New Train Game: Railroader (now in Steam Early Access)

[GreatNortherner]

Hi all,

A new train game has just arrived on Steam. And it's a lovely one indeed: Railroader

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1683150/Railroader/

It's what one might call a "shortline simulator" and has a novel and in my opinion well thought out concept. It's a bit like a cross between a Tycoon-type game and a train simulator, where you operate and manage your railroad's business but can also run the trains.

The game is set in transition era Appalachia and the graphics (Unity Engine) are really fantastic. For an early access title, the game feels remarkably polished and well progressed, though there are some occasional bugs and issues (which is to be expected in an early access game). It is however a really engaging game full of atmosphere.

Railroader is not a fully fledged simulator (train controls are simplified) but it has some neat tricks up its sleeves and tells a great story. If you've played and enjoyed Derail Valley, you'll most likely also enjoy Railroader. The games have some similarities in concept, enjoyment factor, and how they combine train driving and gameplay, but there are noticable differences (not least a much less fictional setting in Railroader and, as far as I can tell, no explosions).

Railroader is also fully multiplayer-capable, though it can also be played entirely single-player and even without any internet connectivity at all for those who value their privacy.

Cheers,
Michael

[IndoBell]

Intersting! thank you for sharing about this !

Indobell

[Mikeov1985]

Sounds very interesting. Thank you Michael for sharing!

[dejoh]

Some interesting points to this new game. Sorry about the late start.
https://youtu.be/KTCoQr9ckOw

[ssbobz]

I've got about 15 hours in and I love it. It is early access but the core functions are in place. The vegetation part of the scenery is good but a lot of the buildings need to be added. Camera controls can take a lot of getting used to and some key bindings can be a little awkward.

Overall I think it has great potential and hope development doesn't fall apart.

[PullmanCar]

I too find it interesting (and is a reason why there has been less Kalamazoo development). It fills an under-represented train simulator niche, of a shortline, in a period setting, in the South. Naturally many are asking for Super Power steam and big steam, as so few seem to like a good shortline, but it really captures that well. I have probably 40 hours so far, and hope to get more as time permits. The controls do take a little acclimation (I stumble between full service and opening the throttle, it seems). I hope we shall see continued development of additional rolling stock, and locomotives, as well as towns, and services.

All in all, it is fabulous though, but a different experience to Train Simulator, and currently with a lot less mod ability (and officially no support), regrettably.

‘PullmanCar’

[gtw5812]

I hate to "Dig up an Old Thread", but has anyone been playing this? I downloaded it a while back, and my old computer didn't run it so well. This evening I revisited this platform and I must say, it is quite fun. Just curious of everyone's thoughts?

R/
Galen

[gtw5812]

The reason I brought this up is that they added a few more locomotives in March and I find the "operations" side of it very interesting. Being able to "bleed off" cars and other features make it very immersing. The one thing I noticed is that even with the level of detail, and the scenery up as high as the sliders allow, I have not once had the game lock up, dump or stutter... Even though it is only one route, it has many opportunities to either be a major railroad or a thriving short line. These are just some of my thoughts. I have attached a few more shots for you folks to enjoy!

R/
Galen

[dejoh]

There are many detailed videos on You-Tube.
https://youtu.be/2IDumyxVqQM

[gtw5812]

There are many detailed videos on You-Tube.
https://youtu.be/2IDumyxVqQM

Yes, I am a fan of "Kerbo's" stuff. I really like some of the features, such as assembling a train, and customizing the locomotive whistles. I have been doing a lot of experimenting in the "Sandbox" mode. Here are a few more screen shots.