A-Train
| Developer: The Dreamers Guild | Graphics: |
 | |
| Publisher: Maxis | Sound: |
 | |
| Year: 1992 | Difficulty: |
 | |
| Genre: Management | Lastability: |
| |
| Number of players: 1 | Rating: |
8/10 | |
A-Train, also known as A ressha de Ikou, is a Japanese game series (1985) focused on railway management, later incorporating elements of urban planning similar to Sim City (zoning for residential, commercial, industrial areas, etc.). The ninth episode was released in 2015.
This is the third instalment. Far from just laying down railroad tracks to connect cities, playing with switches, and choosing the colour of locomotives, it offers a full-fledged career as a businessman. You finance the development of your network by buying and selling (or renting) real estate or “profit centres” (factories, shops, hotels, etc.). Needless to say, cash flow and the budget must be closely monitored, as well as taxes, which you need to anticipate. You also have the opportunity to borrow from the bank or play the stock market if you’re feeling adventurous.
Of course, transporting people and goods remains a major component. In addition to the revenue it generates (if you manage it well), it’s also how you collect the construction materials needed for your development projects. It’s up to you to optimise traffic and equipment to increase the appeal of your stations, expand and invigorate your real estate portfolio, and of course, generate profit. The only thing missing is competition.
The simple, clear interface doesn’t eliminate the need to read the 140-page manual. The game includes six scenarios of increasing complexity, all taking place in real time. The transition from day to night and the changing seasons are beautifully represented on-screen with colour variations.
The following year, A-Train Construction Set was released, allowing players to create their own city from scratch. It’s curious that this wasn’t included in the original game.
|
