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

Personally I think freight is the big selling point in American routes as there's nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Long trains snaking through big scenery under big skies is evocative of that nations rail scene. I hope we just don't Europeanise US railroads with nothing but EMU's. A single line running mid freeway does not make me very excited. Be nice if you could stop the train and jump into a ford Mustang or a Camaro though!

 

When I saw all the graphics and Infos and Videos for TSW5, I first thought that DTG had learned from their mistakes and were now offering something real without investing a lot of money. You have to look very closely to see that things have gotten even worse with TSW5 - even though they offer a free version.

With the free version you get nothing but a 5 in the game name. Beside you can of course continue to use your old content. But it should be 100% self-evident if I buy the same game again in a new version. Why this free version should only be available for a certain period of time says it all. They want as many players as possible to own the new version (regardless of whether it's free or a purchased version), because that's a better way to sell future content.

If you only own TSW3 or TSW4, it's easier to say that you won't buy a certain DLC because you don't own the base version of the game and don't want to buy a new game just because of the DLC. However, if you already own the actual game version, you are more likely to buy a new DLC because you already own the base game. This free version is nothing more than a psychological game.

And with the limited time, the intention is of course to suggest that you should consider buying it quickly. For DTG, the players who don't get the free version aren't potential customers for future DLCs and are negligible.

And yes, the free version only contains limited new features and no free route.

 

The only bit I agree with is the time limit. If you cannot control your compulsion to buy content because you own a base game, you have bigger problems than a games company releasing a free (time limited) upgrade to a train simulator!

One year ago it was about a paywall to continue to enjoy future content!

This year it seems that a upgrade that is initially free to be able to continue to invest in your collection (if you want to) and to enjoy access to updates to legacy content, (which DTG have been updating for FREE and not abandoning)

Now people are upset that new stuff isn’t free. I have been critical on DTG in the last year but they are still a business that needs to create revenue to pay their workforce etc

 

It's called Train Sim WORLD not America Nostalgia World. Seriously, Americans can be some of the worst whiners when they don't get their way.

 

DTG, have some digestive cookies, on me,



enjoy!

 

Maybe because we are the 3rd stepchild in the TSW ladder? We don't even have a good dedicated 3rd party developer like JT or TSG.

Only positive is the MBTA route might be good, but we only have a short blurb of that route.

 

To be fair, they really got shafted hard with this one. Yet another Californian route with 1 loco being copied from the previous Californian route, and the second loco being a reskin? The frustration is completely understandable.

 

This is a genuine question- does Run8 not cater for the needs of our American cousins?

 

A few problems.

1. It may be too complex or daunting for most players.
2. Its limited in distribution being only on their site only, and not a common marketplace like Steam.
3. Visually it isn't much better than say Open Rail or such
4. PC only, so console crowd who want US freight can't play it.
5. Per Vern's experience, the multiplayer isn't useful unless you are a part of a community.
6. Its MUCH more expensive than TSC or TSW.

 

Glad they have finally listened and hope this thread I created last year helped with that, I shall be upgrading to either the free one or the UK regional one only because of Watford Junction as that was my station in my old home town. Just a quick question will the Avanti Pendelino be available to buy separately???

 

I'm pretty sure the mention of 'limited core features' is so that people don't be annoyed when they realise that upgrading to TSW5 won't add guard mode to every single route by default, or something to that extent.

That said the fact the free upgrade is only going to be available for a month is a new strategy for DTG - do what everybody wanted but do it in a way that still manages to be predatory and money-grabbing.

If it's anything like the TSW4 launch it'll probably be made available separately later on.

 

good riddance lol

 

So, not done, yet then

Whatever DTG has done they need to keep doing.

 

Just Trains doing WCML Over Shap more than 90 miles for TSW 5 will be spectacular as they're one of the best in regards to content and detail. It seems they will be the ones to deliver the most request longer routes for TSW in the future with enough time.

 

the true happy ending, the dtg redemption arc is here

 

I wonder, a completely new version for what? To change the weather in the photo? To be able to teleport from one station to the next? What else? That's basically it...what a disappointment. So basically just an additional paywall for you to be able to drive new routes. So, extremely underwhelming...

 

So you weren’t paying attention then? How can a game that is available for free be a paywall?

 

I feel like this is really a breakthrough imo.


This feels like just a happy ending in general

No stupid arguments
No stupid paywalls
No stupid false promises.
No “this’ll release in 6 months” statements

Just gets straight to the facts
Makes the game free
Adds core features that are pretty cool
Doesn’t force anything on you at all.


DTG, Please keep it like this, and I can see this game growing exponentially.

 

Sooo. Who's Ready to make predictions on TSW6?

 

Someone has already created thread. And agree with last poster on that thread when I saw it (0530 bst today) way too early. Let’s enjoy what dtg has done for TSW 5 for a bit first.

 

Ya beat me to it

 

Ik the class 87 and older traction fans will kill me for saying this but personally I would've preferred over shap modern day tbh. Would be very fun in a pendolino. Ig there is still scenario planner. Hope dtg make a modern day timetable and route upgrade so we can play it in the two eras.

 

Already got a thread.

 

Let's take off the rose glasses for a moment and actually look at what we get:

Standard Edition

• Routes:
  • West Coast Main Line: London Euston to Milton Keynes
    • Locos: Class 350/1, Class 377/2 EMUs, Class 66

We already have the Class 377 and god knows we've had enough of the Class 66. Especially when there's a plethora of new UK freight for the modern route! The Class 69, The Class 99, even the Class 88. So what do we get? Another one handed EMU and a relatively underwhelming part of the WCML. Especially when (as JT will show) places like Shap exist.

• Frankfurt to Fulda: Kinzigtalbahn
  • Locos: DB BR 411 ICE-T, BR 114, DB BR 193 Vectron

​

The vectron is a shame. Seriously? We paid extra to get that with TSW4. Only to give it to us for free now? The rest of it is nothing new as well. Another Ice and another German route. It's that simple.

• San Bernardino Line: Los Angeles to San Bernardino
  • Locos: Metrolink MP36 locomotive

​

Another high speed passenger service from the USA! The route is actually an interesting idea. But is let down by how (to me), it doesn’t feel new, it’s basically an add on to the antelope line. Besides, the best footage of the San Bernardino line is that gap in the freeway...with a steam engine. So that'll never happen!

• Bonus: Exclusive Decal Pack

​

Who uses decals?

• Deluxe Loco:

• FlixTrain BR 193 Vectron

Oh...so the vectron isn't included? I have to pay for it again? Fun...

• Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino

Yes, the most iconic of WCML locos now available (but not WITH the WCML, duh. You need to get that separately silly!)

• Deluxe Route:

• Cajon Pass

But what if: I already own it? Why should I buy it again? What's ACTUALLY NEW!?

• Bonus: Exclusive Decal Pack (same as the Standard Edition)

Seriously, do people use decals?

I won't even discuss the special edition because all the old routes will probably be released a few months after TSW5 goes public. so there's nothing new. It really is just paying for what you already own. Unless DTG decides to remove any idea of backwards compatibility.

So what do you ACTUALLY get?

And before anyone goes on about the fact that "it's free". No. It's not. The free starter pack is no routes and limited access to core features. You will still need to buy core DLC.
Nothing is free. Not to any business.

Enough is enough.

 

In another thread they mentioned that after release Avanti and Flix will be sold seperately.

 

It has always been like that, BR182, BR155, BR363,.. all came as a standard content after some time.

 

As a follow up, I want to add. I loved TSW when it came out. I love that there's finally a decent Train Sim on console. I love how you can interact with parts of the engines. I love trains.

But enough is enough, and at some point you need to take a step back and look at where your money is going.

And before anyone tells me "you can just not buy it", please tell me this:
What other Train Sims are available on console? Because I don't own a PC.

 

I totally see your point and I really agree with you on the Cajon Pass subject. On the other hand I can understand that the Pendolino is seperated from the route from a monetary stand point. To get more money of the products it makes sense to sell the iconic part of the route seperatly. And I think that is a total valid strategy.
The rest of your "complaint" I don't hold against DTG. I hope they follow through selling more trains with the routes to fill the tracks and stations.

 

It's a step in right direction, it is clear that since Focus takeover there was a push to acquire as many new customers as possible, with 50-80% discount on TSW4 two months after release.

Which not only felt like a spit into loyal fans' faces, but also successfully invented the idea of economical recession - when people hold their money because they believe that they will get more value (massive discounts) for it in near future.

So trying something else is definitely a good idea.

 

I learned well enough from last time that I don't even need to get the standard edition. I essentially only play US routes, just like there are a seemingly overwhelming majority that play UK routes, so I only need to get the San Bernadino Line bundle and maybe save a few bucks. Although we are now moving onto TSW5, as we have all known for months upon months, it's not so bad.

 

I wonder one thing and I haven't really found an answer in FAQ - if someone goes all the way from TSW2 to TSW5 using the upgrade pack... that should replace SEHS with SEHS Extended for free, shouldn't it? So for those who gave up a long time ago, that might be a positive aspect to it. (Technically also TOD4 on some of the routes like Dresden-Riesa)

 

I've just rewatched the stream and matt mentioned that TSW2 players that come over with older versions of routes will get remaster. He mentions specifically cathcart and wsr but I guess it applies to sehs aswell.

 

Train Life. Never played it but there are other options on console (add a little pinch of sarcasm)

 

Come on surely you can see this was the fix everyone was crying out for!?

The core game will be available for free for the next month, this removes the age old arguement that people are "forced" or at least coerced into buying the new version - the core will be available free for a time (no arguments)

Those with the most to gain here are folks who chose not to upgrade to TSW4, They will be able to bring all there previously acquired routes bang up to date, and have at least one remaster to look forward to as well as many other issues fixed with the core.

Routes and locos can be purchased as desired, nobody has to buy what is in my opinion a good selection of routes, I imagine many will however, as I'm sure do DTG!

 

Agreed. As previously one of the more vociferous on these forums, having complained incessantly about paywalls and unwanted bundles, it's really good to see DTG being flexible enough to try out a different approach. They've already said its up for review so if it works, expect more of the same which would be great. Conversely if it doesn't, we won't.

For that reason alone I'm urging people to get on board, to buy in to dlc that might appeal. You can do this atm because the paywall has been removed and you can be more specific in your purchasing option.

If you genuinely don't agree, then I think the following decision making model applies-
BRAN. Benefit of complaining- marginal as DTG have already responded to criticism in this case. Risk- dtg will reverse this decision and any benefits will be lost.
Alternative- I'm not seeing any in the very few negative posts I'm seeing.
Nothing- doing nothing is the option here too. If you don't agree with what DTG have done, just sit back and do nothing, or provide an alternative that is realistic and economically viable if doing nothing isn't your way.

 

Looking forward to the Just Trains route as the lineside will look real. The normal TSW routes are devoid of trackside infrastructure and
appear to use stock instead of custom assets in places. The comparison between Just Trains TSC Midland Main Line and Skyhooks
TSW Midland Main Line is night and day. There is overbridges missing in the TSW route and those that are there are completely
different to reality.

 

Uhhm another ICE and German route is _in fact_ something new, this route hasnt been seen before in TSC, is 100+ km and the ICE T is a very good fit for it as you get PZB, LZB and GNT/GST for tilting on this route.
Also Frankfurt was requested for quite a long time.
Its that simple

 

Maybe there will be valid complaints coming but I can't see any valid complaints passing at the moment. I think DTG have done enough. Everybody wins (except those with a dial up modem)

 

Well I can probably raise one for our American friends - they really are getting the short end of the stick with this one. Releases for them since TSW4 have been almost non-existent, and while the UK and DE get brand new, previously unannounced routes, the US gets a bunch of reskins/re-releases (as much as the MP36 might be a bit different, it IS a loco we had already) on a route that was a backup plan in case the LIRR license fails. Couple that with the fact that Deluxe AGAIN only has extra UK/DE trains, and you can see the discrepancy. TSW5 Deluxe should've definitely gone with something US in it, perhaps finally some diesel Amtrak (although that one is not exactly suitable for the route included, but would be great for many other routes).

 

My understanding is that there is an absence of collaboration from the US rail companies. It may be worth applying some pressure there, although the difficulty is often finding the appropriate pressure point upon which to press..

 

I can only response from my personal take on this: Our American friends are being spoiled as hell. >insert some sad background piano< What about our Belgian friends? They have to look in tears on how their already ever so proud neighbours in the Netherlands get a route before them. It's not fair. I would say "Enough is enough"

 

I doubt there would be much uproar against some US routes set in older eras, where much of the rolling stock you can visit and walk through in museums with very friendly staff, some can even be fired up. And when you're not running around functional Class I traffic, I doubt they'd block you from using locos on historic trains.

Recently, I sat in the cab of DDA40X and saw all the details, including the engine room and nose entrance. That is a loco that should definitely make it into the game. And it is not hard to get to. If current references are hard to get, let's go historic a bit. Clinchfield was a great route, albeit a bit slow for most players, but busy routes existed for a long time.

 

Fair... even us Czech folks actually have a freight car in the game Justice4Belgium

 

At some point DTG need to let the "lack of services" part of LD Amtrak trains go and get a P42 or ALC-42 in game. With the announcement of the MBTA route, that is another route that can support a LD Amtrak train with multiple stops, along with Cajon Pass and Horseshoe curve.

 

I am worried that they would still release it for one route and say "You can use Free Roam to put the P42/ALC-42 on CJP/HSC/SPG, etc."

 

It wouldn't be a problem if the routes were built with it in mind before hand, its how Boston Providence was able to slot the Acela in so neatly, and the Lakeshore Limited will be pre-slotted into the MBTA Worcester route, so adding it wont be as hard as the existing freight routes.

 

I've got some torches and forks here in the shed, if you need them.

 

I think having given the free core update DTG had to sell the 390 separately to recoup some money maybe?
At end of day to save money you can always get the free core upgrade and then be patient and buy the dlc later. At least you can choose now.