Yes, I know. Two utterly different routes. What they have in common is 1) I don't have them, 2) they're the only sale routes I have any interest in, and 3) they both are at about $30 right now. So my question is, really: which is the best implemented? Which one checks the most boxes in the "above average," "good" and "exceptional" columns? (In terms of cross-pollination: LRS does provide another layer (AI) for Niddertalbahn. OTOH, Peak Forest's new-gen foliage can be modded into most existing UK routes)
Speaking as a console player PFR imo is a fantastic route. I love the scenery its so beautifully made and I've not had any major bugs that I can think of on XSX. It runs well for me too. The 4F is wonderful I love the sound set (Whistle ) on it and the model is amazing. The bark as it accelerates is great although it gets a little muffled at speed. Haven't messed with the banking yet but it definitely needs more services to bring out the best like small freight trains or passengers. The safety valves are much lower volume which makes everything driveable. I love the Scenarios too. As others will I'm sure add the all mixed up scenario where you run a drop off goods is so well done and over 2 hours I loved it. The chinley gala is another good scenario imo too. The downfall is the lighting looks washed out and could be a little better and obviously you're missing a lot of what a diesel pack would offer. Although from little hints hopefully theres a pack on its way at some stage. Theres also the lack of manual firing and how it can cause scenario failure but I stay on auto and never have an issue. I can't comment on the other route but PFR is the first route I've bought on release that I've not regretted buying and would 100% buy again. For me personally the bad points are fairly small and its one of my favourite route releases to date! Hope my two pence worth helps
If you like older locomotives you’ll have a great time with Linke. The trains are arguably just as much as a challenge to drive as the steam trains. Lengthy services in the 110/cab car as well. Can’t speak for Peak Forest.
I have read here that the signaling on LRS is, um, imperfect. (Also, the 103's brakes are a known bug).
It’s the only UK route I don’t have, (I don’t like steam) but I’d buy it straight away if there was a diesel pack for it. Does look a nice route to be fair.
Both have lovely scenery, I don't think Linke Rheinstrecke looks particularly washed out but maybe it is my set up. I would as they currently stand go for LInke Rheinstrecke as it has two very well modelled and characterful old locomotives. It also has quite a busy timetable. Peak Forest for me does not have a very good timetable, some stations have hardly any trains call at them, it is too quiet. Arguably it does have more services though including some interesting freight services.
To my eye, at least, LRS seems underdetailed compared to the real world. Sparse woods, no river traffic, generic building assets. OTOH, I have no idea what the real Peak Forest looks like so I can't make a similar comparison.
Scenically Peak Forest is astonishing and very nicely recreates the Peak District, and I should know going to Buxton for a week every year for all of my life! I am more of a classic diesel fan so I only have the route for the route but I have adored taking the Peak up and down the route in scenario planner and really hoping for a diesel pack for the route. If you like steam locos and wonderful scenery with more than just A to B than this is the route for you! I don't have the other route so can't honestly comment on it.
Peak Forest is is arguably one of the best looking routes in the game. It’s stunning. Solid ambiance, lovely stations. Down by the quarry, you hear the explosions. Everything feels era appropriate. The 4F is cool but you don’t really get a chance to stretch its legs. Expect some good 8F freight runs. Not the busiest route though, feels quiet. I don’t love steam, however. I haven’t quite gotten used to the physics and braking, and I also feel forced to drive in external cam if I want to enjoy the route. Hard to see out of these locos. And I generally run drivers seat cam only. Maybe I’ll get used to it. I want to love LRS but it just falls slightly short in a lot of different areas. Signaling is wonky. Scenery and assets could be better. River traffic is non existent but should be way higher. Too many freight 110s. That said I often have moments where I really enjoy it, probably because I like the driving experience in the 103, 110, and cab car. But the route itself just isn’t anywhere near the detail of PF imo. If there were diesels on the PF route I’d probably never play anything else.
There’s a modern era Don Coffey video on You Tube that includes the run down from Buxton then out to Chinley and I can say apart from the odd glitch (or missing) on distant hills the route builder has captured it very well.
Well, I'm coming down on the side of Peak Forest. This is largely because not only is it apparently very well made, but also remarkably bug-free out of the box. LRS is still awaiting a (needed) first patch, and there will be more sales in the future after that happens. But here's the odd thing. PF is currently 20% off on Steam, or 31.99 yankeebucks. But if I buy the "Historic Journeys Bundle", of which I already own the other three routes, it's only $28.79! Weird, huh?
Yep, people keep moaning about lack of 'loyalty offerings' from DTG, but Steam bundles (if Steam is your TSW platform, to be fair) enables anyone to get DLC in that bundle cheaper, no matter if they have 1 or n-1 of the DLC items in the bundle. And new bundles can be made at any time, so you might have a DLC that wasn't once in a bundle, and now is, and you benefit from that. Yes, 'new' customers (those who have nothing from a bundle before buying it) also benefit from a bundle, but that doesn't rain on existing customers, does it?
Both are highly recommend. I would say only depends what you prefere to drive. (Steam or german electric). My suggestion, just get both
I buy nothing until they reach 50% or higher discount. Because of their corner cutting, I do budget cutting. Seems fair to me. Enjoy your new routes!
