The Train: Escape to Normandy

It is August 1944. After the daring landing of the Allies in Normandy, German troops started the operation of retreating from the endangered areas. In addition to the equipment, the Nazis also attempted to export works of art from France, including the most famous paintings painted by such celebrities as Picasso or Monet. In the suburbs of Metz, an extremely well armed and armored train is ready for departure. It is in his wagons that the said exhibits are located. The French resistance movement decides to reflect the composition and not to lead to a situation in which works of art will be taken to the heart of Nazi Germany.

In The Train: Escape to Normandy, the player takes on the role of one of the members of the resistance movement. The action starts at the Metz railway station, when the train is already in the hands of the French. The only problem is to adjust the steering knuckle. If the guerrillas manage to do this, the squad will set off on an adventure full of dangers.

The program is divided into several arcade sections and one simulation section, in which the obligation to control the locomotive falls on our shoulders. The task is not the easiest one, especially since the colossus of several dozens of tones is relatively resistant to use. During the ride you will have to add coal to the boiler, constantly control the water supply and also skillfully brake. As if that wasn't enough, from time to time Germany will set a number of traps, which we avoid by taking part in the above mentioned arcade sections. Thus, if the bridge is occupied, you should get rid of cannonesses trying to destroy the train, in the stations you should liquidate Germans who make it impossible to move switches and while driving, fire at enemy planes, which will want to stop the whole warehouse from the air. Considering that our commando is not especially resistant to bullets spilled by Nazi machine guns, you have to pay maximum attention to the gameplay. Lack of additional "live" increases the overall level of difficulty and at the least expected moments, deprives you of any chance for the final success.

Thanks to the clever combination of elements characteristic of different genres, Artech has managed to create an extremely interesting product, requiring from the player a bit of dexterity, planning skills and logical thinking. Unfortunately, the audio-visual setting is much worse, as there is no VGA mode, more colours and the possibility of choosing a sound card. Fortunately, the huge playability overshadows the lack of workmanship and makes The Train: Escape to Normandy a product that cannot be passed by indifferently.

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Last updated on August 14, 2015