
Back in Service: A Metro Driver
Release Date: January 27, 2025 Early Access
Simulation, FPP, trains, adventure elements, indie games, exploration games, 60s and 70s, singleplayer
Steam
A first-person simulation game with additional adventure and exploration mechanics. In Back in Service: A Metro Driver we go back to the 1970s and control a train travelling between stations of the Prague metro system. Aside from driving the train, the game also allows us to explore the metro tunnels, earn money and talk to NPCs.
Back in Service: A Metro Driver is a simulation game dedicated to the theme of trains, enriched with certain adventure and exploration elements. The development of the game was led by independent Czech developer Dominik Vojta, who created it together with a group of friends in his spare time.
Gameplay
In Back in Service: A Metro Driver events are viewed from a first-person perspective (FPP). The game takes us to Prague from the late seventies of the twentieth century, more precisely - to its metro system.
We can take on the role of a train driver in the game, whose task is to control the train and transport passengers between metro stations, arriving on time at each destination. The game provides us with a historic ECS train, along with a fully functional locomotive cabin.
Apart from that, nothing prevents us from becoming a conductor or spending time exploring the tunnels stretching under the Czech capital on foot (since many areas of the metro are shrouded in darkness, a flashlight is indispensable). Along the way, we meet various people (led by our colleagues in the profession), with whom we can talk and accept additional quests from them.
We earn money as we progress and the game offers a variety of ways to spend it.
Videos and Screens
[1:03] Back in Service: A Metro Driver - Early Access Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Realistic Physics and Sound Model: Many users praise the game's realistic physics and sound design, noting that they closely resemble real-life metro experiences.
- Graphics and Optimization: The game is highlighted for its impressive graphics and optimization, running smoothly even on lower-end devices.
- Unique Gameplay Elements: The incorporation of quests and an economic model for upgrading trains and equipment adds depth to the gameplay.
- Attention to Detail: The design of the stations and trains, as well as the ambient sounds, are well-received, creating an immersive experience.
- Potential for Future Development: Players express excitement about the game's roadmap and potential for future content, including more routes and stations.
The main cons of the game
- Limited Content: Users mention that the current version has a limited number of routes and stations, which can lead to boredom after repeated play.
- Lack of In-Game Tutorials: The absence of comprehensive tutorials can make it challenging for new players to understand gameplay mechanics.
- Passenger Models and Behavior: Some reviews criticize the passenger models for being unrealistic and repetitive, with little variation in appearance and behavior.
- Technical Issues: A few users report crashes and bugs, especially related to graphics settings and passenger interactions.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- More Interactive Gameplay: Players desire more interactive elements within the train cabin, such as cold start procedures and usable controls.
- Expanded Content: Users request additional routes, stations, and more engaging quests to enhance gameplay longevity.
- Language Support: The absence of a French language option is noted as a significant drawback for some players.
- Enhanced Passenger Dynamics: Suggestions include more realistic passenger behavior and variety to improve immersion.
Summary
- Overall, while "Back in Service: a Metro Driver" has received a largely positive response for its realism, graphics, and potential, there are notable areas for improvement, particularly in content expansion and user guidance.
Summary generated on:
Back in Service: A Metro Driver Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Dominik Vojta
Publisher: Dominik Vojta
Age restrictions: none
Back in Service: A Metro Driver System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core 2 Duo, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce 940M, 4 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060, 4 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit