Rail Simulator Critic Reviews

Rail Simulator will immerse you in a world that, if allowed, has the potential to convince even the most hardened outdoor 'trainspotter' to fire up their PC rather than head down to their local station.

More of a step forward than a revolution, Rail Simulator is still undoubtedly improvement over the previous generation of train simulation.

Really, though -- you do not need to be a train enthusiast to get something out of this package -- you just have to have an open mind and be willing to try out something new.

Like most pure-bred simulations, Rail Sim offers rewards proportional to the amount of effort you're prepared to invest.

A unique and strangely satisfying venture into the realm of railways operation. It can be extremely peaceful or bustling and chaotic depending on how you choose to play.

A relaxing and fun game for anyone who likes trains and casual games. Players who require more strategy may be less enthusiastic.

Ultimately, there's just not enough of a game here for most players. Rail enthusiasts, with the time and patience to tinker with the editor, will adore it; everyone else are likely to be bored with minutes.

Atmospheric, pretty and convincing but short of activities.

A strangely satisfying and therapeutic experience.

Rail Simulator is a piece of software that seems to accomplish what it set out to do. It doesn't do it with much panache, graphical or otherwise, but it gets it done.

Rail Simulator only offers a handful of structured scenarios in its four routes, and once these are complete, there's little else to do but muck around the sandbox mode or develop your own routes and content.

It definitely simulates railways, for better, but mainly for worse.

The layout of the driver guide panel doesn't help matters.