With the latest two WCML route release problems perhaps future routes need to be simpler with less layers. Firefly simulations Medway Valley is a simple route, looks and performs great for example. I am looking forward to the Thames Valley branch lines release for the same reason. I for one do not buy newly released routes until I hear and see positive feedback. Then I wait for an Xbox sale!!! That's another story though.
future routes being simpler with less layers won’t go down well with players. we buy dlc and expect to get as much out of it as possible, so instead of removing layers to paper over the cracks dtg could repair their game so that it can perform at an acceptable standard even with every possible layer enabled
I can’t be 100% sure but I think memory usage wise the focus at the moment seems to be traction. Which is great but I think large stations like Crewe and large, complex areas like Wigan also not be looked at. Those areas seem to crash, potentially, consoles and whilst it’s not as bad the performance around those areas on PC is poor. Either way I don’t want a future where all we get is Medway Valley type routes.
I can’t say the performance is poor on PC …. Of course PCs come in all shapes and sizes and I for one would not like to see routes designed for the lowest common denominator…. I do think the concept of equality of performance for all platforms is nothing but a pipe dream since those with the high end systems will always want more details and features and those on lower spec systems will always, rightfully so, feel left out. Maybe the time is coming where development needs to be focused for each individual platform. Probably economically unfeasable. I am not a console user, but using PC type devices like the Northstar well before the PC was envisioned. In those 40 plus years, it has always been tempering expectations of performance with respect to hardware with respect to desires.
I don't think OP means, releasing busy main line routes and then cut layers. Based on the named examples of Medway valley and Thames Valley branches, I understand he means more focus on routes which are more quiet irl. And to be honest, I can agree with that idea. In my opinion there is to much focus on busy mainlines, while scenic branch lines can give a good and nice experience. Not only performance will be better on those kind of routes, it's also a welcome change to the usual route choise.
That's exactly what AABS said they are going to continue with. I am sad they are only going to stick with 30 mile routes because I feel like 50-60 is a decent length and 30 miles is done so quickly. Although depending on the type of service.
I also think devs need to look at the impact of all the 3D foliage assets, particularly grass. JT are denying it but fairly certain that’s behind the issues with the new Crewe to Preston route. Not saying we should go back to MSTS @2002 route appearance or Run 8 but if it won’t run well on the PS5 - which should be the benchmark - then it’s time to start stripping back.
For me, route lenght doesn't matter that much. Normally I prefer to drive services up to 30 minutes, if I want more, I start another service. This usual means, I play more shorter routes then long routes and I prefer stopping services as you have more to do. I can understand route lenght matters for high speed and intercity, but for me personally, those services are quite boring. Shorter routes on branch lines with stopping services, can still give you a good amount of fun and time to spent on.
Is there? Yes, we got two high profile mainline routes recently, but just this year we got Medway Valley Line, Liberec - Stara Paka, Class 171 & 377/3 which brought new timetable and remaster for East Coastway. In the next 3 months we should get Thames Valley Branches and Tadami Line... The next JT route will also be a branch line (Cumbrian Coast: Carlisle - Whitehaven). So I feel the balance is quite right... One reason why people might feel that there is more focus on main lines is that branch lines cannot offer the level of variety and replayability that a busy mailine has to offer, and thus they get played less. We need optimization fixes for the TSW Core, because every TS needs busy mailines routes.
Luckily we do get (mostly by 3rd parties) branch lines or smaller routes, but most DTG routes are mainlines. I mostly play the German routes and there is so much focus on the bigger cities. Yes there is a Niddertalbahn and a Maintalbahn (the latter is not that good), and I think that's it. For the UK, there is Glossop line from DTG and Goblin line is also not a mainline, but it's still London.
I love the variety in TSW, except lack of steam. Many of the routes we get are quieter more backwater routes. I don't want those sort of routes to be all that gets released. Something like Crewe to Birmingham or Crewe to Preston offer multiple types of services whereas many quiet route offer one or two. I enjoy the quieter routes too, I love to see route like the Central Wales like, I think the balance is about right at the moment though.
I like the variety and wouldn't want to see that change. Sometimes I enjoy the slower-paced Goblin Line, ECW or Medway Valley, and then mix it up with a high-speed blast along WCMLoS or WCML to Crewe. I wouldn't want that to change.
I'm thinking DTG is stuck in a loop. They push their software to the limits. Then performance takes a hit and they are searching for ways to optimize performance. Once they're software is improved and capable of doing more, they again add more features or content and push their improved software to the limits again. Then performance takes a hit again and the cycle begins anew.
I'm using TSC a very small amount. Currently the Shrewsbury, Hereford, Tenbury route with requisite stock. I haven't room to install too much and as much as I love TSC it is starting to look dated alongside TSW. If TSW had a couple of worthwhile steam routes I probably would uninstall TSC for good. But sadly it doesn't.
Yes that and the Swiss metre gauge which Thompson/Rivet actually did a fairly decent job of in TSC. As you say though, if only DTG would take another crack at steam traction in TSW, I would probably retire TSC permanently.
I still play TSC quite a lot for exactly the same reasons - Steam and Switzerland. But also other routes where TSW doesn't have the correct or variety of rolling stock. To keep on topic, I think the balance of types of routes is fine at the moment. I like occasional long runs, but I'm also very much looking forward to Thames Valley branches. The short run into Windsor particularly.
I agree. The mix is about just right looking at recent releases. However, I find it concerning that a few of the bigger longer routes seem to suffer from it with blurriness. I just hope the devs can prove me wrong some day.
