Haven't watched any of the stream yet but I think the comments and what have been shown are enough - this is bl**dy awful. Those of us who experienced the route and train in TSC had real fears which have come true, particularly in regard to sounds and presumably physics. DTG have a nerve if they want to sell this at the new full £33 price for a route DLC. Sadly shows a complete lack of project oversight and management, UW should have been told, "Sorry guys, but this is simply not the standard we are looking to put out as payware for TSW. Just forget it." Tough love maybe, but releasing this is going to reflect badly on both UW and DTG.
I don't understand how you go through 4 years of development, all the way through to release and everyone thinks players aren't going to notice that suspension physics have not been implemented. Also the sounds are god awful.
Also releasing the route when TSW7 has been released recently and has issues still from TSW6 and new issues with TSW7. How are DTG going to do weekly patches for TSW7 with a new route which sounds like it's going to need patching itself.
As they were on the TSC version - sounded like they were sampled from a go-cart. They really should have started with something shorter and simpler for the first foray into TSW route building. Perhaps something like the Tsurumi Line Tsurumi Line - Wikipedia or similar to cut their teeth and released at a budget price similar to TVB. It's an insult to the quality 3P's like Firefly, AABS, JT, TSG and even ATS if they allow publication of this at full price to go ahead.
I agree. And If UW wanted to stick to something familiar they already made for TS Classic, they could’ve done Wakayama lines or Hidaka line. Both are shorter and honestly more interesting than Tadami.
It's the first route preview for a long time I actually watched live, as I've been waiting for it since its announcement. However after watching, it's going only into an indefinite waitlist, waiting for something that will actually convince me to get it. I'll probably get Class 104 for PFR first.
I don't think the route looks bad. Particularly, the very scenic sections, I can't really see an issue with the scenery. I like what they have done with the urban areas and the details in the stations. However the lack of suspension is a no-no for me. Plus it's disappointing other features are missing. The world feels dead also with no traffic about. Are the sounds unrealistic or just poorly implemented? They don't sound very satisfying to listen too. If suspension is added then I might get it but at the moment I'll leave it.
I am Japanese, and I would like to point out a few things that caught my attention while watching the live stream. ・The departure signal at Aizu-Bange is displaying a “Caution” aspect, but this is incorrect. All departure signals on this line display only “Clear” or “Stop”. (Strictly speaking, a two-aspect signal should be used, but JR sometimes uses three-aspect signal heads even when only “Clear” and “Stop” are displayed, in order to prevent the signal from being misread. In such cases, the central signal lamp may be covered by a plate.) ・Of the indicator lights on the side of the Kiha 40, the centre one does not normally illuminate. This is called the engine indicator light, and it illuminates or flashes when an engine fault occurs. However, during the live stream, this light was illuminated on every car. Does this mean that the engines are constantly experiencing problems or stalling? ・The following control sounds are also very different from the sounds of the real train: * Reverser handle * Throttle handle * Transmission selector * Door buttons As others have already pointed out, there are also numerous other issues, including the quality of the scenery and sound effects. It is very disappointing to see so many issues in what is being released as the first Japanese route. (I wrote this using translation software, so I apologise if there are any grammatical errors.)
Thanks for the insight! There was some discussion on the stream about whether the services on Tadami utilized a guard/conductor. I'm curious if you have any insight on that?
On the Tadami Line, trains currently operate under a system known as “one-man operation,” in which the driver opens and closes the doors and collects fares. However, when the Kiha 40 was in service on the line, a conductor was on board and was responsible for opening and closing the doors.
Yep. As someone who listens to Kiha 40s as background ASMR noise while working, I was very sad. The diesel engine roar is so important to the kiha 40 experience! For example from the outside: From the inside: Where's my turbo whine????! At the very least, a diesel engine has inertia, changing from hydraulic to manual transmission you should hear the engine RPM coast down, then bite in again, but in the live stream it had no inertia at all. At least we got clickety clackety on the jointed rail, but yeah the sound experience was nowhere near what I expect from TSW. Also shouldn't it have a whistle too for use in snow? Or is that just for winterized models?
I've been tempted to play the Niddertalbahn route for the last few days. I watched about 10 minutes of the stream. Well, I guess... At best, it was on sale. The BR628 is a cut above technically. The BR365 almost makes me seasick when I drive over uneven sections of track. Okay, the visuals, okay, there are no announcements about the stations, but there should be suspension on the cars.
I’ve slept on it again. But my impression hasn’t improved: I was really looking forward to the first Japanese route, too, since I’m generally interested in Japan and I like the country, it ist uniquely—and positively—different. However, that feeling is completely absent with this route and the train itself. It feels like a half-hearted effort. Many areas—in fact, almost all of them—lack character and life. The towns look like collections of blocks reminiscent of MSTS, and—to put it somewhat hyperbolically—detail drops to near zero just five meters to the left or right of the track. There was no traffic, and no people were visible anywhere other than on the platforms. Yes, a lot of trees were planted. A great many. But the "Japan vibe" doesn't come across here either; the vegetation looks like that of Europe (Germany), so it doesn't feel like you're in a faraway land. There is a new, low-resolution bush, as well as cherry trees. The rest is just standard vegetation used to clutter the scene. The train itself is disappointing, too: the sound is terrible, and immersion is non-existent. There is no sense of suspension, no announcements, and the whole experience feels smooth and quiet—actually, just boring. And that’s despite the fact that I usually love these kinds of branch lines. Then there was the lighting (or lack thereof—did it even exist? Every building except the stations was dark) and despite the epic settings and improved lighting, everything looked unnaturally overexposed in daylight. It simply looked bad, even though the driving took place in the afternoon. In this unfinished state—and lacking TSW7 core features—it should never have been released, certainly not at full price. It simply SHOULD have been better, considering how good Running Train looks. But as it stands, this isn't a good Japanese advertisement for TSW.
Will we get to see the console version as well? I don't think it's great that they're only showing the PC version with Epic settings. Most people can't play it that way, whether because they don't have a powerful enough PC or because they play on a console.
Sad so many are hating this route calling it failure and some going after mat I hope we get more japan routes like in Tokyo and Oaska like Chuo line and tokaido mainline line
Have to call it like it is, but knock yourself out if you want to be a Day One Guinea Pig. The chances of seeing anything else Japanese in TSW now seem rather remote. So far as we know, UW are the only developer doing content for this region and it’s just taken them four years to produce this… thing. So I really don’t see anything like the routes you mention or some of the other classics from Densha de Go such as the Yamanote Line coming to fruition.
There should be some ambassador previews on console shortly before release. I think BritishAce plays on console as well?
It's not. It's been announced as £29.99 / €35.99 / $39.99 (source and also said near the start of the livestream). There is no "new full price". The three core routes for TSW7 are all at £33 if bought separately, but it's been explained that the price of each route is still determined based on its perceived value. Personally, from what I've seen so far on the livestream and read about what I haven't seen yet, I don't think this is a £30 route. The lack of TSW4 onwards features is a big red flag for me.
We often have the price prediction game here. People are often wrong and then go quiet. Personally I would pay £30 with suspension and nicer sounds. At the moment there are plenty of other routes I'm interested in.
Well £33 or £30, still way overpriced for what looks at best a slight upgrade on the TSC version (and that’s me being kind). Out of curiosity, were any of the questions addressed on the stream?
I had been eagerly awaiting the release of this route, but I was deeply disappointed after the preview. I expected a route on par with the *Niddertalbahn*—a new TSW masterpiece after so many years of development. I consider the lack of suspension physics unacceptable in modern releases, regardless of the developer. Personally, I rarely touch routes where the rolling stock doesn't support this feature; for most older routes, I use mods to swap in rolling stock that does have suspension. I’m currently on the TSW store page with two tabs open for Japanese routes—*Raining Train* and the *Tadami Line*—and the choice seems obvious in terms of both quality and price. Yet, something is holding me back. I want to add the *Tadami Line* to my collection, but no one has even mentioned whether the route will receive the improvements that matter so much to me after its release.
Exactly my thoughts, I've got a trip in mind for 2028 doing some Japan Rail stuff, the tadami and Lida lines are reasonably high on my list so this was really an essential purchase for me so it's a shame it hasn't really been up to today's standard. I can't justify buying it either with the hope it'll get an update later. Because it probably won't.
Matt said he was going to contact them about the suspension issue. I can't imagine it will be implemented in a week. I did think the route looked decent, maybe not up there with Medway but it was hardly a route from 2020. The lack of road traffic was noticeable.
Okay, you’re right but that doesn’t change the issue I pointed out. The problem is that the route is simply poorly put together, and they’re now rushing it out just to fill the wallet, even though the product clearly needs a lot more time. Those extra €3 don’t make any difference. Or do you suddenly find it acceptable just because it’s €3 cheaper?
I’ve had a quick curated watch of the stream. Once in the mountains the scenery doesn’t look too bad, but the first section across the paddy fields really looked like what we used to complain about in TSW3 - black sludge over everything. The main concern is definitely the train. Looks and sounds like it was ported over from the TSC version. In fact sounds like the Kiha 140 which came with OG MSTS. I dunno, maybe the real Kiha does sound like that, we need someone to confirm, but it is not pleasing to the ears. There did not appear to be any audible reverb passing through tunnels and those spindly girder bridges definitely need some clatter and rumble, which the Czech developers have proved is possible. There also didn’t seem to be any difference in tone and volume between the interior and external views. Timetable of course is buffed by splitting each trip into three or four sections. Really should be two timetables, one using that system and one which allows the run to be played throughout in an emergent fashion. And sorry for ping, but DTG Matt when you stated that players can return and continue the next section, have you forgotten we still have the issue with the saved game where chained runs lose the objective/timetable data and fail to load the top LH HUD? I have no objection to lightly trafficked routes being in the game for a run through nice scenery and goodness knows, I have mentioned the Cambrian Coast, West Highland and Kyle etc. lines often enough. But they have to be done such as to make the driving experience utterly appealing. I think if this ever drops to £10 in a sale I would probably give it a go and, had they pitched the release price at £20 I might at least have given the benefit of the two hour refund window. But I cannot justify spending £30, even for the bits which aren’t too bad.
€4, actually. Or £3. I don't disagree with you, I've already said what I think from what I've seen so far, suffice it to say it's not on my watchlist at full price.
The issue of suspension began with the Czech Republic route. The main trains had it, but the freight wagons didn't. Unrealistic. I never bought it. Then it continued with the BR 145 Expert. The locomotive eventually got suspension, but the Habbiins and Zacns wagons didn't (even though they said they had found a solution, it was subsequently dropped). This doesn't apply to the T3000e wagons because they are articulated, making it impossible to implement functional suspension, as was explained. Unrealistic. Bought, tested, and refunded. Ingolstadt route. The BR 101 obviously lacks suspension. Unrealistic. Never bought it. Then there's the BR 101 Expert—an older DLC—where only the control car is equipped with suspension; the locomotive and passenger coaches aren't. Unrealistic. Purchased and deleted from my SSD. Now I'm worried about the Railjet, too..
I don't think it was completely dreadful I just wish there was a little more clutter/detailing in the scenery for a premium price route. Like some of the infrastructure like the bridges were nice and the scenery looked good but I felt it was missing a little something that AAS and JT do really well. The questioning over core features like suspension etc was a little harder to look past. It seemed like the DTG side didn't have much of an idea of what was in the route and what wasn't? I wish they had a little bit more information on the route.
Agreed, I think there is a danger of painting the route as a disaster when it isn't, as often happens on these forums. The lack of core features and possibly the sounds for me are the main issues.
Cab looks very flat and boring from the videos I've seen. Attached is a photo from what it presumably should look similar to. Abundance of buttons on the bottom left of the dashboard, not seen in the stream. No depth on the speedometer etc, just looks like a flat graphic in the video. Just looks very basic I think there should be more gizmos to the cab really than what there is.
From what i saw in the Stream, i thought that the route itself looks actually quite good and close to what i expected. But the very bad performance at places cant be ignored, especially as im on console and TSW already runs like *** thats certainly no option. And even if the route would have an acceptable performance level what killed it for me was the Kiha40. Im okay that it doesn't come with animated suspension as the suspension in TSW is nonsense anyway but the sounds where just very poor. I actually had flashbacks to rivets try at the 158 on WCL. The Price tag is also not fitting imo, so thats a nope even tho i actually looked forward to this.
From the few moments I've seen in the stream, I don't find the route as terrible as I hear people say; I actually think it's nice and beautiful. After that, will I buy it? No, because I never buy routes at full price. The prices of TSW routes and I have never had a love affair for a long time , I will wait for a sale. As for the lack of suspension, personally it's not a big deal I was here before the suspension system was implemented in TSW, it's not their absence that's going to bother me.
It might even knock WCL off its bottom spot! As regards the audio, I just bought the 10 year old O405 bus in the current OMSI 2 sale and that has superb sounds, not sampled from a go kart like the Kiha. (I haven't yet figured out how to set up the ticket machine for Berlin X10 which I also bought, but hey the passengers just travel free for now).
People really seem overdramatic over this, lol. As someone who owned their Tadami Line route in Train Simulator Classic, this is pretty much what I expected from them. Worst offenders are definitely the engine sounds and the lack of cab sway (no track unevenness and no suspension physics). The rest is pretty okay. The train exterior and some building assets could definitely use more weathering, but most TSW buildings just look like that on all TSW routes. I do hope UW gets to update some of the questionable parts though. We'll see if they go down the River route or not, lol. Personally if they get to add the suspension physics, and hopefully increase the track unevenness, I'm good.
I watched the stream out of curiosity, I only really play UK routes and the odd German route, the first service I wasn’t that impressed with, maybe it was because of the time of day. However, the second service really showed off the scenery and lighting, it looked really good, the dense foliage was good to see as well. This route was never really on my buy list, probably not at full price. It’s just not my thing. However, what has piqued my interest for the route is the response to the stream citing how “bad” it was because I’m just not seeing it. There is such a fuss being made by the usual suspects who say they definitely aren’t buying it (again) because it’s that bad, despite pretty much owning every DLC. I’ll check out the feedback threads on Day one and see the same names, and if they’ve still bought after it really being that bad, then that tells me if anything how good the route must be, and I’ll certainly click purchase. As usual don’t forget to check the correlation by those who shout and protest the loudest about the quality of this route and the feedback thread on Day One, it won’t come as a surprise.
There is no way it is anywhere close to being amongst the worse DLC. That is purely lazy, disingenuous, hyperbole.
If you watch the live stream of this track, you’ll notice that it’s going to run very poorly on consoles. And the same goes for PC gamers who don’t exactly have a 4080 or a 5080 graphics card. Matt has a 13th or 14th generation Intel CPU, plus an RTX 4080, and uses Epic settings in his stream, along with the ‘Smooth’ feature; on this track, his graphics card was utilised at up to 96% at times, even though it’s a single-track section.
Welcome to the TSW forum where people trash a DLC almost every time, unless it's a third-party known for being good, and then after an explanation from DTG/dev (or not) , strangely enough, everyone they turn their coats and buy it day one. Or simply buy it on day one because they don't know how to wait. Seeing people say it's the WORST DLC just because of the lack of suspension (and bad audio, I think; I'm not Japanese so I can neither confirm nor deny it). For me, that's called joining the hate train (no pun intended), where criticism is increasingly driven by groupthink. Because while the DLC may have its flaws, but it also has its good points; the route is beautiful, there may be some sections that leave something to be desired, but that's not the case overall. Unfortunately and It's human nature; the negative makes more noise than the positive.
I’d say there’s a very high probability it’s going to be a problem. The release was postponed because of performance and that rarely happens so even with remedies it’s going to be close to the limit. That wouldn’t ordinarily happen with a single track route and a simple single unit train so the scenery and foliage must be a real hog. Also, the draw distances may be short on consoles with distant trees popping in all over the shop. It’s a definite worry. Matt did say in the stream that it’s going to tax high end PCs on Epic settings. Not the most reassuring thing to be saying.
I don't mind buying it, I just want some reassurance they'll release improvements to it after they've got my money. I spent £30 on wcml Milton Keynes to Crewe and only did 2 runs because it's too long and strains my attention lol
Not in till release day. Dovetail need to do a preview on console because of the epic settings and lighting settings
ElBriseto Totally overblown. If something is good, it gets mentioned and celebrated here just as much as when something looks exactly *like that* after four years (!) of development. That’s the point. Isn't it also a form of blind conformity to talk away all criticism and view everything positively regarding something where there are—obviously!—flaws and weaknesses? Negative points—and for me (!), at the moment, they outweigh the positive aspects of the DLC. Personally, I’m not claiming the DLC is completely bad. It might be fine and sufficient for some, but for me—after such a long wait, and even after a delay—I simply expected significantly more. You confirm it yourself: A vehicle's sound creates a large part of the immersion because you spend most of the time sitting in the cab. A major point. The suspension is fine—it’s actually a core feature and should be there—but personally, I could do without it if the rest of the vehicle were good. In my view, however, it is mediocre at best, ranging from the sound to the cab, which looks two-dimensional. It’s contradictory to say the route is beautiful but that some sections leave something to be desired. That means the route isn't *entirely* beautiful. It might be in places (though I see it differently, since they just planted masses of trees), but certainly not as a whole. Take a look at the stream during the moments where the camera pans to the sides of the track—especially near rivers, lakes, or in towns. You can barely make out any detail there. And that simply isn't up to TSW7 standards. Here are a few examples: Design of the area alongside the track, outside the wooded sections. Sections of shoreline along lakes and rivers often look like this: Slush? It looks like an MSTS city in the background. Or do I have overly high expectations for a DLC released for TSW7? Nice enough at first glance. But here, too: hardly any detail; everything feels lifeless and devoid of heart. And haha, sorry, the vegetation (not the Cherry trees) looks a bit too German to me. Perhaps I’m being so harsh in my criticism because I was really looking forward to the new region and had hoped the quality would be on par with many current third-party titles. It just annoys me that I can't seem to get that "Japan feeling."
Of course there are bad points, I'm not denying that, especially in terms of performance. But when I was talking about critics, I wasn't referring to all critics, but to those who are there just to criticize for the sake of criticizing, only to end up buying on day one. That's not a new behavior here but I can understand that some may be disappointed for several reasons. To say that this is the worst DLC is an exaggeration, in my opinion. I never said the route is entirely beautiful, I just said beautiful; I'm not looking for perfection. Yes, the photos you showed definitely show a need of reworking; we hope to see that done after the launch (even though it should have been done beforehand, we're all agree). Even though the houses in the distance in the fourth photo didn't bother me too much because they were far away, except if that not all the houses were like that and I only saw the good ones on the stream, I don't know. And also, personally, I'm waiting (when it's on sale) to have my own run because I can never really form an opinion about the route (sometimes it happens that I find routes bad based on streams and reviews, but in the end, when I play them, I like them, and vice versa) when I don't have the controls because sometimes there are things that I don't see/hear or that bother me that some people see/hear. Regarding your last photo, I honestly don't see a problem with the scenary , personally, I like it but agree for lack of life
