…N3V have just announced they are releasing their next version of Trainz - TRS22. The digital download version is going to cost a staggering $US70 or around £55 at current rates. That doesn’t even get you the new version of Surveyor. Only those who opt in to the monthly subscription deal will get all the new features.
Not a big fan of the Trainz product as they are just too much in cost. I feel I get better value for money with DTG products.
I'll admit to having sunk a bit of money into Trainz over the years, but I almost always wind up regretting it. There are some things I like (especially track-side animals that not only move but make noises), but routes include far fewer activities than those produced by DTG for either TS or TSW. On the other hand, yes, there is an editor -- but I've never been able to figure out how to use it.
I bought just about every version to date, but TRS22 will probably be where I draw the line. The route building in Surveyor (with the help of Transdem for real terrain and mapping data) hands on beats any of the other sims in most regards. However the driving experience remains pitiful, from the physics which make the Rivet 150 look good, no real scope for structured timetable scenarios let alone the complete day's workings we get in TSW, to the player having to work out their own path and set it as they go. Throw in some very dated traction assets with basic cabs and often incorrect sound alias and I do wonder why I keep getting drawn back. It's a bit like old Tony Soprano said, "Just as I thought I was out, they pulled me back in."
