Trainz: A New Era Reviews

[b] I would personally recommend Trainz: A New Era with a few caveats. [/b] The main reason why I enjoy and play the series (2009-2019) is that I view it as an alternative, both in space and cost, to building and operating a physical model railroad. Being able to enjoy a seemingly limitless space to build routes and the generally large pool of (mostly) free user-created assets has allowed me to fulfill those interests. For ANE specifically, I see it as a good middle ground between older and newer versions, as I grew up playing 2009, 2010, and 2012 prior to this version, and a lot of the older assets look further worse on the newer editions. With growing up with the series, some of the quirks and issues fundamental to the design of the games have been sorted out and accepted over time. However, those new to the series may want to be aware of some of them: [h3] Download Station [/h3] Though a large appeal of this game for me is being able to run various consists under different roads, being able to access those and other map assets are a bit finicky. To get it out of the way, the official download station has a throttled download speed, even in 2025. Many other reviews cover this, and it is a gripe unless you get enjoyment out of watching bars slowly move across, like I sometimes do. :3 Once you download assets however, you can save them as an archive that can be switched between game versions (depending on compatibility) and computers if you plan on swapping your software or hardware. So, it’s not like you are back at square one. For some assets, there are third-party websites, both established and sketchy, that also host them. Please keep in mind that since the download station is representative of user-created assets over time, some dependencies may be unavailable if a user removes them from the DS, queue those sketchy websites. [h3] Graphics [/h3] For those new to the series as of this review, A New Era may seem a little clunky graphics wise. This is since several of the former games’ assets are compatible with ANE. So, while you may be running a newer loco with detailed smoke and rolling stock with wheel sounds, other assets down the line may have sixth-generation console (early-2000s) reminiscent graphics with basic smoke and no wheel sounds. For instance, if you want to place a McDonald’s restaurant in your world, you will find a Mansard Roof style restaurant on the download station rather than a newer style. Ultimately, this is what I have sorted out over time as being “the style of Trainz”. [h3] Simulator [/h3] As I enjoy Trainz as a route builder, I can not speak much for the scenarios. They are certainly in the game. However, you may want to look for other titles if you are seeking a scenario-forward experience out of the box, as several of the first-party ones are behind DLC, and user-created maps take the longest to download due to the amount of dependencies. [h3] Overall [/h3] Trainz: A New Era is still a very fun game that offers seemingly limitless playability within your own worlds. If you are a railfan or interested in an entry-level world builder, this is certainly a good introductory Trainz title to pick up. It may not have all of the bells and whistles of recent titles, but it will certainly keep you on track towards building your own digital model railroad!

it is jawsome

I Dunno

Best game.

I like trains that go choo choo

i love this game!!!!!!!

the game is cool

its good for a train simulator Love it.

Perfect for train ethusiasts, just like the other Trainz games. You could drive and there are DLCs.