Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic 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. The game is much more accessible and deeper at the same time, but doesn’t force too much simplicity or complexity on anyone. In those regards, it’s perfect.
  3. I'm a big believer in the theory a great game always has that "just one more game" feeling, and Railroad Tycoon 3 delivers that in spades.
  4. The new economic system is marvelous, with more load types than in previous games. [Feb 2004, p.74]
  5. 88
    Most of my negative comments center around the AI, or misguided attempts at realism: the inability to erect support structures inside stations, the removal of storage buildings and managers, the hard-to-identify industries.
  6. True to the spirit of its pioneering predecessors, Railroad Tycoon 3 is a richly textured and hopelessly addictive strategy game that's almost certain to steam straight to the top of the sales charts. [Jan 2004, p.114]
  7. Never has there been a tycoon game this visually attractive or effectively designed to minimize micromanagement.
  8. Deep, fun at long stretches, accessible and you just might learn something about economics – Railroad Tycoon 3 is a recommended title.
  9. 85
    PopTop steams onto the scene with a product that's nearly everything a strategy game needs to be: easy to pick up and play, but deep enough to engross players for hours and months on end.
  10. An outstanding game that promises absorbing gameplay and a nice break from other strategy games that either focus purely on combat or economic simulators that are too complex to be enjoyed by anyone other than a select few.
  11. Playing Railroad Tycoon 3 was a breath of fresh air compared to other simulation games. The easy to use interface, excellent graphics, quality music, and wonderful gameplay adds up to an impressive gaming package.
  12. I can almost guarantee that you’ll like this game if you liked the previous Railroad Tycoon games, or if you’re in the market for a modern game of railroad management.
  13. Few business games currently on the market are as enjoyable as this one.
  14. 80
    This is a simple, laid-back game, but you'll be surprised at just how rewarding it is to create railroads and watch towns grow.
  15. RRT3 provides a good time with no stress- drop away the menus and just follow a train, meandering through the plains, mountains or forests through day and night, and you'll see what I mean.
  16. Maybe if PopTop could put "Railroad Tycoon 2’s" economic model into Railroad Tycoon 3’s engine, something great would emerge, but as it is now Railroad Tycoon 3 isn’t a game I’d recommend.
  17. 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.
  18. 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]
  19. There's simply not a sound gameplay model at work here. [Feb 2004, p.70]
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Negative: 4 out of 17
  1. 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. Full Review »
  2. FilthyIke
    1
    This is a very late vote, seeing as how you can't find this game anymore, but I wanted to make it clear that this game was pushed out WAY before it was ready and crashes often. Here is a hint to the manufacturers (Tropico), if you want my buisness ever again, make a game that works. Should there be a question as to whether or not it should be compatable with the latest version of Windows? Full Review »
  3. KarstenK.
    1
    Don't believe the anonymous critics who are trying to push up the average score on RRT3. The gameplay is broken and the graphics are mediocre. Buy RRT2 instead, if you don't have it yet. Full Review »