Have Dtg Finally Redeemed Themselves With Tsw5?

Vote now

 

Voted.

 

Since GOBLIN came out? I said it they’ve stepped up their game big time this year

 

Seem to me they done a good job. But we still have to wait and see what the out come maybe while you are actually playing. There will be bugs but still that can be fixed. But all in all it a done deal. I’ll shake on that

 

I’m not a big fan of the 390 being stuck in the deluxe edition.

 

They seem to be on a roll since the Suffragette Line. Definitely looking forward to future content. And today’s reveals were very good in my opinion.

 

They’ve definitely been getting better, but now is the time to be consistent with the good quality releases and continue to build up the simulation, there’s always more work to be done, especially if they wanna improve there reputation.

 

Never thought they needed to be 'redeemed'.

I enjoyed their stuff.

 

My thoughts precisely.

 

Impossible to say really isn’t it? Everyone will be giddy right now as per usual when new content is announced.

I think the free upgrade to TSW5 is a great idea, but one that is immediately muddied by ‘limited features’. Not sure I like the sounds of what that could lead to.

The 390 being locked into expensive editions is probably a sore point for some, but entirely predictable. The Flixtrain Vectron seems to testing the boundaries of where livery packs end & loco packs begin.

The announced content overall was decent (not overly impressed by the US offerings mind you) there were some red flags in there as per usual with DTG, giving us the other 6 routes announced too was a nice move. I think there’s plenty to be getting on with for the next year until TSW6 comes.

Now we just have to wait & see how refined the content is, if it’s full of bugs or not & if DTG can actually deliver the new features within the lifespan of TSW5.

 

Couldn't find the option to vote "DTG is on a roll, this game keeps getting better and better"

 

I voted "maybe" simply because I think it's bad to release a new version when you did not fulfill one of TSW4 promises which was to bring suspension to all of the core trains. Antelope Valley trains did not get it yet.

Secondly no mention of the editor at all.

Still, it was a nice Direct to follow and the new batch of upcoming routes is looking very promising.

 

The way they handled the whole leak a few weeks back was awful imo but the presentation was pretty spectacular. Can’t wait to play WCML!

 

Constructive feedback Jamie….please dispense with those silly arty side camera angles when talking…it just looks weird!

 

Aww man! I liked them...

 

It is a maybe for me. I see some good changes, the seperate (even free) core update, some interesting features like the new map and the conductor mode and even a wide outlook on what to expect in the next months.
I still don't get the packaging of the Deluxe Pack with Cajun Pass (wich I already have as a TSW 3 owner and therefor loyal costumer), I really don't see its value as a "deluxe" Item to have in TSW 5. And for two trains the price jump from 40ish to 70ish is too steep.
So DTG made some good steps forward but sadly left a lot room for improvement open.

 

I liked that. It was a fun show though I really didn't needed the transitions between the topics

 

I like the way they are going for multiple train types to fill up routes and departing from the single unit as much as they can, obviously they couldn’t do that with Suffragette, but the 710 will do that in WCML. it brings the route alive and aids immersion.

 

Very depending on the actual level of quality of the new routes and features - DTG are not the best at delivering polished content...

From the FAQ it seems like "limited features" just means "you won't have the new features that are exclusive to TSW5 routes unless you own a TSW5 route" - which is fairly obvious, really.

 

Today’s announcement is definitely a step in the right direction. The free core upgrade is very good to see. No really exciting features in the core, but the map is really good news.

Although I’m only really interested in the German route, this is still for me the best announcement since Rush Hour in my opinion.

 

Redemption, seriously?? (Rolling eye emoji goes here)

TSW 5 will probably be a miss for me aside from the core update. I will get the Suffragette line as it is a route I want to get instead of paying for a new instalment with routes I have no interest in... including the additional 6 that were announced after.

East Coastway remaster and expansion to Ore for TSW 6 perhaps? Yup, I went there lol

 

I’ve put maybe, not gonna lie these routes for the most show a lot of listening from the community. WCML, Welsh Route, Remastered GWE, “Something Blue” seeming like a 50 so more diesel stock finally and WCML Preston to Carlisle in the 80s?! Pretty Awesome amount of content from a uk perspective and it won’t go unnoticed, especially without mentioning the Class 104 pack or the ECML Diesel pack in the pipeline. I also like the fact that an upgrade to TSW5 is Free, I’ve always thought it unfair that you had to pay for the base as well as everything else, easier to let everyone transition and then sell additional add ons as per usual.

The downsides though, the features are far less impressive than I expected. I’ll give props obviously to the new conductor mode which was obviously more a jump in the right direction then a step, I think this gives a lot more variety of experience to everyone’s time playing. I do have questions as to wether this is a feature that is backwards compatible and also as to wether this may not be a mode for period content like peak forest or Blackpool branches due to the different time period and thus different ways of doing this mode? But still, a really good idea that should be really fun. Past that though, everything seems like either an update would have covered it (Live Map 2.0) or features that were said in a way of “wow that might make things easier” instead of a legitimate feature on a new release. I had hopes that the Random Events idea would’ve have been a part of this new release as it really would have complemented both the driver and the conductor modes nicely and would’ve have added to an already unique experience, but have to wait for a new release I guess

Next on the list, bugs. I know it’s beating the dead horse at this point, but I already have questions after seeing the content specifically because of bugs and what they may influence. For example, while electric 87s run the Preston to Carlisle route, it’s likely locos from that period will run as well, like the 47. The 47 also has a bug which still hasn’t been fixed where safety system points aren’t awarded despite running with the systems activated. This raises the question of “when this route is released will I even be able to use this loco for its services?”. I’m sure you all have similar questions too roughly around the same area of what I said, and what makes it worse is the merge.

For those who haven’t transitioned from one train sim to the next yet, DTG merges all the content from previous games from their previous release to the new release. This is obviously a good thing, I wouldn’t advocate to not as it helps the layering situation in a game where it’s already hard to have traffic represented due to the amount of operators in Britain. However I feel like at some point a team should be taken on at least to check for bugs through the platforms. I still remember TSW2 to TSW3, Spirit of Steam went from my favourite DLC to unplayable that quick, because no one checked the steam physics and if they still worked as they should on the new platform, and this took ages to fix.
Basically, I put maybe because I really have faith that the devs care and because this is a good effort at listening, and btw cut the devs some slack for the WCML South, I know it’s not that long but my god look at the size of areas like Willesden approaching London and you will see why, if they got it right then their is no surprise they cut it short because it’s unbelievably busy as is and the size of some of the areas are crazy, so give em props for trying to do it justice the best they could, remember, they are developers, not miracle workers. On the other hand, I still see lots of room for improvement, especially feature wise obviously, as they have knocked it out of the park for content, but I was left wanting more for features. Also Matt if your reading this, for suggestions, woodhead in br blue era and a 50, ik you want these too u mega diesel fan, make it happen plz

 

Free upgrade for TSW4 owners is welcome and long overdue.

The elephant in the room is has there been any improvements to what is TSW's Achilles Heel, performance?

Has any effort been made to reduce the often unacceptable levels of stutters and frame rate drops that make many routes uncomfortable to play?

 

I for one am so getting the deluxe pack. I am hoping for a Class 60 pack for TSW 5 and I would love to see a Class 50 Pack as well. DTG are doing well with the size of the team and I am thankful they are persevering with the game and I welcome the improvements.

 

Any word if they fixed the ridiculously overbright lighting? Not interested if not

 

A 60 would be nice but Id love to see either a 68 or 88 on WCML!

 

Hmmm. I'm sure I'll end up getting TSW 5, but I think I'll wait a bit for the reviews to come in this year. I liked TSW 4 when I first got it (on release day IIRC), but then I ran into the scenario music thing which I really didn't like and couldn't turn off, and this stopped me from playing the scenarios for a long time until some kind soul listed the ones with music in them so I can avoid them.

So I'm thinking that I'll wait for others' feedback before I commit this year. Once bitten...

 

Its a class move by DTG in my opinion, the starter pack appears to solve the one valid complaint folks previously had about the annual update. As far as the other content and any future content is concerned you pays your money and takes your choice (nobody is forcing you to go deluxe, and we all know if you are not champing at the bit pick it up when the reviews are in and its in a seasonal sale).

That Pendalino sure looks good tho...

 

If all the advertised new features are fully implemented on release (not like formation designer and suspension) my trust in DTG will be fully restored. But from what we saw today i have really high hopes. Looks awesome especially with all the new German stuff

 

This is definitely the right direction. The free core update is a massive positive and takes the sour grapes out of any kind of annual release system. I think this is the way to go in all future releases, I am sure DTG knows full well that their biggest revenue is from DLC routes and locos, so giving people the training centre for free to get their foot in the door to start spending money on endless DLC (like we all do) is probably a good business choice for them. It also means they can just end support for older versions of the game without leaving a sour taste in peoples mouths who don't want to pay. Want patches but don't care about any of the new routes? Fine, upgrade for free.

The content itself looks fantastic. The new routes all seem well chosen, and it seems like DTG is moving in the direction of including more stock in routes to keep them alive even without needing every other DLC installed.

The new core features and quality of life updates are all very useful looking things.

I am cautiously optimistic about San Bernardino but still think US content is the biggest question mark when it comes to DTG releases.

The 6 new routes all sound exciting for the most part.

I have a lot of questions for the next Q and A thread but overall this is likely a day 1 for me on Deluxe.

 

Well, not entirely - you still have to redownload all your DLC and mods may break.

 

Depends. If I understand correctly, they are making the core TSW5 (without any routes) free, eliminating my biggest issue with the whole annual re-release thing. In my book that's a perfect move that was very much needed. I've completely skipped TSW4 exactly because of their policies, but now I will be happy to be on board again.

But what I will be eager to see if the newly promised features (improved map, photo mode, conductor mode, etc.) are there by launch. Or will they be once again like the TSW4 features - promised, then barely getting released a whole year later?

And if the netherlands route and Tadami Line release in the upcoming year, then TSW5 will be a great cycle for TSW with all the new countries.

 

Redeemed themself from what point exactly? Quality of routes I think that has been decent for a couple of releases now, decision making is still hit and miss (another modern electric commuter route) but I wouldn't say these are things which have changed from 24 hours ago.

 

I am quite hyped for TSW5 and ordered the Deluxe version. Even more hyped for the forthcoming content, particularly WCML over Shap.

However that doesn't let them off the hook altogether. There was a thread, buried now, where there was a listing of our hopes for under the hood improvements none of which seems tohave been addressed in the Direct article today.

The main one for me remains, what improvements have been made to the Save Game? Once all these new routes land that will mean many of us have 60 or more in our collection yet still only one save slot. It's not unreasonable to want to have more than one save on the go without having to finish up the run you're on.

At the same time have they cracked the issue with saving on a second train not restoring the objective data?

And some means of controlling our content within game, without having to deselect DLC in Steam and manually delete pak files, for PC users.

So a "maybe" from me.

 

Twice Shy

 

Voting no, the core updates seem bland and nothing really exciting. SBL doesn't have much going for it.

The MBTA route might be decent, especially since Brandon is working on the signaling for that route.

At most, I consider DTG staying par for the course. TSW 5 isn't as bad as most of us expected, but the US player still has to feel like they are getting the short end of the stick again.

 

I never felt Dovetail were doing so badly that redemption was an option; one can only be redeemed if he has sinned; Dovetail have not sinned.

Across the board their stuff has been good throughout TSW4, since GOBLIN it's been really good and it does feel like they really have the knack of it (TSW) now.

In terms of the stuff they've announced, I rate it a solid 9.5/10. The only thing I'm a bit disappointed by is that the 390 is the Deluxe loco, but I fully get that they want to profit from the most-requested UK loco and, well, I respect it.

TSW4 I thought was good for it's core offerings, it's route selection was... okay...

This blows that out the ballpark, and it does the same to every other release before it - apart from maybe Rush Hour.

It actually does feel like a coming of age for the franchise in terms of the routes;
Frankfurt - Fulda brings Frankfurt into the game at last, the biggest hurdle in German TSW, but also feels like it may be the best of DRA, KWG and HMA combined for a regional+highspeed mix.

WCMLS is a bit like BML but it finally brings us the WCML, which is the #1 for TSW requests (along with the ECML), and doubling with JT's route, well, we are in for a treat.

As for the US, it builds on a base and connects two routes (the first time ever in TSW, too) and gives the US it's first ever 'network' of related routes (although MBTA will be hot on the heels of that. I guess LIRR+NYT do the same but they're distinct operationally.)

Can't complain with the offering at all. In fact, I think I may complain it's too good. I might *have* to play TSW now!

 

I did not vote as I am of the opinion as well that redemption was not needed.

Regarding TSW5, great decision to offer the update for free. Still we will need to go through the pain of downloading all our dlcs so for me this issue is still to be solved. Game features, solving the most annoying problem they had, the shadows. Concerning the routes as a player that only plays German content, I need to have a route that I like for buying it on release, and this time we are getting Frankfurt… so this means first day purchase for me.

Great job DTG!

 

Found that in the faq. Something i really wanted to see ! (Also check rail shadows !)

 

I've gone maybe because this seems like a step in the right direction especially with the free core update. And the content seems promising and interesting too.

But I can't ignore the way we were miss sold SOS and PFR and the whole hosts of bugs and features for the routes that never worked and probably never will at this stage. It definitely is a sore point for myself and others because we never got an apology or a direct line from the company regarding the actual situation and it all got swept quickly under the rug.

Imo and a few others I'd imagine steam needs to be sorted out before I can say "DTG have done it"

 

I will say this is the most excited I've been for a new TSW release. None of TSW2 or 3's core routes really grabbed me, and my excitement for ECML was subdued owing to it not being the section I was hoping for.

TSW5 however has WCML South, my most wanted route in this game, as well as other add ons in the future that really excite me, specifically Cardiff City line, GWE remastered and Preston to Carlisle. Not to mention guard mode being a new feature I'll actually notice and use.

The starter pack is also great. I actually think I won't mind splurging for the deluxe edition though, mainly for the Pendolino although I don't mind paying full price as Frankfurt Fulda looks like fun and Cajon Pass is a nice addition.

I'm certainly optimistic. My only worry is that after such a busy launch content will dry up once we're into 2025. Time will tell I suppose.

 

Redemption. eh. steam being left just like the difficulties with american licensing makes me sad those are two massive poles in railroading I will have to miss out on understanding and experiencing virtually. Seems like the preservation crew or looking to fix bugs is still at a minimum. I have come to the point I only buy new routes for what I see. not expecting that apart from the first week patch, anything is gonna get added or fixed to them untill someone wants to remaster them after 3 years.

Was I not going to buy TSW5 after I spent on the expert 101? yes. have I also been spending a lot because since the Goblin line the quality has greatly increased? yes.

But, Frankfurt to Fulda. Being like Dresden - Riesa but twice the length including a high speed bit (not counting fulda itself), A snaking mountain bit. and a very busy railscene from Hanau to Frankfurt passing a big container terminal. with also a new ICE, and oh my the 8th DoSto of the series, and to spice up the colors a new operator (hoping for some 363 action moving coaches about in Frankfurt though). I was sold to get the regional edition. WCML looks great but another route and loco dlc, maybe later. that american route? even with not being interested in it from announcement I feel bad for the american players. It just doesn't look fun.

The extra announcements. Slightly unhappy there is no more austria in the near future. but the next german route also looks not disappointing. the same can be said for JT. if BPO is anything to go off I imagine that will be great too. Wales I have no idea what to expect, only time will tell. and wow. I did not expect to see The Netherlands sooner than the end of 2025. Service variation is a bit like a double track Niddertalbahn. but it sets the stage for a decent amount of Dutch rolling stock for the second and third route.

well DLC is DLC for a reason. how does the core look. Guard mode, personally could be a hit or miss. I prefer driving, happens. updating the live map? finally the search for "what service is that" is over. even more options in photo mode? great! Route hopping I doubt I'll use. timetables still don't match, remember? the reason why that wasn't a thing.
The FAQ showed even more features I seem to have missed or weren't announced. like controlling layers and updated track shadows. it's not much but it's something. suspension being a main feature on everything from TSW5 onwards is great too. I'm interested in that GWE rebuild too.

To conclude there's a lot to look out for. and an overall positive response. I'm still sceptical but excited.

 

Anyone complaining about route lengths should be pleased, as the initial routes are between 80-110km(or about there), which is quite a leap from in length from the routes I've been playing.

Looks good though. Aside from that, why should I buy TSW5? I personally won't be buying this version for quite some time as I'll be playing TSW4 next after I finish the 10,000 miles trophy on my PS5 (LAST trophy for that platinum! Lol).

 

Well I voted no of course. I mean how is a US player supposed to feel. I can't think of any reason to spend money on this mostly empty offering.

What's on offer:
A single track commuter route running largely down the middle of a freeway sporting floating trucks and other vehicles. A route that we've known about for a year, pretty much since AVL was launched. Not too exciting, huh?

An old TSW3 route which we will have had for 2 whole years, ancient by TSW standards. Why would we pay for that over again just so we can " hop " over to AVL and maybe see a little more freight activity?

No new trains while UK fans bask in the glory of a new route with complex track work and a plethora of traffic including at least 2 new trains.

The promise of another Boston commuter branch sometime in the future. Let's hope it comes with all the appropriate yards and the Amtrak and CSX ( at least AI ) traffic that it should.

But that's not part of this offering for which we're expected to pay substantial bucks if we want any new playtime.

Best we can do is take the free " upgrade " and then sit on our hands until something worthwhile comes along.

I wish the funds in my Steam wallet earned some interest. Or maybe I'll spend the money I had tentatively earmarked for TSW5 on the new Civilization game instead.

 

When you just want to keep going,you know it's a great route.Love it.

 

Yeah that's understandable from an Americans viewpoint, I'm from the UK and would love another SPG or Clinchfield

But you can pick up the TSW5 core and we can hope for a new route or perhaps a remaster one day...

 

At the very least we are all eligible for free starter pack and play everything you own from previous versions on the TSW5, without having to buy anything on TSW5. Except the TSW2020 NY NEC line. I'd say that's a reasonable win for us. As someone already owning all versions, except the TSW3 version, I pretty much approve of this release!

And if I know myself, I'd be getting those new routes offered with the standard TSW5 game. 80-110km long!

Also, I'm not British, but I'm European. Personally I'd love to see some Norwegian(that's where I'm from) routes as we do have some really beautiful scenic routes here, but I guess the trains and coaches are mostly outdated, but there's charm in that too.

 

I voted maybe- i like the TSW5 announcement and the roadmap is promising!

But, it's all about how/whether DTG can deliver!

Time will tell

 

"Pay for that again" would suggest you already own it, in which case; wouldn't you just buy the US edition if that was what you were interested in?

The CJP layers aren't going to only work if you buy special edition.