Train SIM World 4... Reviewed!

Shout out to Dovetail Games & Focus Entertainment for supplying a copy of this game for review. My opinions are my own.

Train SIM World is back with a fourth installment for hobbyist and newcomers alike, but does it have what it takes to turn newbies into new fans of the franchise? Let's jump in and find out.

Tutorial: Train SIM World 4... is all about delivering the full train simulator experience based on the standards that keep train hobbyists coming back for more. In terms of the franchise, this is the first time I've played the game... and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.

TSW4 doesn't serve you up a section in the settings alone, expecting you to learn how to operate the game from there (no no no)... you basically get an experience that feels like on the job training (+ the Control Guide). It doesn't rush you into the main gameplay, the tutorial does a nice job getting you going, learning the basics, and once you reach a certain point... you're challenged to give it a try without assistance. The tutorial continues as you take on various additional objectives in the cockpit, outside the train, and navigating your way through the train in order to operate it from the other side. As seen in this first 30, you actually start off outside the train station, so... let's head in: 

If you need to go back over a certain lesson, you're able to do so with ease. I think my appreciation for this solid tutorial, actually comes from... my experience with games that provide little to no information or full tutorials on how to play the complex game. So, this one gets a thumbs up, because it will get newbies geared up and with confidence.

Printing out controls... might help those of you who don't want to go in and out of the tutorial while proceeding with your adventure on the railways, but... I advise starting there as a beginner. It's extensive, informative, and... it's not boring.

You're also able to increase your learning through the Video Tutorials in the Training Center. Now let's go... To The Trains (Your Collection).

Replay Value: Train SIM World 4 is a simulator game, so you won't find a story here, but... what you will find are Journeys that will keep you coming back for more. My available journeys include the Training Center, Antelope Valley Line, East Coast Main Line: Peterborough - Doncaster, Great Western Express, Nahverkehr Dresden, Rapid Transit, and S-Bahn Vorarlberg.

Training Center | 11 Total Routes

Welcome to the Train Sim World Training Center

• Fundamentals - Learn the fundamentals of Train Sim World.
• Continue - Learn the fundamentals of Train Sim World.

Antelope Valley Line | 26 Total Routes

Run to the hills and experience the hefty power of modern American diesel! Tackle the tough terrain of Californian canyons with the Antelope Valley Line, between the sprawling Los Angeles cityscape and desert bushes of Lancaster in almighty Metrolink traction. West Coast rails are yours to explore in Train Sim World 4

• California Dreaming - Start your journey as a new Engineer with Metrolink and learn everything the Antelope Valley Line has to offer. | 8 Chapters

East Coast Main Line: Peterborough - Doncaster | 40 Total Routes

Accelerate and feel the high-speed thrill of British inter-city travel in Train Sim World 4! Express services await on the iconic East Coast Main Line, hurry between Peterborough and Doncaster, and through the English countryside, in sleek and flashy traction.

• The Quick and the Shed - Continue your journey as a Driver on the East Coast Main Line and experience everything it has to offer. | 8 Chapters
• The Steamy Affair - Learn to drive the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive and take it on railtours up and down the East Coast Mainline. | 4 Chapters

Great Western Express | 38 Total Routes

Great Western Express brings to life the experience of driving high speed and commuter passenger trains on one of Britain's busiest railways. Take control of the iconic Great Western Railways HST and command it to 125mph along the Great Western Main Line out of London's Paddington Main Line Station.

• Great Western Express Journey - Continue your journey in the Train Sim World as a new Driver and experience everything the railways have to offer. | 4 Chapters

Nahverkehr Dresden | 52 Total Routes

Experience complex operations out of the iconic Dresden Hbf, with commuters and international travelers converging to make a hustle and bustle mix of S-Bahn, regional, inter-city and freight traffic. Be in control of modern traction and explore the countryside of the Nahverkehrsnetz Dresden.

• Welcome to Saxony - Continue your journey as driver in Saxony and experience everything this route have to officer. | 11 Chapters
• Vectron Legacy - Learn to operate the Siemens BR193 locomotive and perform high speed freight moves. | 3 Chapters

Rapid Transit | 22 Total Routes

Rapid Transit brings to life the experience of driving mass transit commuter passenger trains on one of Germany's most popular S-Bahn railways. Take control of the sleek DB BR 1442 'Talent 2' and transport passengers along the S-Bahn S2-Line through the historic and picturesque city of Leipzig.

• Rapid Transit Journey - Experience the daily operations of Rapid Transit that is the S2 S-Bahn in Leipzig. Come rain or shine operations must be maintained. | 3 Chapters

S-Bahn Vorarlberg | 41 Total Routes

Take the train to Austria! Spanning cross-border, the busy Vorarlberg S-Bahn line shuttles from quaint German island life to the foothills of the Austrian Alps. All-new and bustling OBB traffic awaits in Train Sim World 4.

Climb Every Mountain - Take on the role of a new driver on the Vorarlberg Railway and experience everything this line has to offer. | 9 Chapters

Each journey has various experiences to enjoy and the chapters within them will give you different trains to choose from (i.e. the Class 801 LNER A-train). Within those chapters you will see different objectives to accomplish and based on your AP score... this will determine whether you receive a bronze, silver, gold, or platinum medal.

In addition to the Rail Journey: Guided Experience... you can enjoy Quick Play, pick trains in the... Train Depot, and Choose A Route. I did find myself wondering what the next move was when it came to certain situations after select objectives were complete... so I went back to the tutorials but I've tried to cover and experience as many features as possible.

Is this game for everyone? No, there are certainly different strokes for different folks, and this is one of them. This game will require you to learn the controls so that you aren't lost, and will require you to do some waiting and maintaining speeds before you benefit from the reward of arrival. You do gain points based on a good speed (usually under 65mph) but it's not exactly the type of game that will deliver enough oomph for everyone, but... there are people out there who have yet to experience it and may enjoy such a game (possibly those who build trainsets). I think variety is a beautiful thing and a demo of this game would be a great way to see if potential newcomers might be interested in the franchise.

I would love to try this game with a curved monitor and a controller that was more so geared towards these types of game. I think that would make it even better because the main controls wouldn't require me to look down at the controls.

Audio/Visual: When it comes to audio and visual qualities in this game, they look decent. The trains get the most love in terms of quality... which is understandable. Most of my settings are on high, but if someone has the visuals on high for each setting... they'll get the most visually appealing experience (duh of the day).

By the way, when you get into the Rail Journey or Quick Play, the world will wake up... you'll see cars driving by, people walking around, and passengers will get on and off the trains. (The first 30 didn't exactly show that.)

I walked around and felt like multiple people sort of resembled each other. I don't know, maybe it's just my imagination. Seriously though, it wouldn't have hurt to add a bit more variety in there, even though I understand to a degree (which is why a number of games do it).

Before I get to Audio, I want to point out the Creator's Club by way of the DoveTail Live experience that gives you access to an Online Sharing Hub, Livery Designer, and Scenario Planner.

This is a place where people paint their trains in all sorts of cool ways, take screenshots to upload, and even share. I think it's one of those... why not options that give's fans of the franchise an additional reason to log more time. Especially those with an artistic flare with a desire to show off their ideal train art.

When it comes to the audio, it's what you would expect... as far as being on the train. You will hear bird's chirping depending on where you are and the sound shifts depending on where your head turns. Is there anything to write home about in this regard? Not necessarily, but you appreciate it while sitting in the cockpit, along with the little bumps as you go across the tracks.

Price: Pricewise, Train SIM World 4 arrives on September 26 at $49.99 for the Standard Edition.

This version includes TSW4 base game, TSW4: Antelope Valley Line: Los Angeles - Lancaster Route Add-On, TSW4: East Coast Main Line: Peterborough - Doncaster Route Add-On, TSW4: S-Bahn Vorarlberg: Lindau - Bludenz Route Add-On.

The Deluxe Edition will run you $69.99 and it includes TSW4 base game, TSW4: Antelope Valley Line: Los Angeles - Lancaster Route Add-On, TSW4: East Coast Main Line: Peterborough - Doncaster Route Add-On, TSW4: Nahverkehr Dresden - Riesa Route Add-On, TSW4: S-Bahn Vorarlberg: Lindau - Bludenz Route Add-On.

Special Edition is for the TSW fanatics out there. This includes the most content and will run you $109.99. It will include everything mentioned above, plus... TSW4 Compatible: LGV Mediterranee: Marseille - Avignon Route Add-On, TSW4 Compatible: Linke Rheinstrecke: Mainz - Koblenz Route Add-On, TSW4: Northeast Corridor: Boston - Providence Route Add-On + the... TSW4 Compatible: Southeastern Highspeed: London St Pancras - Ashford Intl & Faversham Route Add-On.  

Tutorial 5

Replay Value 5

Audio/Visual 3

Price 4

4.25 out of 5 Cool Points

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Who's That Protagonist? The Yoga Master - Chapter 1

Nascar Arcade Rush... Reviewed!

Special Thanks to the GameMill team for supplying us with a copy of this game for review. My opinions are my own.

Nascar Arcade Rush takes the world of Nascar and gives it a simple + kid-friendly take on arcade racing, but does it hold up? Let's find out.

Gameplay: Gameplay modes are delivered by way of Solo mode, Splitscreen, and Online.

In terms of gameplay, it's what you would expect in a kid-friendly racing game. The tracks look great, especially the Homestead-Miami Speedway (aka that's my fave). You have access to 12 tracks, each with its own look and layouts to enjoy against the competition. Red, purple, and orange turbo boosters are the name of the game... as you shift around the track trying to maintain a good position. As long as you're hitting the track boosters and recharging your boost as much as possible via the orange boost, it should give you enough juice to make it across the finish line. Just make sure you use it wisely. You have a challenge in both the Rookie & Elite difficulty levels, so start with Rookie (Quick Race) until you become familiar with the controls for handling.

Solo Mode

Cup Series - Is the main game mode where you start and build your career stats as a Nascar driver.

Quick Race - This mode gives you the ability to jump in and race against the CPU racers without the need to race in a cup.

Time Attack - This mode allows you to race against the clock to beat your best times. While I can understand that, I think a cool take on this would have been to allow racers to collect clocks in order to continue going and see how long they could last. We already have modes where we're completing our best times, and so I think this would've been an awesome plus to make Nascar Arcade Rush, even more... arcade-like.

Online Mode - Online gives you the option to race in the Cup Series... which is great and gives the cup even more value because you're playing against other people. Wins are even sweeter. You also get the option of Quick Race in this mode, so that... you can enjoy a race when pressed for time.

In Splitscreen, you get the option to play in the Cup Series + Quick Race. I love the 2 player option for Cup Series because kids don't have to sit out while their siblings or friends race it up. You can actually roll out together.

Tip: One drawback to this game is the use of the boost. It's a gift and a curse. Do not use the boost on a ramp, because if you go too high or too far, you're going to respawn. My guess is that they have a certain area where you can race and if you go outside of that area you... respawn. I can shrug it off in this arcade experience since it doesn't break the game, but consider it a tip.

Controls: I know the team was thinking arcade in regards to the controls, but... I feel like the control scheme for the Xbox controller, was meant for the... Nintendo Switch. The "A" button is mentioned, but I had to use my keyboard to go back (ESC), after using the "B" button on the Xbox controller (as if it were the "A" button) in order to proceed to the next step ahead of actually racing. This threw me for a loop, so I know it would throw others for a loop.

I give two thumbs down to the fact that there is no way to change the button configuration. There literally isn't the option to do such a thing.

Here are the in-game controls for the Xbox Controller):

A button - Look back

X button - Respawn

Left analog stick - Accelerate and Steering

Press the left analog stick in - Boost

Start - Pause

D-Pad Up - Cry

D-Pad Right - Sad

D-Pad Down - Laugh

D-Pad Left - Shocked

Emote expressions change based on the type you select. While I can shrug this off, they should honestly maintain the D-Pad presses for similar expressions instead of placing us in the position to memorize them over again for new ones.

This control scheme is simple and basically requires you to use the left analog stick, and that's pretty much it... aside from the emotes. You run the risk of losing momentum if you try to use an emote because the left thumb stick is how you accelerate... so think twice about it or a laughing emote can go to a crying one really quick (dun dunn dunnnnn).

When it comes to control schemes, comfort definitely has to be in mind for gamers, and the team has multiple buttons to make that happen. It won't complicate things, and in this case, it could actually help. Allow one of the triggers to perhaps be the acceleration or allow the A, B, X, and Y buttons to be the emote selections. It wouldn't hurt to add a controller configuration menu as well.

Now let's get into the replay value because the control scheme here is actually preventing you from getting the full experience.

Replay Value: Believe it or not, the replay value is high in this game. You have 9 cups to take on in the Cup Series, each with 8 tracks to challenge the competition... both online & offline. You start with the Rising Talent cup and earn Cup Points from each race. 100 points unlock the next cup, and then 280 for the next, 420, 560, 720, 890, 1020, and then 1200 for the final. I think fans of NASCAR will eat this up because it gives them replay value while racing their way to the top.

You start out with 4 Drivers, and the additional ones are unlocked at LVL 10, LVL 32, LVL 42, LVL 52, LVL 62, LVL 72, LVL 82, LVL 92, and LVL 99. You aren't buying these as extras, so salute to that. This gives you access to 13 drivers in total once the remaining 9 are unlocked.

You start with 3 Vehicle Tuning Kits, and unlock new ones at every 10 level increases, giving you access to 12 cars once they're all unlocked.

Outside of racing online, and the Cup Series, I think that the Rewards certainly increase the replay value. They actually take things to a new level, because the rewards not only give you additional vehicles, spoilers, skins, exhaust, and all that good stuff, but... you also get specific emotes that go with the various rewards. You activate those with the d-pad during races to show cry, laugh, shock, sadness, and more. You start off with a smiley face (the usual), but you're able to unlock little Kawaii pineapples emotes and all that cool stuff.

As mentioned above, based on the controls being set up the way they are... you aren't going to comfortably set off the emotes as intended while focused on placing in 1st, 2nd, or... 3rd. So the control scheme complicates things.

Replay Value could be even higher through Driver Customization and Vehicle Customization because they're there, but do you know why they don't matter? Do you reallllyyy want to know why?

Well, it's simple. You can't access the freaking options to customize the driver or vehicle customization options. It's like... what?! Is it just there to make people think they have the option, but it was never intended to work? I don't see that being the case, but right now that is the case because the controls aren't set up properly. I'm not able to use LB or RB to navigate through the different options to share the details, and the same even applies to camera rotation. It's a no-go.

That's a lose-lose situation. This is a review of the PC version, on consoles, it could be a completely different story.

These are supposed to be the controls:

Price: Nascar Arcade Rush... comes in at $49.99 on console and... PC/Steam. I wouldn't lay in on the price of the PC version... if everything was firing on all cylinders, but they aren't. All it takes is something like jacked-up controls to alter or ruin a customer's experience when it could be avoided. The good thing is, this can be fixed, but in this state, I'd say it's worth $25 on PC until the controls are updated.

Gameplay 4

Controls 2

Replay Value 4

Price 2

3 out of 5 Cool Points

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