Railroad Tycoon 3 Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics What's this?

User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 37 Ratings

  • Summary: A fully realised 3D gaming world scaling from eye in the sky views of entire continents down to incredibly detailed close-ups of beautifully modelled locomotives, buildings and landscapes. As well as the 25 challenging scenarios to recreate magnificent feats of railroading history, players can pick from over 40 locomotives over 35 different cargoes and in excess of 150 buildings ? all to be used in a dynamic, fluid economy. Railroad Tycoon 3 defines the essence of tycoon simulations with incredible attention to detail in a living, breathing world, built around a truly amazing game! All aboard. [Gathering of Developers] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. A rich, immersive strategy title sure to please most dyed in the wool simulation and strategy fans. Highly Recommended to all, even those who may need more of a learning curve.
  2. Deep, fun at long stretches, accessible and you just might learn something about economics – Railroad Tycoon 3 is a recommended title.
  3. The visuals have lost their lustre in the transition from 2D. Instead of being the studious girl who had her own style who you always fancied, it’s turned into the bubble gum-chewing underachiever who, when she opens her mouth, spouts the worst kind of gutter drawl.
  4. PopTop has spent a significant amount of time creating its own 3D engine to show off the trains. But once you've zoomed in on your new Norris locamotive a few times and watched it disappear into the tunnel you've just built, the novelty does wear thin. [Nov 2003, p.123]

See all 19 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Negative: 4 out of 18
  1. 10
    Despite its age, new maps and scenarios are still popping up on line. Most scenarios are easy, but some can be really challenging (according to my critics). I must admit, however, that I fell in love with RT 2 when the 1st train pulled out of the station in the Tutorial, while I hated RT 3 until I was in the 2nd Tutorial scenario and that it took the 1.05 patch to make the game a 10. If you try to play this game out of the box in Vista or higher, it might not work, but a patch is availble at http://hawkdawg.com/rrt/rrt3/rrt3.htm

    There's also new scenarios and help availble at that sitealong with a 1.06 user patch and lots of really neat railroad cars to replace the generic ones that come with the game.
    Expand
  2. RichC.
    8
    Great way to waste a week of (sleepless) nights. Economic model is confusing, and could use a little guidance, but otherwise a fine product.
  3. BarryD.
    6
    Although much improved feature-wise over its predecessors, there is a lack of focus on railways. It is quite simple to gain a boatload of money by buying industries and not laying any tracks except to complete the goal. Otherwise, a good game, especially with the more realistic economy. Expand
  4. L.Burgess
    3
    Great graphics, awful gameplay i am really disappointed......the track laying routine blows, no signals!, no options to even do minor terrain leveling to smooth the bumps.....this is a major oversight and kills the game. Expand

See all 18 User Reviews