I didn't quite know where to post this. Several times I've commented how I think the TSW HUD is worse than the Train Simulator HUD, so I thought I'd post the good bits which I like about either HUDs. I could post this in the PC forums, considering consoles never had access to TS, but I think it'd very useful to hear (read) what console players would think about the HUD from Train Simulator. So, below are two shots how I have my HUD configured in both games, and I'll list which things I like about both HUDs. Note that I am using 4K resolution in both games, which may affect how the HUD looks. In Train Sim World, I like that I can turn off / hide certain parts of the interface the visual representation of the speed gauge, and how it displays current speed, speed limit, and cruise control speed the brake pressure dials the door indicator (or whatever it's called; the thing that shows me I have my doors open) overall it looks prettier and more smooth, and digits/text are easier to read the ability to hide/unhide the complete HUD with just one press of a key In Train Simulator, I like that the HUD is all centered into one place (bottom), making it easier to switch your eye from one part to another. the HUD elements use considerably less space, so a bigger part of the screen can be used to enjoy the scenery and train interior. the visual indication of the upcoming speed limits and signals (rather than having a number count down, as in TSW) the visual indication of all upcoming speed limits (rather than only the next one) and gradient profile the ability to see upcoming bridges, yards, tunnels, platforms, and any other information that the route creator added the ability to see my whole consists in the HUD, so I know when the end of the train has passed a speed limit or platform. the throttle indicator uses percentage (100 steps) rather than only 10 steps, when the train doesn't use notches for throttle. the HUD can display the real names of each notch for notch-based trains. Similarly the brake lever indicator can show different text/digits based upon the train, rather than being limited to numeric values. I hope DTG can use the feedback in this topic to combine the best things of both HUDs can make the TSW HUD better than ever before.
The TS HUD gives a lot more information, but I've never really liked it, the amount of information it tries to get across, combined with the many buttons (depending on the version and settings) makes it feel really clunky. Personally I also feel it's position in the bottom centre of the screen is too intrusive, I prefer it in the corner (like the TSW HUD), where I can easily take a look at it, but where it stays in my peripheral vision when I'm looking at the track, but I get that opionions differ on that. Personally, I'm also very satisfied with TSW's way of telling you your entire train passed a speed limit, by moving the red needle on the HUD accordingly. Seeing some of the information from the TS HUD would be a good improvement (although DTG should beware of it getting too clunky), but I prefer TSW's HUD overall, even though it's countdown system might be a little less informative than the TS HUD.
The TS HUD covers everything you need to look at on the train’s ‘dashboard’ or whatever they call it. It also has lots of tiny writing on it, which is of no use to ‘you know who’ users, like me. The TSW2 HUD has the information parts out of the way in the top two corners and the ‘dashboard’ elements down where the dashboard would be but also out of the way at one side. With the screenshots you have used, you have perfectly shown how the TS HUD obscures important things and how the TSW2 HUD does not, and also has easier to read information. The cartoon scroll thing at the bottom, which takes up most of the space, I have never liked and any words and numbers it shows are far too small, and the way the controls are mimicked on the TS HUD, not shown on your pictures, has always made me cringe. For me, the avoidance of any small, hard to read wording, and tiny, hard to see symbols, is the most important thing in the HUD design.
