Railroad Tycoon 3 PC
Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
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  1. Gamezilla!
    95
    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. FiringSquad
    90
    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. Worth Playing
    90
    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. Computer Gaming World
    90
    The new economic system is marvelous, with more load types than in previous games. [Feb 2004, p.74]
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  5. IGN
    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. PC Gamer
    88
    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]
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  7. GameSpot
    87
    Never has there been a tycoon game this visually attractive or effectively designed to minimize micromanagement.
  8. Armchair Empire
    85
    Deep, fun at long stretches, accessible and you just might learn something about economics – Railroad Tycoon 3 is a recommended title.
  9. GameSpy
    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. Game Chronicles
    85
    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. GameZone
    84
    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. Gamer's Hell
    81
    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. GMR Magazine
    80
    Few business games currently on the market are as enjoyable as this one.
  14. G4 TV
    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. GamerFeed
    80
    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. Game Over Online
    77
    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. PC Format
    71
    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. games(TM)
    40
    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. Computer Games Magazine
    40
    There's simply not a sound gameplay model at work here. [Feb 2004, p.70]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 4 out of 18
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. Orang46
    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.    … Full Review »
  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.… Full Review »
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