Train Sim World, a series dear to many virtual train drivers, including myself, has consistently offered a unique blend of relaxation and engagement through its meticulously designed train simulations. Over the years, I’ve found myself repeatedly drawn to the zen-like experience of piloting massive locomotives across beautifully rendered landscapes, soaking in serene vistas while adhering to a tight timetable. Today, I delve into the latest installment of this beloved series, Train Sim World 5, particularly through the lens of its Deluxe Edition on PlayStation 5.
The game offers a generous upgrade system, a notable highlight being the free client upgrade available for previous expansion pack owners, making it unnecessary to purchase the new installment to enjoy its benefits. This clever move by Dovetail Games, the game's developer, allows long-time players to import their cherished routes and trains into the new edition without extra costs, though this offer lasts only until October 17th. For this review, I'm exploring the Deluxe Edition, which includes three new routes packed with various trains, each bringing unique elements to the simulation.
Focusing on the UK routes, the West Coast Main Line section between London Euston and Milton Keynes provides a compact yet rich driving experience. The actual line extends much further, spanning approximately 400 miles from Glasgow to London, but the game smartly limits this to a more manageable distance conducive to a typical gaming session. Graphical improvements are evident, with enhanced textures, realistic skyboxes, and dynamic weather transitions that successfully immerse players in a lifelike rail-traveling experience.
Among the locomotives featured, the Class 350 stands out for its authentic replication, right down to the distinct sound of its engine—a detail that resonates deeply with anyone familiar with this train. The realism extends to the environments, especially the meticulous detail seen in the urban sprawl surrounding London Euston. Here, the graffiti-covered walls add a touch of realism that’s both grim and grounding.
The highlight of the UK experience in Train Sim World 5, however, is the Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino, affectionately referred to as the "fast train." Its recreation in the game lives up to its real-world counterpart's reputation for speed and efficiency. Players can also indulge in customization through the Creators Club, a platform within the game that allows for the sharing and editing of train liveries and configurations.
Moving beyond the UK, Train Sim World 5 includes routes set in the USA, featuring the stretch from Los Angeles to San Bernardino, and in Germany, spanning Frankfurt to Fulda. Each route offers distinct landscapes and architectural styles, contributing to the diverse gameplay experiences. The American trains might feel a bit clunky to some, but the rugged charm of routes like the Cajon Pass can be quite compelling.
The ability to "route hop," connecting different DLC packs, is a significant new feature that promises more expansive and continuous gameplay options in the future. This potentially allows players to undertake longer, more varied journeys across multiple locales provided by different DLCs.
Despite its many enhancements, Train Sim World 5 does not radically depart from its geographical comfort zones, still heavily emphasizing routes in the UK, USA, and Germany. Fans have long expressed a desire for more international routes, and while there are plans to include more exotic locales, like the scenic Tadami line in Japan, the pace of diversification could disappoint some.
The gameplay also introduces the Conductor Mode, teased in the previous edition, where players can switch from driving to managing passenger interactions, such as operating doors and validating tickets. This, along with fast travel and a new live map feature, demonstrates the developers’ commitment to enhancing user experience and gameplay variety.
With its robust foundations and continuous improvements, Train Sim World 5 positions itself as a strong contender in the niche of train simulation games. Its commitment to realism, user engagement, and incremental innovation is evident, making it a worthwhile venture into the virtual world of railways for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. As Dovetail Games continues to build on this platform, one hopes for even more expansive and diverse global landscapes to drive through, enriching the Train Sim World experience even further.
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