Personal Gaming Thread

[Ted]

nerding out with Trainz Simulator 22 these days.

I figured out how to import height maps into the software to recreate real life locations.  lol what?

[Jason]

nerding out with Trainz Simulator 22 these days.

I figured out how to import height maps into the software to recreate real life locations.  lol what?

How does this game compare to the Train Sim World series? Are they more or less complicated?

[Ted]

I'm new to train simming, but from what I see TSW is like Flight Sim 2024.  You basically drive and operate the train.  I think TSW might be more realistic from a physics and operational standpoint.  And TSW graphics are better.

I picked Trainz because I'm just as much into the building of the layouts and routes and I'm more into industry switching and shunting than I am into riding a train along a route.  I'm also considering picking up an N scale starter set and maybe trying some real model railroading.

Trainz allows you to drive the trains like in TSW, but also has a really robust building software built in.  It's actually pretty slick.  So I can do both with Trainz.  There's also a game called Railroader which I also like and is pretty involved with routing, shunting and switching.  But it's steam railroad focused and I don't have much interest in that era.

Trainz is scratching my creativity itch and it also lets me play with the trains.

[Jason]

I love trains and train sets, and I'm completely obsessed with monorails. I've always wanted a set of my own, but space is tight in my house. I've considered building one along the perimeter of my office above the doors and windows, but I'm not sure sure how well I can do that.

I've played a decent amount of TSW 2 and 4 and recently purchased Tram Sim World, which I haven't tried yet. Trainz is currently in beta on Xbox (https://info.trainzsimulator.com/xbox), so I'll definitely grab it once it's released.

[BoomerSooner]

I noticed Railroads Online was added to the new releases for Xbox. Steam reviews are solid. Watched the video and it looks interesting with the creation options. Just not really into trains. Prefer Medieval Dynasty/House Flipper/Power Wash simulation games where you have to do the work.

Steam reviews are always fun to read, especially with the fact hours played are listed.

https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199583688820/recommended/1696810/

602 hours played and it gets a not recommended review. 

[Ted]

I didn't realize you were into trains and model railroading.  Have you looked at N scale?  That seems to be the answer for people with space limitations (I'm in that same boat).  Apparently lots of people start with N scale layouts using an old door or in as little space as 2'x 5'.

[Ted]

I noticed Railroads Online was added to the new releases for Xbox. Steam reviews are solid. Watched the video and it looks interesting with the creation options. Just not really into trains. Prefer Medieval Dynasty/House Flipper/Power Wash simulation games where you have to do the work.

Steam reviews are always fun to read, especially with the fact hours played are listed.

https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199583688820/recommended/1696810/

602 hours played and it gets a not recommended review. 

That's another one I'm tempted by except for steam era engines, but the construction aspect is compelling.  And Steam (the gaming platform) reviews are notorious for that negative review after 1000 hours crap.  On one hand I think this guy must be nitpicking, on the other, at least I know he's put some time in before reviewing.  Typically I dismiss most individual reviews, especially long hour negative reviews.  I go with the general consensus (very postive, mostly positive, mostly negative, overwhelmingly, etc..)

That being said, games like Trainz, and Railroader, and Railroads Online that have multiplayer I'd be into regardless of steam era for the multiplayer.  I've multiplayered Railroads and Trainz and had pleasant experiences.  It's kind of satisfying working together to get stuff where it needs to go.

If you guys end up picking any of this up on console then post it and I'll prob grab a copy and join.

[Jason]

I didn't realize you were into trains and model railroading.  Have you looked at N scale?  That seems to be the answer for people with space limitations (I'm in that same boat).  Apparently lots of people start with N scale layouts using an old door or in as little space as 2'x 5'.

I'll have to check that out. I was looking at the Bachmann HO scale sets for the longest time but never pulled the trigger. They seemed to be reasonably priced and had a lot of different sets.

I did have a Lionel oval set track back in the late 90's and early 2000's that I used to setup around my Christmas tree, but my nephew broke it and I never replaced it.

Edit: Just did a quick search on Amazon and Bachmann makes N scale sets too. I really like the small size. You're going to get me into so much trouble with my wife if I buy a set.

[Jason]

We go to Allaire State Park multiple times a year and ride the train there.

We also went to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania back in 2017. I'll post some pics from there.

[Ted]

That would be cool.  I like to go down to the different rail yards around Seattle and watch the goings on.  My wife and I are starting to plan some Amtrak trips which we want to take once we quit working.

[Ted]

I didn't realize you were into trains and model railroading.  Have you looked at N scale?  That seems to be the answer for people with space limitations (I'm in that same boat).  Apparently lots of people start with N scale layouts using an old door or in as little space as 2'x 5'.

I'll have to check that out. I was looking at the Bachmann HO scale sets for the longest time but never pulled the trigger. They seemed to be reasonably priced and had a lot of different sets.

I did have a Lionel oval set track back in the late 90's and early 2000's that I used to setup around my Christmas tree, but my nephew broke it and I never replaced it.

Edit: Just did a quick search on Amazon and Bachmann makes N scale sets too. I really like the small size. You're going to get me into so much trouble with my wife if I buy a set.

I have an Kato N set on the way.  Should be here in about a week.  I haven't told my wife.

[Ted]

Trainz Xbox screens look good.  I just put in a request to join the Beta.

[BoomerSooner]

All this talk about trains had me laughing earlier. Had to make a drive to Liberal, KS which has two train tracks that you drive over just as you come into town. Not once in ten years have I seen a train. Sure enough as I head into town, we had to sit at a train crossing for ten minutes waiting for a train to roll through. The amount of graffiti on each of the containers was impressive but highly NSFW.

[Ted]

I've been to and through Liberal so many times in my youth.  Had an aunt & uncle and a handful of cousins that lived there until the late 90's.  Last time I went through Liberal was probably 2010 or 2015.  Ate at a really good Mexican restaurant there before heading on.  Can't remember the name though.

[BoomerSooner]

Indiana Jones And The Great Circle hots next week on gamepass (today if you paid for the bonus stuff).

Reviews looking good. Game hits 60fps and stays there. A product that looks actually finished.

Digital Foundry TECH review.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is one of the best licensed games we've ever seen - brilliant for Indy fans and enjoyers of great games in general, while packing some excellent technology. Machine Games has indeed 'knocked it out of the park'. In this video, John goes into depth on the Xbox Series X and Series S versions of the game - and our PC review will follow soon.