mistakes and numerous bugs that disrupt gameplay. Players express a desire for more diverse missions and routes, as well as improvements in stability and clarity in mission objectives.
“I love the concept of the missions which also make the game extremely unique.”
“You get a choice of some pre-defined missions with various challenges/situations (you can actually 'see' some of the rail maintenance works going on!!), but you can also drive to your own custom schedule with selectable routes, weather and time.”
“In some of the missions you have to couple trains and switch them around from one end to the other, this involves getting up from your seat in the cab and running around as you frantically set the train(s) up for the next leg of the journey, flipping switches, doing brake tests and ensuring passengers get a smooth, timely journey.”
“☑ no story”
“The missions are pretty much similar to train simulator - drive so and so route and keep to schedule - with emergencies and whatever else thrown in to challenge you.”
“My biggest complaint is that the missions are quite harsh if you make a mistake.”
- stability46 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 96 % negative mentions
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with numerous reports of severe bugs, crashes, and glitches that hinder gameplay, particularly in the tutorial and mission execution. While some players find enjoyment in the core experience, the overwhelming presence of technical issues makes it frustrating and often unplayable for many. Overall, the game is described as "buggy as hell," with significant room for improvement in stability.
“Runs great!”
“Runs great!”
“This game is a buggy, difficult mess.”
“No multi monitor support, no resolution support, graphics primitive and outdated, missions are buggy, you have to restart all of them several times before you can even attempt to do them.”
“Very buggy, crashes a lot and have a decent PC; will be refunding as it is unplayable.”
- gameplay36 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally regarded as unique and enjoyable, featuring interesting mechanics and smooth driving experiences, particularly for a game released in 2011. However, players have noted issues such as poor controls, bugs, and a steep learning curve, alongside frustrations with strict gameplay penalties for minor mistakes. Overall, while the core gameplay is praised, it is marred by technical problems and limitations.
“The actual core gameplay itself is pretty good, especially for a game that came out in 2011.”
“There are a lot of interesting mechanics in this game that make it very unique and enjoyable.”
“By far the best train simulator I have ever played; its gameplay is smooth, realistic, and fun.”
“Poor controls, crashes, and general low-quality gameplay.”
“Bear in mind that gameplay is limited.”
“But most importantly: gameplay will be instantly cut for failing to set up your train correctly, for running red lights, for going even a little over the limit, for accidentally opening doors on a service run, etc. Having to go through the mission all over again because you accidentally pressed F5 is a hassle.”
- optimization18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report good performance with lower graphics settings, others experience significant frame rate drops and stuttering when higher options are enabled, particularly with mirrors and shadows. Many users express a desire for an optimization patch, indicating that despite some adjustable settings, the game struggles to run smoothly on various hardware configurations.
“The engine has clearly been optimized.”
“It does provide an anisotropic filtering slider, a selection of shadow qualities, the ability to turn off bump mapping, reflections, a simpler lighting system, etc., so there's a fair bit of optimization you can do if your frame rates suffer.”
“Performance is fine and I've never had a crash.”
“Unfortunately, at least for me, the cons overcome the pros, making me wish for an optimization patch from TML/Aerosoft.”
“The game runs very poorly when graphics options are enabled, but nicely when they are disabled, so it seems the mirrors and shadows options are not optimized (I'm talking about a 90 fps difference between on and off here...).”
“And no, it's not optimized well... but the feeling of simulation is high in this game, and so are the details that make it feel realistic.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be frustratingly tedious, with a clunky tutorial that fails to adequately prepare them for the challenges ahead. The experience is marred by frequent crashes and punishing mechanics, such as falling onto the tracks, which contribute to a sense of overwhelming difficulty.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The game is a very clunky simulator of the London Underground, and the tutorial is incredibly tedious.”
“Falling onto the tracks sends you to the abyss, and I experienced a system-crippling crash within the first five minutes of trying to operate the train (without the knowledge bestowed by the tedious tutorial).”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game excels in creating an immersive atmosphere, effectively capturing the sights and sounds of the London Underground. Reviewers consistently praise its ability to evoke a strong sense of place, enhancing the overall experience.
“A fantastic sim, it nails the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the London Underground.”
“Atmospherically, this is an awesome game.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the train simulator is characterized by a mix of boredom during long stretches between stations and heightened engagement during frequent stops, where players experience a sense of anticipation and connection through the sounds of the train. This duality creates a unique emotional experience, balancing moments of monotony with the thrill of navigating the challenges of train operation.
