Railroads Online
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Simulation, FPP, economic, trains, elements of strategy, transport, online, indie games, co-op, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
Steam
A simulation game with economic strategy elements, focused on the topic of trains. Railroads Online allows us to build a vast railroad network to expand our company. We are also allowed to control locomotives, either playing alone or in coop for up to 16 players.
Railroads Online is a train-themed simulation game enriched with elements of economic strategies. The game was created by an independent developer - Stefan Kelnberger - and his team, whose portfolio includes a product from a similar genre and theme - American Railroads: Summit River & Pine Valley. The release was handled by the astragon Entertainment company.
Gameplay
Railroads Online takes us to a fictional, open world inspired by the United States from the golden age of steam locomotives. We can watch the action both from the ground level, or more precisely - from the character's eyes (FPP), and from a bird's eye view. The game has implemented a day-night cycle and variable weather conditions.
The gameplay is based on two pillars, the first of which is building our own railway network from scratch, and the second - taking control of locomotives and travelling the map in one of our trains. When planning routes, we need to not only lay tracks, but also prepare embankments, build bridges and viaducts, or even ensure turnouts or special turntables at critical points. We must also not forget about other elements of infrastructure, led by railway and sorting stations, which allow for replenishing supplies of coal, water and sand.
During breaks from building the railway route, we can independently check how it works in practice, transporting goods such as wood, metal ores, coal, but also cattle or even gold. When we sit behind the controls of locomotives, we have to manually operate various regulators and valves, as well as brakes or couplings. Completed deliveries are a source of money that we can spend on expanding the railway network, purchasing new locomotives or repairs of the ones we already own.
Game modes
Although we can play Railroads Online alone, the game was designed for cooperative multiplayer mode over the Internet for up to 16 players.
Engine
Railroads Online runs on Unreal Engine 5 technology. An advanced physics engine oversees the behavior of trains, ensuring a realistic representation of the forces acting on them.
Videos and Screens
[2:12] Railroads Online End of Early Access Trailer
[2:36] Railroads Online Railroads Online - Locomotive Showcase Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Creative Freedom: Players enjoy the ability to build their own railroads, towns, and industries, allowing for significant creative expression.
- Multiplayer Experience: The game offers enjoyable multiplayer sessions, which can enhance the experience when playing with friends.
- Visuals and Environment: Many users praise the graphics, weather effects, and overall aesthetic of the game, especially the detailed models of locomotives and trains.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Some reviews mention positive changes, such as the introduction of pre-laid tracks and improved user interface elements that make gameplay easier.
- Sandbox Elements: The game allows for a sandbox-style experience, where players can engage in various activities related to train management and building.
The main cons of the game
- Bugs and Stability Issues: A significant number of reviews highlight persistent bugs, crashes, and performance issues, particularly after the 1.0 release, leading to frustration among players.
- Simplistic Train Mechanics: Many players feel that the train operation mechanics lack depth and realism, making it less engaging for those looking for a true simulation experience.
- Clunky Controls and UI: Users frequently mention that the controls and user interface can be awkward and unintuitive, detracting from the overall gameplay experience.
- Track Laying Challenges: The process of laying tracks is often described as frustrating and cumbersome, with issues related to snapping and aligning tracks correctly.
- Limited Gameplay Loop: Some reviews express dissatisfaction with the repetitive nature of gameplay, where the core loop can become monotonous over time.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Improved Physics and Simulation: Many players desire more realistic physics and simulation elements, such as better steam engine mechanics and more complex interactions with the environment.
- NPCs and Dynamic Economy: Users suggest the addition of NPCs, quests, and a more dynamic economic system to enhance gameplay depth and provide more objectives.
- Customization Options: Players express a desire for more customization options for locomotives and rolling stock, including the ability to rename or repaint vehicles.
- Mod Support: There is a call for modding support to allow the community to create additional content and enhance the game further.
- Enhanced Graphics Optimization: Many reviews mention that while the game looks good, it requires better optimization to run smoothly on various systems.
Summary
- In summary, while Railroads Online has a strong foundation with creative potential and enjoyable multiplayer aspects, it faces significant challenges related to bugs, simplistic mechanics, and a lack of depth in gameplay. Many users hope for future updates to address these issues and enhance the overall experience.
Summary generated on:
Railroads Online Summary
Early Access:October 1, 2021
Platforms:
PC Windows
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Stefan Kelnberger
Publisher: astragon Entertainment
Age restrictions: none
Railroads Online System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i3-8100, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 760 / Radeon R9 285, 6 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-11600K 3.9 GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce RTX 3070 / 16 GB Radeon RX 6800, 6 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit
Highly Rated Open-World Game About Building Railroads Is Slowly Rolling out of Steam Early Access. Railroads Online Will Also Hit Consoles
We know when the highly rated Railroads Online will leave early access. Now is a good time to buy the game about building your own rail network before the price hike.
video games
Zuzanna Domeradzka
July 24, 2024