Enough Is Enough!!!

That graphic on features for 'free' is so unnecessarily confusing, of course there isn't a timetable if you don't own a single route, but saying that it's a missing feature is just confusing.

The free version is the exact same game as TSW5, just without any of the TSW5 routes. Things like conductor mode are exclusive to TSW5 routes, but photo mode improvements and the new map are standard features across every route in the game.

 

Ah okay, understood. Not sure guard mode will be suited to express services but some of the “bus service” routes would greatly benefit.

 

So I am happy with this today. I can just update my TSW and don't need to buy a route. Thats what I wanted last year and obviously DTG has listened.
But, there is a small but, I don't see the value of including Cajun Pass to the Deluxe Edition. I already have this awesome route. So I think i might get the german regional edition and buy the Flix Train later. Since I really don't like the american stuff and I'm not that interested in WCML without the Pendolino the price jump from 44 Euros to over 70 Euros (w/o loyalty price) is too steep for two routes in a pack ( and including a route I have, a route I don't want and stupid decal packs).
What I also really like is the look into the future. This time they really showed us where DTG wants to go in the next month. If the Wales route is really going to be a complete network of route, man that would be something I am really looking forward to.
I am a little sceptical on the route jumping feature because this feels like they cheat their way out of connecting routes properly.
So, DTG regained some trust back. I still have my reservations and I'm not convinced to pull the trigger on one of the packages, the scars of the last months still hurt. But for now, I will put the torches and forks back into the shed and hope for the best.

 

Yes, on the FAQ it says the mode only appears where appropriate, for example on Euston to Milton Keynes it works for the 350, but not for the 390.

 

That's why the +Compatible Content section has a tick next to it. The Free version is available to buy even for new players.

 

So I'll throw my opinions into the mix after reading the announcement (missed the stream).

As mentioned, it is a big win that the upgrade is free. It not being the case would be a killing blow to the rest, because...

The list of new features is rather laughable for a new title - teleporting on a route and more map information are long overdue. Glad that they are now here, but could have been sooner. As for the route hopping... well that one I personally feel very negative about. This is a shortcut away from route merging and creations of interesting networks, just a quick way to load a different DLC with god-knows-what discrepancies. It mentions only being available on new and enhanced routes, so it pretty much puts the entirety of the existing catalog where stations are shared on a waitlist for upgrades. It would be way better for a proper merging to be possible and open up the W in TSW. Conductor as a new feature... but in general I still don't see that justify the TSW5, so I am very glad it is not behind a paywall.

Routes seem somewhat interesting, at least the ones in Europe, ICE-T and 390 are extremely welcome additions. Some interesting stuff in the pipeline, so we will see how it goes in the future. Maybe I'll not only upgrade for free, but start buying again. Maybe... and only after reviews. Anyway that's my 10 cents, feel free to move on. For once, not completely bad, Dovetail. Maybe you've finally heard something from us.

 

Just remember folks who are planning the free upgrade then to add to it later, you've only got a month.

 

I can honestly say I’m pleasantly surprised. A lot of the anger was that an upgrade was set behind a paywall, i.e TSW3 was abandoned, and with it were all existing routes, including the new routes that were just released prior to the TSW4 announcement, unless you bought TSW4 which included at least one route, regardless if you were interested in them, wanted them or could even afford them.


They seem to have listened since then. Getting the core TSW5 for free will now give you access to the new features and access to any new content as well as any updates to existing routes you already own.

For those not happy there’s nothing additional, I disagree, any remastered routes will be free if you already own that route. You can’t expect the company to give away free routes etc.

The 390 is a little cheeky but there’s no option to buy it if you don’t want to, and it’s really only the same as buying a loco pack for an existing route, I imagine if it were the 4 car 350 as the add-on it would still be seen as a negative, you are getting a much more labour intensive product at the standard rate of £14.99.

The small gripe I have is the time limit on upgrading, if someone wasn’t to know or finds out too late after that 4 weeks (I think) the product does go to being stuck behind a paywall, I would like to see them reconsider that decision.

 

where’s rivet gone? Oh wait.

 

Rivet need to up their game significantly or walk away. DTG need to schedule a meeting with their CEO and explain that the game has just jumped a level.

 

Meh

 

Would’ve been nice if the WCMLS was longer

 

Yeah nothing really exciting from a US standpoint, yeah the MBTA gets a new route, but no images or anything about it aside from some basic info. San Bernardino was already known, and all we got was just some slightly more info than what we already know.

The VR route seems pointless, especially limited to the META Quest, should of also supported Steam VR for it to be something worthwhile.

 

Would have liked some US freight, Chicago Belt for example. The marathon long haul runs I do find a little dreary without alcohol, so some city freight action would be nice one day.

 

I imagine the VR is a toe in the water, DTC get some experience with the dev tools, and see what people think etc. I like the idea of VR - I really do but its still a pretty limited market...

 

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.