Review: Rail Simulator game

Ask a kid these days what he or she would like to be when they grow up and you’re more likely to hear 'David Beckham' than ‘train driver’.

But for anyone who harboured childhood dreams of getting behind the controls of a locomotive, EA Games’ Rail Simulator is wish fulfilment in digital form.

As the name suggests, this is a train-driving simulator and it offers two basic options for play: you can either follow predetermined UK and European routes or use the World Editor to build your own environments and lay your own lines, much like a giant virtual train set.

Players also get to choose between three different control models. Simple Control allows them to dive in straight away, letting the computer handle most of the more complicated aspects of running the train.

Intermediate mode provides the user with more control over the throttle and brake, while Expert mode offers the most accurate simulation of a the experience of driving a train.

In this way, the game can be as relaxing or realistic as you want it to be. And if you do decide to go the whole hog, then a handy cheat sheet provides all the important controls and keystrokes as well as info on signalling and signage.

There aren’t a huge number of routes to choose from, at least to begin with. Some variety comes in the shape of the different ways that steam, diesel and electric engines operate. It’s possible that expansion packs or downloadable content may increase the game’s options in the future, but until then, you can use the World Editor to generate your own places.

Graphics are a bit on the basic side, though the game's saving grace is that it’s not necessary to have a top-of-the-range PC to run it. You can also switch between a number of interior and exterior views at any point.

The obvious thing to say here is that if you’re not into trains, then Rail Simulator is probably not for you. Other than reaching your terminus in one piece, there’s no game in the conventional sense. Railway enthusiasts will almost certainly love it, however, despite its relative lack of variation.

Vista compatible: Yes