Back in TSC,one of the best german routes was Im Köblitzer Bergland. It had great assets, a huge variety of tracks (being comparable to Frankfurt S-Bahn in TSW, but bigger!), interesting scenarios and an amazing length. The only problem: It was fictional. At least this is probably what some people might think. The more hardcore German community (those from the rail-sin forum) seem to not mind the lack of a realistic geographical location (aside from Germany as a set country) and made a lot of content for this map, aswell es maps/ep's using IKB's assets. This let to a fictional route being one of the most popular german routes in TSC. Now, what I ask myself is: Would something like a fictional route work in TSW? Obviously, as they sold in TSC, there would probably be people willing to buy a route like this. But TSW's problem with long routes and high scenery quality causing problems to FPS would hinder creators from going full master-detail overwhelm mode and probably not making them stand out as much from real routes. Also, the topic of using assets from fictional routes isn't as big as in TSC as mapmakers aren't as established as they were in TSC when IKB came out, and we already have gorgeus assets from newer DTG releases, Just Trains and TSG. I personally think that fictional routes need to have a little extra to sell well compared to real routes. I woudn't want to buy a route that is entirely fiction (like the christmas DLC for TSW). For me it needs a real geographical area, and be realistic enough to plausibly say: "This could exist in real life" (Or be set in an already established fictional universe where trains take an important role would be enough for me too(depending on the universe ofc.)). They need to have a good length, big variety, a packed timetable or awesome scenery for me to consider buying it. A benefit of a fictional route would be the possibility of interesting rolling stock. A train that just ran on an ultra specific route from somewhere to somewhere that has really interesting things about it? Could be included in a fictional route! I also want to adress fictional licenses. On a route set in a ficional universe, I would definetly need to see stuff from it. Be it authentic ads, "real" l companies from there. It needs to be included for me to even consider picking up something so fictional. A route set in a real contry/region? It would be ok from me to include a logo from the region on the train or similar, even include a fictional operator, but please let real live operators be in the focus of it! Feel free to leave your opinion on fictional routes on this thread P.s.: I just realised you cannot put polls in off-topic (at least I can't find it in the usual spot)...
OK so this one is actually rather intresting to me; On one hand, I'd definetly rather there not be the resources on a fictional route that could be used on recreating a requested real life route - and definetly would rather real life be prioritised above all else. That being said; On the other hand - I think that if there was somehow designated lore behind a fictional area, like mentioned if it had like a history with news shared through directs over the span of a few months - or even randomly on the website to further build realistic lore for an area, alongside a plausible landscape - I actually think it could be an incredibly intresting concept. That's all I have to add on it; If it was done well with really good expansive lore prior to release, or even after just as a side project - absolutely Obviously though - this isn't a triple AAA roleplaying game, it's a train simulator, as much as we can dream I doubt DTG or any third-party would put that much effort into making it that good. That's just my two pence though, sorry.
It would need to accurately recreate some kind of well known fictional setting and the trains of that setting to interest me. Sodor definitely a must-buy for me. I'd probably also pick up a lovingly crafted Snowpiercer if it effectively recreated the exteriors and interiors from the TV show. I'm not really interested in anything invented purely for this game, because then it's not really simulating anything specific, is it?
Definitely not. I like seeing real places that I can look up information about or that I've been to in real life. Not against fictional routes, but wouldn't buy one.
It would really depend on the quality and my interest level. Back in the day Europeanbahn had Pageants Field for MSTS that was a pretty cool concept and a fun route to play with. https://excalibur-games.com/products/pageants-field The LT Heritage collection for TSC is kind of neat in concept as well, plus, y'know, red Pannier... lol https://store.steampowered.com/app/562375/Train_Simulator_London_Transport_Heritage_Collection/
Depends on what it represents & what it brings to me as a player in terms of scenery, gameplay & stock.
Depends on Length, Motive Power, and overall country. Something similar to Mardonshire by Just Trains may lean me over to purchase it.
Probably not. I have some fictional routes for TSC, but it is extremely hard to create a fictional route, because you need to create history and a feel of realism. I don't mind having a route that is not 100% realistic. It is OK to leave f.i. a yard that is long gone, or change the signalling a bit or use imagination to add service that do not exist. In general I prefer historic routes from a long past, preferably steam. Of course this requires more imagination because it may not be fully documented.
I wouldn’t want it at the expense of a real route, maybe once we get more regions done in TSW. Until then there’s still too much lacking across all 3 main countries & then others which have been one hit wonders deserve more routes too. Outside of TSW, I don’t mind fictional/semi fictional maps. I think the downside to them though is how much work is needed to make them feel good, often when developers make fictional locations they really do feel pretend, it’s rare you get one where it does feel like it could be a real place & the benefit to that is you can add in more fun. The route you mentioned is a good example of one done well, whereas there was a somewhat popular UK map (I forget the name - it was basically all high level track & entirely ran by Voyagers though a valley) & it felt like someone combined TSC with a base Cities Skylines map. It was just so uninspired. I think with the core issues TSW have it would just be more work than doing a replica of a real route.
Completely agree with all that, the amount of thought needed to actually design even one game level from scratch is something. Even a Mario level can take a lot of effort, trust me, I've done levels to their standard in Mario Maker. And while I found the end result very rewarding you understand why most people ain't cut out for that. I've spend probably 20 hours of effort just to make a single level you can complete in three to five minutes. All just because I wanted to make something quality that couldn't be cheesed super easily, nor filled with tons of infuriating level design. Now factor in that I made my levels with off the shelf parts, and I didn't have to program and do artwork for my own enemies and level gimmicks. Also it isn't like you're trying to think of actual lore and story for your Mario Maker level, that further complicates things. Then just to top it off translate that to the scale of something like Cyberpunk, think about how much actual thought that actually takes. You understand real quickly why a game like that takes five years and 500 people to make. People so often with sims act like copying real life in exacting detail's the hardest thing. And granted, not saying for a second it's easy, but I've see people act like snobs in various sim forums from time to time about fiction and how their stuff takes actual effort. But what they forget is the advantages of not having to strictly follow reality are offset by the fact you have to make your own reality, and that's not nessicarily easier, it's just different.
Ask me 2 months ago and I'd have said no. Ask me after I rediscovered Real Racing 3, and remembered that one of the best tracks there (Melbourne) is fictional, and I'd say maybe, but the standard is much higher. Kassel-Wurzburg wouldn't have been anywhere near as appealing as it was if it was a fictional route.
I wouldn't buy one, though there wouldn't be objection if someone propped up a freeware one in the editor (If that is even possible) There is a reason Adriana County is one of the favorites of US freight routes on TSC.
I’m on the fence. One of my little foibles in Trainz is taking track plans of model and (rideable) miniature railways and scaling up to full size. There’s also maybe a case for taking prototype railways from elsewhere but building them to a UK or German style. That would be one way round the geopolitical constraints, particularly when it comes to payware content. There’s a fascinating line in Iran which has loops and spirals through the mountains a Swiss railway would be proud of. But it’s not a part of the world any right minded person would travel to, let alone get access for research of the railway system. Down that road, Evin Prison and probably a noose awaits! In TSC, I did two routes based on a similar ethos. The old Sulitjelma line from Northern Norway which was a narrow gauge route through the most spectacular scenery imaginable but built as hybrid UK and German style. Then there was my dabble with the famous Zig Zag Railway in New South Wales and the following main line around Lithgow. Again, built in a UK style. I was quite happy with both of those.
I have Valley Corridor, Marsonshire, Totham routes for TSC and I quite liked playing on them, so yes, I'd probably also buy fictional routes for TSW.
