Railworks America

Announcement: https://live.dovetailgames.com/live/train-sim-world/about-trainsimworld

Overall I’m looking forward to learning more about this and seeing what it will have to offer.

I’m interested to see the scenario planning, curious about how user friendly it is and (perhaps conversely) how powerful/flexible it is. It’s surprising that sharing scenarios isn’t an option though, that seems to negate a chunk of the utility of such a tool.

Looks interesting. I'll keep an eye on this.

They've made it all the way to Train Sim World 2 and still no editor of any kind. If it was anyone but Dovetail I'd be surprised.

DigitalRails wrote:

plethaus wrote:no editor

A pure scam

Shhh.. inb4 the "..but it's too early to say" comments.

Who would’ve thought that wheelslip would be marketed as a revolutionary feature for a train sim in 2020?

AlcoFan wrote:Who would’ve thought that wheelslip would be marketed as a revolutionary feature for a train sim in 2020?

It's already there, sparks and all ...

Anyway, the emperors new clothes far outshine his old wardrobe ... but comes at the price of a full new set, but luckily his imperial accessories will be carried over.(preserved, not remastered, so bugs, errors, warts and all?)

The marketing blurb on the indicated page has lots of new promises however in the FAQ section ....

_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha wrote:The marketing blurb on the indicated page has lots of new promises however in the FAQ section ....

Indeed, such as this gem: "Scenario Planner do not have sharing options on any platform"

plethaus wrote:

_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha wrote:The marketing blurb on the indicated page has lots of new promises however in the FAQ section ....

Indeed, such as this gem: "Scenario Planner do not have sharing options on any platform"

This, (nor the livery planner) I don't know what's keeping DTG? Are there such incompatibilities between PC, XBox and PS4? Steam, the distributor of the PC version has no interconnectivity with the console platforms at all? And DTG is incapable of setting up its own cross platform integrator, DTG Live or whatever I still haven't subscribed to? Many games have turned to a subscription model of distribution and income generation where you can play your game and DLC on all platforms without fuzz.

All the technical improvements, when finally and properly implemented, are very nice and all, but only promises so far. What about the huge list of 'your biggest issues', will these be carried forward also?

I'll pass on TSW2

There are several features for trainsims that would be at the very least, awkward as heck on consoles. Imagine using a xbox controller for the current scenario editor, with no keyboard. Perhaps a popup where you click all the letters. I think that's a lot of the debate. With this mutli-system thing, they can't make it PC master race anymore and be unfair to the significantly larger console player base.

That's my speculation anyway. I guess this is the new version of jumping from TS2019 to TS2020.

plethaus wrote:They've made it all the way to Train Sim World 2 and still no editor of any kind. If it was anyone but Dovetail I'd be surprised.

Sort of. GET CREATIVE
Personalise your rail journey with two brand new easy-to-use tools. Create your own custom liveries with the Livery Designer that allows you to craft both simple and complex designs to bring your Train Sim World 2 loco liveries to life. Create your own scenario with the Scenario Planner, picking locos and destinations before you jump in and take to the rails - Quick drive, your way.

Looks like they stated they intend to add multiplayer in the FAQs. That's pretty big.

Assuming they can come up with fully functioning MFD screens and *well done* multiplayer, I can think of some simulators that might become obsolete as a result. But the real question is, do they have the right people working on it, or are they just going to flop again?

I've said for a while I believe TSW was a flop for DTG, I think this is all the proof needed to back up my theory. While I hope this is a new leaf for what I really hoped could be a fun simulator, the fact that sand patch is their big launch route for bot the original TSW and this new 're-hashed' TSW.... I'm a little skeptical...

As an example to quote their "Why Train Sim World 2?" section they state :

Sand Patch Grade – arriving on consoles for the first time and bringing significant gameplay upgrades for PC

Now that sounds promising, route extention? New locos? Serious overhauls of a rather bland (in my opinion) world?

Well further down in their "What’s new about the Sand Patch Grade route for PC?"

Sand Patch Grade is new to consoles for this release, but has also been optimised and updated for PC. We’re adding 14 new services covering switching in Cumberland Yard and 2 that add grain traffic to the route. 3 westbound autorack services now have helper trains added and there will also be more flexible control of what train you’re driving. The AC4400 has wider use on services than ever before and you’ll have better control over what livery the locomotives use. Train weights now use a new ‘weighted wagon system’ and loaded trains will require significantly more skill to manage.

With the addition of Adhesion physics and all other optimisations for Train Sim World 2, we’re confident you’ll find much more to do in Sand Patch Grade on PC.

So what they really mean is they've added more scenarios, and they've made it so you can use the GE more. The most interesting line is the last one "Train weights now use a new ‘weighted wagon system’ and loaded trains will require significantly more skill to manage." I don't know why they didn't start with that, that actually sounds like a worthwhile improvement. One can only hope their physics are actually more lifelike. Other than that, their 'significant upgrades' sounds a little hollow...

I'm really not trying to bash DTG or TSW, I genuinely want it to succeed. I think it's got potential, but so far TSW has been hugely disappointing for me, and with games like Derail valley, I've got no reason to go to TSW anymore. Heck, my time in TS2020 has declined to where I barely play it as well. When I want my train video game fix, Derail Valley is just so much more fun, especially in VR.

Very disappointing to say the least! No editor and a recycled US route with 14 new services and wider use of the AC4400.

If You Have Questions About The New Game...

go here: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/thread ... ame.23097/

At least the new interim PR manager is trying hard to get a conversation started. I don't know if the reference to TSW2 as a 'game' is intentional, but with the console market appearing to be the major interest of DTG, it is probably the appropriate description.

Apparently, there will be a Questions & Answers live stream coming Thursday with more news.

Here is a resume about what is planned for release in TSW2:

6 August

The evolution of train simulation! Master iconic locomotives on high-speed services, long freight hauls or precise commuter traffic, and get creative with customisation tools in this advanced sequel. Climb into the cab in Train Sim World 2.

Authentically Replicated
Drive high-speed inter-city German rail for the first time as you push the throttle and climb speeds in the famous DB ICE 3M out of Köln.
Take on the challenge of hauling long freight across Sand Patch Grade including the Cumberland Terminal using the raw power of the CSX AC4400CW.
Master the patterns and stations of the world-famous London Underground on the Bakerloo Line.
All official licences, all authentically recreated – you're in the cab and in control.

Get Creative
Personalise Train Sim World 2 locos with the exclusive new Livery Designer - Create your own custom liveries with an easy to use in-game tool that allows you to craft both simple and complex designs to bring your Train Sim World 2 loco liveries to life.
Customise how you play with the Scenario Planner - Create your own scenario. Customise locos and destinations, then jump in and get driving. Quick drive, your way.

Experience A New Level Of Realism
The proprietary SimuGraph® vehicle dynamics engine has evolved – adding realistic adhesion physics for the first time. Feel the wheelslip and wheelslide in adverse weather and the added challenge of control on steep inclines. Optimised and upgraded visual fidelity also gives Train Sim World 2 dynamic skies and 4K support.

Immerse Yourself In Simulation
Get clearer information on instructions, gradient and speed profiles as you drive, including new HUD displays, clarity to the onboard safety systems, brake controls, power meter and accelerometer. A new controller scheme will give great choices on Camera and Driving modes and allows easier access from external camera mode to enter another vehicle in your consist, all while full physics and simulation are still running.

Preserved Collection
Your collection comes with you. Train Sim World has always been about your collection, your choice of Add-Ons from your favourite region, time period, diesel, electric, passenger, freight – your way.
Your purchased Train Sim World 2020 Add-Ons will be available to play in Train Sim World 2.

Track And Share Your Progress
With Dovetail Live you can track your progress and stats with online Driver Logbook and Debriefs, reviewing your performance and sharing and comparing with friends. The Mastery system offers in-game rewards for your achievements and Railfan Shots give you the control to upload your screenshots to a personal gallery to share.

Key Features

Explore famous routes with unique challenges:
Bakerloo Line – First opened in 1906 Bakerloo is one of the oldest lines on the London Underground. Master the modern-day complexity of rush hour in the British capital.
Köln Schnellfahrstrecke – Step into the renowned DB BR 406 ICE 3M and drive passengers at speeds up to 250km/h as you race between Köln and Aachen on this German inter-city line.
Sand Patch Grade – Enjoy epic power with the CSX AC4400CW. Haul freight across the Allegheny Mountains, battling adhesion on one of the steepest grades in the United States.
Train Sim World 2 features iconic locomotives to master. The classic 1972 Mark 2 Stock on the Bakerloo Line, modern fast commuters with DB BR 406 ICE 3M and DB BR 442 ‘Talent 2’ and powerful hauliers with the AC4400CW, GP38-2 and SD40-2.

Livery Designer – Get creative and add a personal touch to your Train Sim World 2 locos with this easy to use tool that allows custom liveries.

Scenario Planner – Drive what you want, where you want, as you plan out your own scenarios. Quick drive, your way.

New Adhesion Physics – Feel wheelslip and wheelslide in adverse weather, master moving heavy freight and keep control of your loco power on steep inclines.

Dynamic Skies – Multiple cloud layers and realistic sunlight filtering means greater visual fidelity for the skies in Train Sim World 2.

Journeys – Start a new Journey on any route to explore more than 24 hours of gameplay featuring scenarios, services and more to complete.

Tutorials – Learn all you need to take to the rails with detailed tutorials for each locomotive. Master every switch, lever and dial.

Powered by Dovetail Games’ proprietary SimuGraph® vehicle dynamics engine and Unreal Engine 4® technology.

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All nice and well and something to look forward to for dedicated fans of the game.

No price announced yet, no upgrade path either.