This has probably been suggested before, but I'd like to add my voice to putting labels on the map, which include station names, yards and points of interest. Also I really miss the "Introducing" route maps that used to appear on loading screens. I know that there are maps in the manual with all this information but I found the introducing route maps much more easier to digest. Here is an example I found online
Absolutely. The best maps were in Auran's Trainz series. If we could get maps like the ones in Trainz, that would be fantastic.
I personally think the ingame map of Train Simulator was much more useful than the one included in TSW. Sure, it doesn't look as pretty and polished, but it contained all the information you needed. TSW map is a step backwards IMO. And I agree that a map during the loading screen is more useful than ads of the newly released route, but I guess the latter one brings in more cash for the company. Perhaps the maps could be added to the pause menu, so we both have an interactive map to zoom and scroll, as well as a static map which gives us the basic info in one screen.
This issue was raised when TSW first came out. The stock answer is that they find it difficult to make one that has scaleable text (their ideal solution). I find this fairly implausible, as other developers don't have a problem developing a mapping widget in UE (although these might be resource intensive). What I don't understand is why they don't quickly implement another (easier) solution, such as: - loading splash screens that contain a relevant static map (like the one you posted here); - access to a static map (and manual...!) from the game's menu (not online, but from the disk); and/or, - use the existing dynamic map, but do not scale the place names at all.... only make them visible when you are at maximum zoom.... but do make them available.... and there is no need to use text, as the labels could be images of text, just like the other icons on the dynamic map that you can see at full zoom right now. A simple map with place names would make a huge improvement, for (I believe) relatively little effort.
I find the maps in the manuals that don’t exist to be most unhelpful. I have no idea where anything is in Clinchfield. No labels on the map and no manual, and a very cryptic squared off map from the spawn on foot menu with many places not having an option to spawn. There are no signs in the game world either. You can get station names from station signs in other routes but I’m all at a loss with this one. The full 2D map simply needs labels. And the routes need manuals. And soon too.
