Metacritic Games

Rail Simulator (PC Games)

Rail Simulator is the new train simulation game from Kuju Entertainment. Published by Electronic Arts, the world's largest publisher of computer and video games, Rail Simulator brings the railways to life for everyone from the casual train fan to the dedicated enthusiast. [Kuju Entertainment]

Electronic Arts
Simulation
Players: 1
E (Everyone)
Developer: Kuju Entertainment
Released January 16, 2008

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

72 / 100

Critic Reviews

90 AceGamez
Rail Simulator will immerse you in a world that, if allowed, has the potential to convince even the most hardened outdoor 'trainspotter' to fire up their PC rather than head down to their local station.
80 Jolt Online Gaming UK
More of a step forward than a revolution, Rail Simulator is still undoubtedly improvement over the previous generation of train simulation.
80 AtomicGamer
Really, though -- you do not need to be a train enthusiast to get something out of this package -- you just have to have an open mind and be willing to try out something new.
80 Yahoo! Games
Like most pure-bred simulations, Rail Sim offers rewards proportional to the amount of effort you're prepared to invest.
76 Cheat Code Central
A unique and strangely satisfying venture into the realm of railways operation. It can be extremely peaceful or bustling and chaotic depending on how you choose to play.
75 GameZone
A relaxing and fun game for anyone who likes trains and casual games. Players who require more strategy may be less enthusiastic.
71 YouGamers
Ultimately, there's just not enough of a game here for most players. Rail enthusiasts, with the time and patience to tinker with the editor, will adore it; everyone else are likely to be bored with minutes.
70 IGN
Rail Simulator is a piece of software that seems to accomplish what it set out to do. It doesn't do it with much panache, graphical or otherwise, but it gets it done.
70 PC Gamer UK
Atmospheric, pretty and convincing but short of activities. [Christmas 2007, p.95]
70 PC Zone UK
A strangely satisfying and therapeutic experience. [Jan 2008, p.86]
68 PC Gamer
Rail Simulator only offers a handful of structured scenarios in its four routes, and once these are complete, there's little else to do but muck around the sandbox mode or develop your own routes and content. [May 2008, p.58]
60 EuroGamer
The layout of the driver guide panel doesn't help matters.
60 PC Format
It definitely simulates railways, for better, but mainly for worse. [Christmas 2007, p.68]

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