Ever since the release of TSW 4 the routes that have been produced over the last 7 months by DTG have all been a bit one-note and boring imo. Maintalbahn is a short diesel line with one new train that is basically a poor man's version of Niddertalbahn and the 642 doesn't even layer onto any other route, very forgettable. Then there was a pretty big gap between first party releases until we got Salzburg to Rosenheim, a generic Bavarian-based route with one new train although it has good scenery it feels like every other German route in the game, it also comes with the 4024 which reduces the value of Vorarlberg. The Goblin line was executed pretty well overall and had some nice scenery but the route is only 13 miles and makes replaying it a bit of a chore, it also features only one new train. Now we're moments away from both the Semmeringbahn and LIRR 2 routes being released next to each other, the former features zero new trains (only a modified cab), and the latter features one new train which provides almost the exact same driving experience as any other boxy EMU in the game. Both of these routes will cost you £30 each at full price which equals £60 which is a staggering amount of money for 1.5 new routes, the value is significantly less if you already owned the original LIRR which console players get no discount for. The last route I can say I thoroughly enjoyed playing was Blackpool Branches and that's because JT did an amazing job and I can't wait to see what they have in store next. Tadami Line is also something that interests me but I feel like while third-party studios are excelling (minus Rivet) DTG themselves are kind of just putting out cookie-cutter content that fills the same criteria each time. We've been told countless times that anything that isn't a modern passenger route doesn't sell, if this is true then does that mean we can expect nothing but EMU's from DTG? Anyway I just wanted to vent my feelings of fatigue on the game currently and in no way am I having a go at any one individual at Dovetail Games, does anyone else feel burned out from the game and feel like they need a break? Also #FixSteam
Can subscribe to this. It's been 80% troubleshooting, discovering new bugs, broken features, fiddling with .ini settings to make the game look acceptable, and only 20% of actually enjoying the game. Especially the way DTG failed to acknowledge many of the Spring Core Update introduced issues is a major turn-off for me - their attitude coming across as "Deal with it." I'll stop filing any sort of technical reports (most of them being ignored anyway - even when providing solutions), and will only purchase content when on a massive sale. Many routes quickly lose their appeal after a few runs, with the ever same services repeated in the timetable. TSC, Run8 and SimRail are the way to go for me. TSW does more damage to my health than that it's giving me joy. I think I'd be happier without it. A lot less problems and frustration, waiting for simple fixes forever. Being told by the community to lower your expectations. Nah. And a thumbs up to the TSC producer TrainSim-Steve , working with him is very effective, productive and appreciative. Content creation and sharing is easy there, not requiring you to use a clunky beta editor which has been stripped off its most important functions deliberately. ("Want it all? Join as 3rd party then!") Of course (you need a disclaimer here to prevent attacks), this is my impression of TSW. Good for anyone who can just enjoy it, I can't. I've seen too many bad things in it. It's become a "workaround" thing for both devs and players imho. Edit: Just wanted to finally unlock the Niddertalbahn Mastery - all that was left was 60 kms to go. But now, instead of my 3/3 timetables played one has been removed, I'm suddenly at 2/3 again and the mileage counter also went down. Have to mod the Mastery to activate it.
What concerns me the most is there is not really much stuff on the last roadmaps to hope for in the next months until the thing which suppose to be a core iteration change in autumn, clearly identified by the missing 6 months + category. Aside of the Expert 101 (coming with the IC cab car) and the BR 218 loco DLCs, LIRR 2.0, San Bernadino, the Tadami Line and the UK Just Trains route there seems nothing else in the next 6 months to happen, not first nor third party wise. DTG says they have dozens of third party projects but none of those got announced yet. Where is the new content?
Mostly disagree tbh. I've liked all the TSW4 routes so far, much moreso than the TSW3 collection. Blackpool (JT, I know)l is a GOAT candidate, and Goblin is one of my all-time faves already. Vorarlberg and Salzburg are both fantastic IMO. The Vectron, F125, Azuma, and 710 are a excellent IMO. My biggest gripes are lack of development on core features: Suspension system- it's progressing but sure looks like it won't be fully implemented until TSW5. Announcements- seems like it's in a similar situation but isn't even on the roadmap yet. Ebula- seems like it's still far away at this point. US content woes- hopefully the new LIRR will address this a bit. Subsitution/CC Livery issues- still not completely fixed AIUI. Tl:dr DTG's route and loco building is maybe the best it's ever been, but core/legacy issues are hurting more than ever.
Doesn't this belong in the "Enough is Enough" thread... Seriously not sure about burnout, but we do seem to be in a glut of modern electric routes often quite short, duplicating what those of us on PC already have in TSC. Technically and artistically, the Goblin Line was very nice but I quickly became bored with its one, one handled, train and what amounts to an electric bus service. It should have been the entire North London Line. Out of the last few releases I have actually bought very few. I will more than likely be investing in the reworked LIRR but Semmeringbahn I can leave as I did with Fife Circle and Maintalbahn. Repeating what I've said previously, I already have enough content in TSW that I don't need to rush out and buy every new route that doesn't have any particular iconic appeal. Still got loads to do in TSC and Run 8 is an open ended sandbox. Simrail uninstalled here, got bored with running random sections for 50 minutes in multiplayer and the developer's failure to bring forward a decent single player game along with a save feature. Might need the space for the new MS Flight Sim if/when that arrives later in the year.
New content doesn't get made quickly and joining as a 3rd party also takes time. It doesn't happen overnight. Maybe the developers are not comfortable announcing the project
Burnout is something I can seriously relate with in this case your points are valid. I mean they still haven't fixed the texture issues with other trains or the z fighting on Xbox which is now also becoming apparent on PlayStation at the moment. Too be fair linear routes are simply not your cup of tea, in the case of your opinion on SRM and SBG, and short routes, MGL and GBL. It's not your cup of tea. Imo however I do agree Abt Preston to Blackpool, but the magic died down. We don't really see PBO often in conversations as we used to nowadays. But all your points are valid. And also sadly they ain't gonna fix steam. It's abandonware atp it's a shame really... The 104 release could have been a great opportunity to fix Steam Trains instead
As much as I love TSW at some times, other times the issues just pile up to the point where playing it annoys me and I take a break from it. I am currently basically there right now because one bug drives me up the wall every time I play it (the current issue on Gen 9 console with the low res/blurry textures taking over on all the newer routes). I still like it enough to always come back but it is far far from perfect.
I deleted my TSW Steam account on Monday afternoon... So that's the end of that. I still have my XBOX account, but that's only because TSW is on the same account as Forza Horizon 5 and some other stuff I don't want to get rid of.... Otherwise, I'd be deleting that too. When you can't play a game for more than 15 minutes without finding new bugs, and having to spend half of the afternoon writing bug reports, you realize that life is too short.
Personally I’ve liked all the TSW4 routes except Maintalbahn (purchased and regretted it) and Fife Circle (if that’s the best they can do on a preview stream my money is staying in my wallet. TSW3 was in my opinion the poorest version. I felt completely unimpressed by anything released for that. I do find DTG incredibly frustrating though. I don’t much like Steam, but to abandon it without delivering properly is disgusting. I’m also intrigued to see how they will sell TSW 5 when it inevitably comes before they’ve delivered what they sold as a TSW 4 feature and likely will contain all of TSW 4’s bugs. So I’m currently enjoying the game despite DTG rather than because of DTG. The tipping point for me will be TSW 5. I don’t think I can support another iteration in the same state going forward. I keep going back to TSC which has had some excellent releases recently both payware and freeware. If TSW really is the future of Train Sims, then I shouldn’t be drifting back to a 14+ year old game all the time.
Yes, I can relate to that. But I meant all content, including the one from first party. Can you tell me what happened to the third german DTG route which disappeared from the 2024 roadmaps but was announced to come for TSW4 back in November? If they can't provide a first party route, I would expect that they could provide at least third party ones, but nothing to hope for in the next months. Well, maybe it's gets a spontanous drop, but for first party content this is rather unusual.
I feel like the ambition with these routes has dropped off quite a bit. GOBLIN - While very well executed, is only 13 miles long and only offers one regular service pattern. Semmeringbahn is a nice concept but offers very little rolling stock. The things that interest me the most are the 2nd LlRR and the class 380.
You also realize that looking 6 months ahead is a really long time and things can change all the time. Game development is not linear. It can change all the time
Personally I don't feel burn out, I feel more invigorated about TSW than at any time. Looking at the new developers coming and at what we know is coming from the roadmap I feel it is quite exciting. I don't feel Rosenheim is a generic Bavarian route, it is one of the best routes so far in my opinion. I am looking forward to driving Semmeringbahn over the weekend, it looks very well modelled and is a little different. Goblin is very well made if a little short. Voralberg has become a favourite of mine too. However, I do vehemently disagree with DTG's stance on steam and feel it looks bad and urge them to reconsider. I do hope the next UK route is not a modern electrified route, unless it features some longer distance services. The only real disappointments lately have been the steam decision and that I though the scope of ECML was lacking (although I like the route and the train). I think in terms of quality that DTG routes are getting better and for some reason the sim seems to be running smoother. although maybe that is a misconception on my part.
Yeah, honestly nothing fun for me looking at the outlook of TSW4. At the moment, I treat it as Railfanning simulator with the photo mode.
I’ve felt burnout since February. I haven’t touched TSW since Feb 25th. I’ve spent all my time in TSC and had a pretty good time with it, too. I will probably return to TSW when San Bernardino releases, whenever that is. A couple of mod teams I’m on have kept me busy with TSC content as well. The TSC community is very much so alive and well in 2024.
BTW competition only makes DTG doing quality products, as it was prooved with announced br 218 to counter Train Planets coming br218 (sic).
Ive gotten bored of Goblin and ive only had it 2 days and completed 7 services most of which are ECS moves
Two contrasts playing last night. After a couple of uninteresting rolls on Quick Play in TSW, third time lucky and up came a run on the Bakerloo Line. Only downside is that 40 minutes all stops E&C to Stonebridge Park = 23k frickin’ AP which again distorts my “favourite “ route and train. And cut it how you like, Bakerloo is essentially just another take on the EMU all stations bus service paradigm that dominates TSW. That done, later switched to TSC and found myself on Port Road with a Class 27 hauled service from Stranraer to Newton Stewart. Couldn’t help but think, we are never going to see the likes of this in TSW, Type 2 Diesel (albeit with slightly shonky IHH sound) or Black Five steam locos thrashing through the hills and moors of South West Scotland. Tonight I might take myself off for a trip on the Weardale line with a Cravens DMU, or one of the excellent Victory Works steam locos. Again an experience TSW will never deliver and it really cannot be considered the best train sim until it caters for all tastes. Sorry Matt, but that means taking a chance on routes like Port Road and Weardale, biting the bullet and sorting out steam traction, re-embracing classic diesel, not continue to feel that modern urban or inter urban commuter electric is the only game people want to play.
As soon as I get my PC im ditching TSW. I only bought it because my laptop was too laggy on TSC. Wouldnt really be missing out on anything, most of the trains from TSW end up in TSC sooner or later. Also id substitute the all day timetable for the ability to create custom scenarios
For me... Blackpool Branches set a new standard, it's exactly what it set out to be, and more. Goblin looks superb and the timetable is jam packed. Cargo Line Vol.1 added some fun content, I'm regularly using the TEA in free roam. Salzburg Rosenheim has lots of layers and plenty of variety of gameplay. Maintalbahn I've not bought, zero variety of gameplay, clearly rushed. Engineering Express Pack I'm neutral on, the 66 liveries are nice. Centro 323 I've not bought, too limited gameplay opportunities. Berninalinie doesn't interest me. Arosa Aggregates Pack I don't own the route. Fife Circle Line not touching with a bargepole, zero gameplay variety, questionable standards by devs Semmeringbahn looks nice, but very few layers so limited gameplay variety, won't be buying On the horizon, really looking forward to the BR218, Cargo Line Vol.2 and the Tadami Line Route.
Don't understand why they don't do routes that have a big fan following: North Wales Coast (1990s?) Dawlish Sea Wall route to Paignton Skegness Nottingham (1980s choppers) West Coast Main line (any of it but Rugby / Euston is low hanging fruit) Instead we'll get another EMU commuter route with little freight and another variety of the 66. The franchise will die unless they innovate
Could that be a low hanging fruit pie from the buffet car! If I had to choose a section of WCML it would either be Shap, probably Lancaster to Carlisle to avoid two major locations or Carlisle into Glasgow. Class 86 and 87 era (see I do like electric traction, that makes a bit of noise and challenging to drive). However in all seriousness no section of the WCML, even something like Trent Valley, would be anything less than challenging to make.
You'd have to do Euston to Birmingham New Street, apart from Gatwick services that went into the south bay platforms nothing ever terminated at Rugby so it would be pointless ending the route at Rugby. It's been said many times that the route is too long with current route building methods to be viable, also what stock to do build to please the masses?
I'd argue Carlisle is a major location with the Cumbria Coast, Tyne valley, Glasgow and SW, S&C terminating there as well as the WCML! And if we're talking AC noise let's go the whole hog and have 81s and 85s!!
I definitely agree with the post to some extent… I used to buy quite a lot of routes at or near release during the TSW2 days. The cheaper prices back then, coupled with the 10% launch discounts that often occurred on PlayStation were contributing factors. Nowadays, I only buy routes long after release if they’re good and discounted. Since TSW4 came out, the only routes I bought were Linke Rheinstrecke and Blackpool Branches (both months after they came out and when they received their biggest discounts to date). There are just tons of rather repetitive A to B routes. And if a route ends up being special, there’s usually a trade off (e.g. Goblin has impeccable scenery, but very short and no branches etc.). But part of that development is natural because I’ve built a sizeable collection of add-ons compared to a few years ago when I was still figuring out which kinds of add-ons I like. In the end, I still think DTG may need to have another look at their route selection process and prevent similarly generic routes from being produced back-to-back.
Nope. It was always in tsg's agenda to make the 218 and that was way before train planet even got announced
DTG knows best what we need, what we want, what we will buy, so we either have to live with what they provide or make our own choices and vote with our wallets ... Given the unstoppable stream of suggestions and unabating criticism over what is actually delivered, there must be rising discontent with even the most loyal player base? TSW is dull, repetitive and boring for me and the unsolvable issues with draw distance, shadow rendering, catenary, everything scripted like signaling,safety systems, AI dispatching keep me from buying anything at full price. And I see no improvements in these aspects, nor the will to actually try improving. The abandonment of development of steam traction and the associated excuses really give me no faith in the technical future of the franchise. The competition is doing nicely, SimRail, Train Planet, bring it on and give us a viable alternative. TSC is still very much alive and more challenging, creative and rewarding with a lot of interesting DLC from many countries still being developed Railroader is going somewhere, there is a rewarding business model to make ends meet, to expand your railroad, lots of mods which will give you daily switching puzzles to solve at any level of difficulty you can conceive. Run8 is challenging as always, with the World Saves and Otto's dispatching, no play is ever the same. The pretty, gleaming and brightly lit trains of TSW get pretty boring when the gameplay is only about getting boxes ticked.
Train Planet lmao ya'll are really scraping the bottom of the barrel. That has shovelware written all over it.
Under previous operators, the Southern Railways service that runs from East Croydon to Watford Junction used to run further north (and south) terminating at Rugby for a time.
That's not Gatwick Express, At the time the Gatex's were 73 and mark 2 stock. That's a Connex liveried 319, possibly on hire to Silverlink or heading somewhere for refurbishment, possibly Wolverton. Edit, just seen the destination board, but it's not the Gatwick Express.
Its not the "Gatwick Express" but it is a genuine service that operated between Gatwick and Rugby, terminating in the southbound bay platforms at Rugby. Original proposal was to run to Birmingham New Street, but they were capped at Rugby. ** On 1 June 1997 Connex South Central introduced a new service from Gatwick Airport to Rugby via the West London and West Coast lines using Class 319s. Planned to run North to New Street it was aposed by other operators at the time. In December 2000 it was curtailed to Watford Junction but extended southwards to Brighton.**
Are you serious? This loco is obvious rapid response, thats all. There are plenty of trains hanging for always in tsw agenda.
Tsg (Maik) said himself a couple of years back that he was doing a 218 so no rapid response here, just a coincidence that they came at similar time that's all.
I think at least two years maybe more. It has been mentioned several times. Some on here want to believe the worst, however.
I have to agree with the general feeling of tedium in TSW. Haven't bought anything in many months. The only thing I'm doing currently is revisiting the older routes like SPG and BPE and working my way through the Class 20 timetable on Blackpool Branches. Beyond that I think TSW is in danger of becoming a one trick pony with this obsession with electric commuter. I gave Goblin a chance but quickly refunded it when I saw how short its replay potential was. I'll probably invest in LIRR2 just to drive anything that takes me back to my home country! How desperate is that? It might be the last sighting of the US in this millennium, unless you count Metrolink Part 2, which doesn't get my juices flowing quite frankly. All in all, nothing much to stir the imagination in the current roadmap unless, of course, you are among that apparently enormous cadre that just loves feasting on the Goblins and Glossops of this world.
Ahh thanks for that. The service exists...sort of, to this day. I think it's an East Croydon-Watford Junction service but there's only about 3 or 4, a day.
I’m on a burnout right now but I think that’s more from normal burnout as opposed to any particular issue with TSW. Any simulation (or game really) does the same, I can be really into ETS2 for a few months & then not touch it for half a year. I do agree that TSW 4 hasn’t brought its A game - lots of routes from DTG feel very repetitive, Rosenheim & BPO from JT are the only things that have held my interest at all, I just suffer from the shorter length of BPO & after so many runs, Rosenheim doesn’t offer much more excitement than any other German route. I was very excited for Fife Cirlce, but what a let down that turned out to be, I do think that put a nail in the coffin for me for a while, even with FD releasing on the PS5, I haven’t found a reason to boot up TSW (especially reading some of the issues people have had with the Spring Update). I was initially excited for the new Austrian route too, but that will wait until I’m in the mood, as there’s no new train to experience & I think that is something I need, when buying DLC for anything outside of the UK. Here’s hoping that there is some variety heading our way though, along with a kick up the backside for Rivet. Can’t say I’m excited for TSW’s future of either having an EMU from DTG, or something different but broken from the likes of Rivet. I’ll be watching out for more on JT’s new route for sure, but in the meantime, my Moza Truck wheel is getting a thrashing on ETS & OMSI.
And for those of us who played it to death, the (note to DTG - free) remaster of Fallout 4 is due to drop very soon now. Hot on the heels of the excellent TV series, that might be the excuse to start a new playthrough, maybe even give Survival mode a try. That's not going to leave much time for train simming!
