Railway Empire: Nintendo Switch Edition
Release Date: January 26, 2018
OpenCritic
Steam
An economic strategy game created by an experienced studio, Gaming Minds, in which the player becomes an owner of a railroad company. Their task is to take control of the entire market and turn their company into an empire. Since the game takes place in XIX and XX century, the technology of the entire society is constantly changing.
Railway Empire, released on PC, PS4 and XONE, is an economic strategy game. The title was developed by veterans in this genre, Gaming Minds, that also created games such as, e.g. Patrician IV: Conquest by Trade and Grand Ages: Medieval.
Plot
Railway Empire is set in the United States and the starting point is in the year 1830. Our goal is to create a railway empire and eliminate our competition. The game spans throughout many years allowing us to even play in the 20th century.
Mechanics
Railway Empire, released on PC, PS4 and XONE, is a classic economic strategy game – that means that the game revolves around developing our company and finding a balance between the incomes and expenses. Our responsibilities are: creating new railways, buying and upgrading trains as well as transporting people and goods. We also need to invest in train stations, buildings in which we can repair our vehicles, factories and even tourist attractions for passengers.
There are more than forty types of trains and during the game we can use more than three hundred various technologies that are divided into five historical periods. With The increasing level of technologies used by the American society has an impact on the market, which forces us to adapt to new business elements.
The competition, controlled by AI, keeps the game interesting. We can play with maximum of three other companies, although the less experienced players can set their game to have one or two rivals. The fight for keeping our position on the market is not only limited to business. We can sabotage other players by using bandits and spies.
Game modes
We can play in campaign, separate scenarios that offers specific challenges or in a free mode where we can develop our business without any goals imposed on us.
Last updated on July 17, 2017
Last Update: February 6, 2018
Railway Empire Game Guide
This game guide for Railway Empire is a complete set of tips that will teach you everything about railway management. The walkthrough for Railway Empire also includes information on how to build tracks and run your industry.
Videos and Screens
[1:09] Railway Empire launch trailer
[1:09] Railway Empire gameplay trailer #1
The Digital Fix: 7 / 10 by Colin Polonowski
Despite slightly unintuitive controls, Railway Empire offers just enough depth and detail to make it worth a play. We can't help wishing for a much more encompassing railway management sim though.
Wccftech: 7.5 / 10 by Chris Wray
Railway Empire is a strong but shallow entry into the railway management style of games that has gone long ignored. With a few slight downfalls, primarily as a result of the game only offering limited maps and time periods to operate in, it can go by a little too quick and become repetitive. However, the journey to get to that stage can be enthralling as it offers a high level of tactical thinking as you interlink your network of rails. Strategic purchases of businesses lets you get a leg up over opposition businesses in a race to become the dominant company. Railway Empire is a very good game in its genre, without a shadow of a doubt. It could become a great game, should Gaming Minds Studios open it up that little bit more.
Gaming Nexus: 6.5 / 10 by Kevin O'Connell
Railway Empire is a game that has a lot of promise, plenty of substance, and can be enjoyable to those who have 20ft train sets in their basements. However, most will find this game poorly designed, easily finished, and a tedious use of their time. Suddenly doing laundry sounds like a good idea.
The main pros of the game
- Engaging Gameplay: Many users find the game fun and addictive, especially after learning the mechanics.
- Strategic Depth: The game offers a solid mix of strategy and management, with meaningful decision-making that impacts the player's empire.
- Visual Appeal: The graphics are praised for their detail and beauty, enhancing the overall experience.
- Historical Elements: The inclusion of famous locomotives and the 19th-century setting adds educational value.
- Challenge: The game features various objectives and challenges that keep players engaged, particularly in campaign modes.
The main cons of the game
- Complex Mechanics: Some users find the mechanics complicated and difficult to master, leading to frustration.
- Repetitive Gameplay: Once players figure out the strategies, some feel the game can become repetitive and too easy.
- Frustrating Controls: Many reviews highlight issues with track and signal management, which can lead to gridlock and mission restarts.
- Poor User Interface: The menu and UI are considered confusing and not user-friendly, making it difficult to access important information quickly.
- AI Competitors: The competitive AI is seen as overly aggressive and can detract from the enjoyment of the game.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Multiplayer Mode: Many users express a desire for a multiplayer option to enhance the competitive aspect of the game.
- Improved Tutorial: The tutorial is considered inadequate, and players wish for better guidance on the game's mechanics.
- Enhanced Economic Management: Some players feel that the economic aspects could be more developed, allowing for deeper management strategies.
- Better Track Management Tools: Users want more intuitive controls for managing trains and tracks to avoid confusion and frustration.
- Sandbox Mode Improvements: Players desire a more relaxed sandbox mode without time constraints, to allow for exploration and learning at their own pace.
Summary
- Overall, "Railway Empire" is well-received for its strategic gameplay and visual appeal, but it faces criticism for its complexity, user interface issues, and lack of certain features that could enhance the gaming experience.
Summary generated on:
Railway Empire Summary
Game Series: Railway Empire
Platforms:
PC / Windows January 26, 2018
Switch June 19, 2020
PlayStation 4 January 26, 2018
Xbox One January 26, 2018
Developer: Independent Arts Software
Publisher: Kalypso Media
Railway Empire System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-750 2.6 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 3.2 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 460 / Radeon HD 5870 or better, 7 GB HDD, Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-2400S 2.5 GHz / AMD FX-4100 3.6 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 680 / Radeon HD 7970 or better, 7 GB HDD, Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit
DLCs for Railway Empire
Down Under
DLC
May 8, 2020
Northern Europe
DLC
December 13, 2019
France
DLC
May 24, 2019
Germany
DLC
March 1, 2019
Great Britain & Ireland
DLC
December 14, 2018
Crossing the Andes
DLC
October 19, 2018
The Great Lakes
DLC
August 17, 2018
Mexico
DLC
June 8, 2018