Enough Is Enough!!! The Ongoing Saga!!! It's Almost The 3 Year Anniversary

Haha so "enough is enough" has turned into "give us more"!

 

L

Some go for days out to supermarkets, listen to Ikea ads on the Radio, glad I grew up having days out to other places such as Railways.

 

We get a free route??

 

Admittedly I was watching the live stream while working, and I haven't read any forum posts on TSW 5 yet besides the current page of this thread, but isn't the free TSW 5 update effectively just a new title screen/menu? You don't get any of the actual TSW 5 features unless you pay for one of the packages? Anyone coming from TSW 4 gets nothing beyond the TSW 5 title, but at least it will give anyone upgrading from TSW 1-3 the TSW 4 features and the free updated routes.

I will get round to catching up on the announcement more later, though.

 

This time they have judged things very well and I mean let's be honest, the further enticements of WCML over Shap with an 87, Cardiff Valleys and a Dutch route have greased the wheel nicely.

 

I don't get it. I don't remember them saying anything about a free route...

 

Pretty much, the biggest issues were paywalling future routes and the abandonment of older versions. No paywall to get TSW5, and while older versions are abandoned you can use all your existing content in TSW5 for free.

I think this thread served it's purpose, DTG listened.

 

That's how I read it. For existing owners if you take the free starter pack within 30 days of release you can choose one of the three regional routes.

 

No, there isn't a free route.

 

Tell me my choices, as a railway enthusiast who wants to play a game about trains on my console.. please enlighten me to my manyyyyyyy choices.

Because "don't play it", is a cop out. It's not a solution. Don't play it is just another way of telling me where to go.

 

I think you read wrong.

 

Enough is enough, we're done with poor content and underwhelming games, give us something better.

 

Then I was reading it wrong, sorry. The starter packs plus one route are presumably the same as last year then - £30.

Sorry to have confused.

Nevertheless, the core update itself is free.

 

This definitely wasn’t said the year before, DTG don’t care lol

 

But really the core update isn't free because you don't get the actual TSW 5 core features in the free version, you just retain the TSW 4 core features? I'm not clear on this...

 

Nothing to complain about. I’m surprised and very pleased about the free upgrade. The only thing I actually want is the German Route so not sure when I’ll get it, but at least I’m not locked behind a paywall for the thing I’m really excited for… JT’s new route. Very excited for this.

From the rest the new Map is good news and I will look forward to the GWE remaster. That was a nice surprise.

 

its free dude, what other options do you want? And why complain?

I mean, would you rather the core game sold for £15? On a paywall?

 

Perhaps more clarity is needed then, I certainly read it initially as you can choose a route with just the update and was dead wrong! DTG Jamie sorry for ping and I know this thread is off limits for yourselves usually but maybe things need to be tidied up a bit as to exactly what is being offered at the bottom level, so to speak.

 

The FAQ has a couple of graphics and tables showing what exactly is included. They seem quite clear to me...

 

How do I hide a thread on this forum?

 

I think I made the stupid decision last time to buy the deluxe edition when all I actually wanted was just the UK routes so it's great that this time I can get the starter pack then get the UK routes bundle which is what I want

 

You can pick up TSW5 for free in the first 30 days and keep it. However, most of the TSW5 features (map, guard mode etc) is only for new routes (as it is always the case in TSW, new features only apply to new routes). So obviously, you will not have access to these features with the free version. However, you will be able to buy new DLCs releasing for TSW5 without needing to spend a single €/& or whatever for any core route.

 

I'm not sure. The graphics and discussion on the live stream suggest you get nothing of the new core features in the new version, so for example the FAQ chart says you have the live map in the free version – but is that the new improved version of the live map or the old version?

That chart also says you don't get timetable mode, so it looks like standard features we have had in previous versions might even be cut out...

 

It will be cool to see guard mode especially on older routes.

 

I agree that the chart is a little unclear - I understand it to mean that if you have the free version and NOTHING else, then if you have the free version and ONLY TSW5 core routes, then whatever is added to compatible content.

I suspect the reason it says we get no timetable, is because it doesn't have any routes.

 

Seen that Jamie but it is a bit confusing as the “Free Starter Pack” kind of looks like a header over the Regional Packs. Maybe it needs to be stated more clearly that the free pack is the core upgrade only and that the single route packs are in fact paid for items?

Should have been in its own column of one.

I mean, I’ve gone straight to Deluxe myself, but a little more clarity might help the overall situation.

 

Yes, so effectively you get nothing of TSW 5 in the free version beyond the new name.

But what about the FAQ stating, for example, no timetable, etc.? Are people losing what were core features, i.e. no timetable mode for example? It's what the FAQ chart implies...

 

Except it should have routes for anyone upgrading to the free version from their old version, so it would then have timetable mode... So it makes no sense to cross it off. And some other core feature crossed off right next to it.

 

DTG, crack yourself a couple of beers, you all deserve it

 

Beware false assumptions, I don’t believe they said it would be backdated to older routes. I would assume it’s TSW5 native routes only unless you hear otherwise. Personally I would love to have guard mode on routes like Blackpool.

 

I reckon the mention of no timetables is because in the free version alone, you don't get any routes for timetables to be featured.

Free starter pack I believe is just the base game alone with Training Centre, simply existing to carry your current TSW4 collection into the TSW5 platform but with no extra benefits. It effectively exists solely for the event that if you don't want any of the TSW5 releases, your current content can still receive updates. This is probably because elsewhere in the FAQ, unlike prior iterations it outright says that from this very moment onwards TSW4 will receive no more updates.

 

You don't loose timetable mode for your old content, the graphic shows "Compatible Content" ie. your old routes and has green ticks next to timetable, scenarios etc... It even has green ticks next to some new TSW5 features for compatible content such as route hopping.

"The only thing you will be missing out on are the new routes and locos." I think this is why there are red ticks next to timetable and scenarios in the Free Starter Pack, because it contains no new routes. It's a draw back of using a tick list like that to show stuff.

 

I mean ye olde set routes like the shap route from just trains

 

That graphic on features for 'free' is so unnecessarily confusing, of course there isn't a timetable if you don't own a single route, but saying that it's a missing feature is just confusing.

The free version is the exact same game as TSW5, just without any of the TSW5 routes. Things like conductor mode are exclusive to TSW5 routes, but photo mode improvements and the new map are standard features across every route in the game.

 

Ah okay, understood. Not sure guard mode will be suited to express services but some of the “bus service” routes would greatly benefit.

 

So I am happy with this today. I can just update my TSW and don't need to buy a route. Thats what I wanted last year and obviously DTG has listened.
But, there is a small but, I don't see the value of including Cajun Pass to the Deluxe Edition. I already have this awesome route. So I think i might get the german regional edition and buy the Flix Train later. Since I really don't like the american stuff and I'm not that interested in WCML without the Pendolino the price jump from 44 Euros to over 70 Euros (w/o loyalty price) is too steep for two routes in a pack ( and including a route I have, a route I don't want and stupid decal packs).
What I also really like is the look into the future. This time they really showed us where DTG wants to go in the next month. If the Wales route is really going to be a complete network of route, man that would be something I am really looking forward to.
I am a little sceptical on the route jumping feature because this feels like they cheat their way out of connecting routes properly.
So, DTG regained some trust back. I still have my reservations and I'm not convinced to pull the trigger on one of the packages, the scars of the last months still hurt. But for now, I will put the torches and forks back into the shed and hope for the best.

 

Yes, on the FAQ it says the mode only appears where appropriate, for example on Euston to Milton Keynes it works for the 350, but not for the 390.

 

That's why the +Compatible Content section has a tick next to it. The Free version is available to buy even for new players.

 

So I'll throw my opinions into the mix after reading the announcement (missed the stream).

As mentioned, it is a big win that the upgrade is free. It not being the case would be a killing blow to the rest, because...

The list of new features is rather laughable for a new title - teleporting on a route and more map information are long overdue. Glad that they are now here, but could have been sooner. As for the route hopping... well that one I personally feel very negative about. This is a shortcut away from route merging and creations of interesting networks, just a quick way to load a different DLC with god-knows-what discrepancies. It mentions only being available on new and enhanced routes, so it pretty much puts the entirety of the existing catalog where stations are shared on a waitlist for upgrades. It would be way better for a proper merging to be possible and open up the W in TSW. Conductor as a new feature... but in general I still don't see that justify the TSW5, so I am very glad it is not behind a paywall.

Routes seem somewhat interesting, at least the ones in Europe, ICE-T and 390 are extremely welcome additions. Some interesting stuff in the pipeline, so we will see how it goes in the future. Maybe I'll not only upgrade for free, but start buying again. Maybe... and only after reviews. Anyway that's my 10 cents, feel free to move on. For once, not completely bad, Dovetail. Maybe you've finally heard something from us.

 

Just remember folks who are planning the free upgrade then to add to it later, you've only got a month.

 

I can honestly say I’m pleasantly surprised. A lot of the anger was that an upgrade was set behind a paywall, i.e TSW3 was abandoned, and with it were all existing routes, including the new routes that were just released prior to the TSW4 announcement, unless you bought TSW4 which included at least one route, regardless if you were interested in them, wanted them or could even afford them.


They seem to have listened since then. Getting the core TSW5 for free will now give you access to the new features and access to any new content as well as any updates to existing routes you already own.

For those not happy there’s nothing additional, I disagree, any remastered routes will be free if you already own that route. You can’t expect the company to give away free routes etc.

The 390 is a little cheeky but there’s no option to buy it if you don’t want to, and it’s really only the same as buying a loco pack for an existing route, I imagine if it were the 4 car 350 as the add-on it would still be seen as a negative, you are getting a much more labour intensive product at the standard rate of £14.99.

The small gripe I have is the time limit on upgrading, if someone wasn’t to know or finds out too late after that 4 weeks (I think) the product does go to being stuck behind a paywall, I would like to see them reconsider that decision.

 

where’s rivet gone? Oh wait.

 

Rivet need to up their game significantly or walk away. DTG need to schedule a meeting with their CEO and explain that the game has just jumped a level.

 

Meh

 

Would’ve been nice if the WCMLS was longer

 

Yeah nothing really exciting from a US standpoint, yeah the MBTA gets a new route, but no images or anything about it aside from some basic info. San Bernardino was already known, and all we got was just some slightly more info than what we already know.

The VR route seems pointless, especially limited to the META Quest, should of also supported Steam VR for it to be something worthwhile.

 

Would have liked some US freight, Chicago Belt for example. The marathon long haul runs I do find a little dreary without alcohol, so some city freight action would be nice one day.

 

I imagine the VR is a toe in the water, DTC get some experience with the dev tools, and see what people think etc. I like the idea of VR - I really do but its still a pretty limited market...