Train Simulator Classic
| RailWorks | |
|---|---|
| File:Railworks BoxArt.jpg UK RailWorks box cover | |
| Developer(s) | RailSimulator.com |
| Publisher(s) | RailSimulator.com |
| Engine | Proprietary game engine, PhysX (physics) |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows XP, Vista & 7 |
| Genre(s) | Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-Player |
RailWorks is a train simulation game. Developed by Rail Simulator Developments. It is a successor to Rail Simulator, and was released online on 12 June 2009 and in stores on 3 July 2009.[3]
RailWorks 2 was released on Steam on 24 September 2010. It was released on DVD later that year. Owners of the original Railworks were automatically upgraded to Railworks 2 via the Steam platform.[4]
Since the game's release, Steam has been used to deliver additional routes, locomotives, updated Rail Simulator content in the form of DLC. Examples include the fictional Rascal & Cottonwood route from All Aboard and packs of the LMS Jubilees and the GWR 4900 Class locomotives.
Routes
The base package contains nine routes.[5]
- Oxford-Paddington (UK), set in 2006
- York-Newcastle (UK), set in 1978
- Bath-Templecombe (UK), set in 1955. Part of the S&D railway.
- Barstow-San Bernardino (US), set in 2005
- Hedborough North (UK fictional), set in 1968
- Seebergbahn (Alpine fictional), set in 2009
- Castle Rock Railroad, (US fictional), set in 2009
- TestTrak, based on Test and validation centre, Wegberg-Wildenrath
Rolling stock
The base package contains 16 drivable locomotives and multiple units.[5]
- LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0
- S&DJR 7F 2-8-0
- British Rail Class 55
- British Rail Class 47
- British Rail Class 37
- InterCity125 High Speed Train
- British Rail Class 166
- DBAG Class 101
- DB Class 294 Diesel Shunter
- DB Class V 200
- DRB Class 52
- DB Baureihe BR 143
- DB Class 151
- EMD ES44-AC
- EMD SD40-2
- EMD F7 A & B
The game also comes with passanger coaches and freight vehicles.[5]
Critical reception
Metacritic reports an average score of 70 out of 100 or "Mixed or Average Reviews".[6] IGN gave the game an "7.0" or "decent" citing that the game doesn't "bring a lot of new stuff to the genre" and graphically lacks the "flair" of a normally developed game.[7]
Often criticized by the high amount of bugs, and flaws, unimplemented or badly implemented features that are still in game since the release or Rail Simulator, which means incomplete and unrealistic traction physics, the switch render problems, or low performance of game (what is caused mostly by single CPU core usage, and by the lack of route preloading), unrealistic brake systems etc.
On Thursday 17th March 2011, it was announced that Railworks 2: Train Simulator had won the award for "Best Simulator 2010" by readers of GiN (Games Industry News)[citation needed]
Sequel
A new version of RailWorks, which is called RailWork 3: Train Simulator 2012 has been announced. The release date given is September 23 2011. Owners of RailWorks 2 are automatically upgraded to RailWork 3: Train Simulator 2012 via the Steam platform.[8] The new version contain a number of improvments and new features.[9]
Although the developers have been tight lipped about what features this new version will entail, certain elements have been revealed. These include implementation of super-elevation, a new lighting and game engine (TSX) along with dynamic weather effects.[citation needed]
References
- ^ railsimulator.com
- ^ RailDriver Software
- ^ http://www.railsimulator.com/en/node/5938
- ^ http://store.steampowered.com/news/4505/
- ^ a b c Driver Manual
- ^ "Railworks Review!". Metacritic.
- ^ "Rail Works IGN Review". IGN. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
- ^ http://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/?snr=1_7_7_151_150_1
- ^ Train Simulator 2012 FAQ
External links