Upcoming Release Frankfurt S-bahn: Coming Soon!

Now this is tempting and represents what a network route should offer, unlike ahem Cardiff.

Very tempted as reasonably priced too (was expecting £33) so £30 for this or £24 for Cardiff as it is in the current sale. Bit of a no brainer really.

And I’m currently in the process of getting my beanie hat back out the winter drawer. To eat it. As I was dead wrong about this being the late summer/TSW6 mainland Europe release.

 

This is the major thing that needs attention. At some point, it would be nice for the team to be a bit more transparent about the memory leak that plagues TSW5 across all platforms. The core needs attention for the add-ons to work as intended; otherwise, the game never reaches its full potential in the way we as its fans hope it does.

 

I agree with Henris and others. Give Gen 9 the full timetable and let us take the risk / decide which layers to turn off ourselves.

Otherwise it is a lesser product than the PC version and should be priced accordingly.

I normally buy every German route on PS5 then pick up the PC version in a sale later on. I’ll skip the console version this time.

 

Really the best way to enjoy this game are the simple and less ambitious routes like Zwolle Groningen. The massive timetables that pull players from multiple routes are an amazing concept but they seem to be more than the game can handle,

 

Incredible. This is the lamest move I have seen from DTG to date. Reduced timetable on XSX/PS5 is absolutely terrible. How bad is that optimization that even removing Gen8 from target platforms cannot save this route in its entirety?

Also, how friggin convenient that this info drops two days after this month's stream and not before it, so Matt won't need to address this?

 

I would prefer to get both time tables, both the reduced and the full time table on consoles for those people who don't want to optimise everything by themselves. But I definetly want access to the full time table too!

 

I really do think this a vital moment for console players. If this sells well on console, then we're in real danger of this being the future for all addons.

 

That’s how DTG were doing it but they must have had orders from the console platforms to stop doing it. It must work out of the box with everything enabled. There will have been certification failures for sure and I can’t imagine the number of crash reports that pass through the consoles’ reporting feature. There’s been a change in DTG’s response now. Suddenly there is a huge gang of devs looking into the blurry textures etc. and reduced timetables for gen 9. That can only have come from external pressure. There didn’t seem to be much action just from players reporting the issues.

 

I remember times when cutting edge gaming tech meant Crysis could run on your PC, and it was obvious to the eye why it couldn't be handled by PS3 or a 360. Now it seems cutting edge gaming tech can give you AI trains on tracks in your train game. The fact that PS5 and XSX don't have this timetable is a real slap across console players' pikachu faces.

We can play Hellblade 2 or MSFS2024 or will play GTA 6 next year but noooo, ICE3 and ICE 1 would blow the system up. Laughable.

 

Yes, I often report via PlayStation (Sony) if TSW crashes when I drive around Frankfurt. It is not even lagging; it works fine at 30 FPS, but the game crashes for no reason. I think there is too much going on in the background, causing performance issues that other large games like GTA 5/6 do not have.

 

I understand that,but why now 7 months down the line they have 5 engineers looking at it. The core wasnt right from day (well week) one for me after I managed to get all my content installed. Issues with crashes on SEHS, ECML, BCC Oakville and Brighton Mainline and Great Western Express. Yes its calmed down a little but still experienceing crashing on routes that TSW 4 played with out a problem. This now seems as though this is going to be the norm.

Hentis

 

Strangely enough The footage from GTA 6 that was shown was captured from the PS 5 lol.

 

It's not only driveable services, there is also a lot of value in AI scenery, like IC, ICE and freight on this route. It will still be busy, but with less variety.

 

I can imagine that the certification problem is true, but I don't have much sympathy for DTG - they've known it's been like this since at least autumn, and they've continued to release addon after addon after addon. And now they're presumably working on a new version. Maybe they'll surprise me, and that version will be all about optimisation, and it's just on hold until then, but I expect they'll just be piling more stuff on.

 

The AI is absolutely vital to this route, it's so busy and varied IRL, and using a lot of rolling stock we have available.

 

Maybe that's true, and if so, it's an even further indictment of their awful codebase, and even worse optimization when you see the genuine shovelware that's approved for sale in the console stores on a daily basis.

The consoles aren't the issue and people (not you) gaslighting that they are just make things worse. These (PS5/Series X) machines will be running GTA6 not to mention every AAA game currently on the market and for the next couple of years until Gen10 launches.

Absolutely don't believe DTG can't make it work. Sorry just don't believe it.

 

I told that for years, that somedays even Next Gen console will handle TSW if DTG will not optimize that game well. But I thought it will last till there will be PS5 and Xbox S and X successor.

That means console players will have the short stick at minimum till 2027, when a PS6 will probably released.

That can't work DTG.

Overthink your priorities. The main point should be the train simulation, not always new graphic and weather gimmicks, that consume a ton of dat volume. And if you combine that with better optimization, there's no need for cutting timetables.

 

C’mon DTG I get that the consoles are less optimized then the PC but you gotta give us at least the option for the full time table. What’s the whole point of disabling layers. I can disable some trains but I really want to have the option for all trains. Yes the game might crash, but at least we can see it all

 

Hear hear

 

Honestly though: It shouldn’t just be train simulation… why? Because when you look at MSFS 2024 it‘s even more CPU intensive physics, even more extensive modelling of cockpits etc. and a live weather system that simulates bespoke weather all over the world and it runs very well (the post-launch was rough, yes, but it has since been resolved and DTG has had the TSW issues for just about the same time). All in all the game should run well with all its aspects, full stop. The systems are on the necessary level…

 

So GTA 6 will work on those slow and underpowered consoles. And TSW 5 has a problem with graphics performance on consoles. Cyberpunk 2077 no problem, no game has problems for me, only TSW5. It's not worth it for me to buy a powerful PC and play one game.

 

Sadly, I won’t be buying any further routes until they sort out optimisation and full timetables for PS5. Can see DTG losing a lot of custom over this. A real shame as I’ve had TSW since day dot and had every reiteration of the game. Major disappointment. Will continue to play what I have but not lining their pockets for PC players who get the best discounts. Thanks DTG for the good times.

 

I'm thinking to buy at launch but only if haven't the same lag as Frankfurt Fulda, it's terrible not only for the graphics aspect but also for the sound that stretching badly....
Hope to have some words on it from DTG, at least to knowing the problem if it present at launch...

 

Think I'm downgrading my intentions despite earlier enthusiasm. If they are frightened as to how the route will run on a PS5 for god's sake then a potato PC may struggle as well. Bearing in mind this is almost entirely going to be electric traction, I really don't want another route with constant sound squelching every time it stutters. Wait for reviews; wait for a sale price.

I know it won't happen but instead of rushing yet another DLC out, they need to put the release back and work on some optimisation so the route isn't a hardware killer. And if they can't pull their thumbs out and sort the core, then maybe it's time to cut the cloth accordingly as regards the DLC and stop trying to make routes so full of detail the whole thing seizes up.

 

I haven't purchased 1 DLC this year and don't plan to until the blurry textures are a thing if the past.

I don't really mind a reduced timetable as long as it feels somewhat busy I'm OK with it.

It just seems that the console version is like a colander with the amount of memory leaks it has.

So I'm waiting to see how TSW6 will behave before I throw any cash DTG's way.

 

Bad weeks for console players…
First we have to wait for the Köln-Aachen timetable, because it needs testing and optimization. Now we only get a reduced timetable for S-Bahn Frankfurt. Other developers show, what the 9th gen consoles are capable of. Those are pretty powerful machines. I just can’t understand what went wrong with Tsw5. Since release we just have problems with poor performance, blurry graphics and crashes. 8 months later nothing changed, just more routes with the same problems. 2 years ago I bought a Ps5 and I was amazed, how good tsw3 and 4 ran on the ps5 compared to a ps4. Sadly the current version feels like old gen again.
You really have to get the complete core optimized before releasing new routes or a complete new game. Luckily some players (including me) finally started to wait with buying new dlcs and completely skipping them, if they have big issues and bugs. After you ignored the constructive criticism from the players for months, maybe you listen if you don’t get our hard earned money. For now, I rather give it to developers that get their games done right.

 

I am also pretty disappointed about the reduced time table for PS5... Does this in the end mean that console players in the future always need to expect limitations? If so it would be great to know... Especially that the new console doesn't get the option to choose either full or reduced is a bit strange. However, lucky PC players

 

They did mention that there would be a reduced timetable for consoles on the roadmap stream.

18:30 in.

https://www.youtube.com/live/m0atG7yj9hY?si=PwrObv-xlN1Sv--J

 

I'm starting to worry that DTG have even less of a clue what is wrong with their TSW5 code than we thought. All they've said up until this point is about memory problems, but if that is true then there is no reason why the 16GB PS5/Series X shouldn't be able to run a considerably larger timetable than the 10GB Series S.

Both the CPU and GPU in PS5/Series consoles are considerably higher spec than the minimum spec quoted for the PC version of the game, so if it isn't memory, CPU or GPU then what on Earth is actually going on?

 

Southeastern high speed, new York Trenton and ECML Peterborough Doncaster has reduced timetables, so why can't Frankfurt s bahn.
Yes the game is poorly optimisated it is getting better to the point I have reinstall liveries (small collection and only British trains/locos) I havent had a crash on ps5 using full timetables.
Console having less may lead to poor sales on this route and the br 420.

 

They have admitted it is memory leaks, and you are right they don't have a clue.

Frim what they say here sounds like they are no closer to finding a solution. 1hr and 41 into the below stream.

https://www.youtube.com/live/m0atG7yj9hY?si=PwrObv-xlN1Sv--J

Matt says they still need to make a build and test it out.

If history shows us anything they are working on a new version of the game 3 routes and 2 locos. That means most of the "slots" for testing are being taken up by these and all the past DLC being updated to run on whatever "new" version they are coming out with that also needs to be tested and recertified.

Hence why updates have slowed down. The "slots" are occupied with the September release.

 

Xbox has it now they are now unpaid testers now like steam and ps4 users. As far as I have seen blurry textures are there on xbox from xbox users. I prefer having blurry textures over crashing

 

Is the PC Microsoft Store/Game pass version going to have both timetables?

 

Having a reduced timetable on current gen consoles is super disappointing. We‘ve just seen what these consoles are capable of since the new GTA 6 trailer was fully captured on the normal PS5 (and that game isn’t even properly optimized yet, one year away from release). But something seems to be going on with the TSW5 core. It’s an issue they haven’t been able to fix, and is probably responsible for many things such as the blurred textures.

My clear opinion is that the performance optimizations that we have been promised for more than half a year should take full focus, instead of unwaveringly releasing add-on after add-on. And if that isn’t possible, just let us try the timetable anyways. Many PCs that will have access to it are less powerful than PS5/XSX. Why advertise features such as the layer selector, just to take the choice away from us anyways by failing to include the proper timetable?

 

So i have upgraded to PS5 to have reduced timetable? Ahhh

 

I think its fair to say its game over for gen 8 now. Two routes and other dlc not available for it and unable to optimise it for current systems TSW is becoming a mess. If TSW5 is out for gen 8 content all needs to come out for it not bits. The situation cant continue otherwise TSW will collapse in on itself in the end they may need to pause on new releases for a while to get improvements done

 

In theory I don't mind having a reduced timetable as a Series X player. What I do have a problem with is paying full price for the privilege of it, that's just insulting.

DTG makes me feel less and less valued as a console player with each release. As others have noted, maybe it's time to drop Gen 8 releases or just kill off console releases all together. It would make me sad to see consoles get dropped, but the obvious lack of testing and rushed releases just gets worse month after month...

 

Wait, so 9th gen won't even get all the base route services and locos? Or is it just the layers that are being trimmed?

If it's just the add on layers then I don't really think a discount in price is fair - I own no German stuff but Fulda, do I get a reduced price (in theory) for the reduced timetable even though I'd see a tiny impact compared to someone who owns all the other layer routes - with us both being on 9th gen.

 

It's just the timetable and services, but we're not talking a minor reduction either. 400 less services than PC, and only use of an ICE set for traffic variation.

PC gets 1,000 services and is able to make use of multiple DLC for traffic variation (all of which I do own). The best they can do is make use of one trainset from one DLC for us poors on console? Really? Then to bury it under the great screenshots and descriptions of PC layers with "LOL SORRY CONSOLE PEOPLE"?

I'm not asking for half off or anything that drastic, but for sure us console players should not be paying the same price PC players are.

 

I can see where you're coming from and I get your sentiments but what about PS4/Xbox players? Should they get a discount on WCML, Fulda, San Bernardino and any other route that has a reduced 8th gen timetable?

Trying to not be too pessimistic for a change, I'd like to think that they may still offer both timetables and let the player choose.

 

Exactly. And in about 2 years we PS5 players will get reduced content only. And we will hear: Buy a PS6. Even almost each other blockbuster game will run smoothly on PS5.

 

Giving players the full release regardless of platform and letting them choose the layers is my ideal solution as well.

That said, I don't think it's entirely unfair to see the price dropped by $5/€5/£5 for console players facing a mandatory reduction in services and traffic utilization. I'm not talking millions here, but the PC product is very much not the console product, and the price should reflect that.

 

The reduced timetable isn't defensible.

RAM doesn't make sense as PC users with 8GB of RAM will get the normal timetable and PS5 users with 16GB of RAM get a reduced one.

This is purely optimisation related. And optimisation is DTGs kryptonite. I said it when gen 8 got reduced timetables and layers. If a version doesn't have the capability of having access to everything the DLC offers, it should be cheaper.

 

Whilst I said it should, it was a difficult thing to enforce because of the upgrade paths from Gen 8 to 9.

This is 100% different. Gen 8 don't get it. They don't need to worry about players picking the cheap one and then getting the free upgrade.

 

Not to harp on this specific point but I purchased WCML on PS4, paid the full price for a lesser experience and watched PS5 get all the included rolling stock (not even talking layers here) same too for the ECML (less impactful but still)

Edit: and gained nothing for free when I upgraded to a PS5 so I'm not sure what route would allow for a 'buy a cheaper and get a free upgrade'

 

You get extra services (alot are AI to make the route busier)

 

In my opinion, No, because Gen 8 players still have the chance to upgrade to Gen 9 (Series X and PS5), and when that happens, they've always gotten the full Timetable for free. But for Gen 9, there's no upgrade in the immediate future.

 

Well, it could be said that 9th gen users have the same option to upgrade to a PC and have the full timetable for free - it could also be said that 8th gen users DO deserve the same hypothetical discount being discussed as to get that same 'free upgrade' you mention, they would need to spend $699aud (what £399) on a new console.

i think at the end of the day, firstly choosing 'reduced' as the name was a mistake. A better choice would have been 'PC' and '9th gen' as at least this isn't perceived as an insult. Psychology plays a role perhaps here and marketing.

But more importantly just release both timetables on both platforms and let the player decide how good/bad they want the experience to be. Some players will accept fps drops or texture blurs for the increased traffic and some won't - at least allow the player the decision.

 

DTG could show the DLC's opening trailer on both console and PC. I wonder how big of a difference there will be between the PC and console versions. I'm worried we won't get a second empty Munich HBF on console and blurry textures at full price.

 

If you switch to another platform you have to buy the complete game again, so even if you leave out the money for the PC you still have to pay about 100/150 euros to get the complete timetable