Simulator games have a unique way of captivating my attention and providing a sense of tranquility. For a long time, Train Simulator was my go-to game, immersing me in the world of trains and railways. However, over the past year, Bus Simulator has managed to pique my interest, offering a different perspective and a new set of challenges.
Therefore, you can imagine my excitement when the development team announced their latest creation, Tram Simulator. The moment the game was released, I eagerly anticipated the chance to dive into this new virtual world and experience the thrill of operating trams. Simulator games have become a source of joy and relaxation for me, and I can't wait to embark on this new adventure.
Tram Simulator Gameplay Experience
In Tram Simulator Urban Transit, players are given the freedom to choose from three different game modes: Story, Career, and Sandbox mode. Intrigued by the immersive experience promised in the Story mode, I eagerly embarked on my Tram Simulator journey. In this mode, players are tasked with working alongside local business owners and influential individuals to accomplish various objectives in a total of 10 missions.
Each mission follows a familiar pattern, involving the creation of routes, the transportation of passengers, and the gradual leveling up of different areas. This mode offers a compelling narrative that adds depth and purpose to the gameplay, making it an enticing choice for players seeking a more structured and goal-oriented experience.
One of the criticisms I have for Bus Simulator is the somewhat messy process of creating routes. I found the map to be overly simplistic, which made it difficult for me to perform simple tasks. Unfortunately, not much has changed in this aspect as the interface remains unchanged. While I did notice in the earlier missions that the game assisted me in locating specific stops on the map, this feature disappeared after the first mission. It would be greatly beneficial if there was a list available, organized by area, to aid in the planning of routes.
As the story unfolds, players are rewarded with the opportunity to unlock and explore new areas in the game. Along with the progression, they also gain access to different trams to drive. Personally, I found great delight in driving heritage vehicles, offering customers guided tours of the captivating Angel Shores. However, I must admit that my preference leaned towards the modern trams. Despite their differences, both types of trams were relatively easy to operate. For those who may find it challenging, there is a driver training mode available to help players familiarize themselves with the controls before venturing out into the bustling city.
While driving through the bustling city streets, I often found myself forgetting to manually swap points on my route, resulting in unnecessary detours for my customers. It would be incredibly helpful if a built-in automatic system could be implemented, allowing for easy overrides and ensuring smoother journeys. In story mode, my main focus was leveling up districts, which required me to drive and make stops at various locations. The more time I spent completing stops, the faster I could upgrade them. I dedicated around 10 hours to the story mode and found the challenge of different objectives quite enjoyable.
In the Career mode of the game, players are given the freedom to start their own tram company without any specific guidelines or restrictions. This aspect of the game is incredibly enjoyable and allows players to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Starting with limited funds, players must strategically expand their company, making wise investments and managing their finances effectively. This mode is the main focus of the game and where players will spend the majority of their time.
On the other hand, the Sandbox mode is perfect for more casual players or those who simply want to explore and experiment with the game without any limitations. In this mode, players have unlimited funds at their disposal and everything is already unlocked. This allows players to freely play the game as they please, without the pressure of financial constraints or progression goals.
The graphical aspect of the game is impressive. The city is beautifully designed, with vibrant colors and interesting points of interest scattered throughout. From the towering skyscrapers in the inner city to the quaint local shops and tranquil lakes in the suburbs, the variety in the scenery adds to the immersive experience. However, there are a couple of areas where the graphics fall short.
The trams, in particular, feel clunky when approaching corners, which can be a bit jarring and disrupt the smooth gameplay. Additionally, the movement of the people around the city seems unnatural, which further detracts from the overall immersion. Despite these minor issues, the attention to detail in the design of the trams themselves is commendable, with great effort put into making them look as realistic as possible.
Audio Atmosphere
The overall audio experience in the game is quite impressive, especially when it comes to the authentic tram sounds and the bustling noises of the city. These elements truly enhance the immersive feel of being in a real tram. However, there is one aspect that disappoints me, and that is the tedious dialogue from the passengers. Rather than enjoying the ambient hum of passengers from outside my cab, I am forced to listen to clear audio from them. This was a similar issue I encountered in Bus Simulator, and unfortunately, it remains unchanged in this game as well. It's a minor setback that detracts from an otherwise enjoyable audio experience.
Verdict
Tram Simulator Urban Transit is a fantastic game that seamlessly integrates into the Bus Simulator world. However, it does have one common drawback shared by many simulators – the passengers can feel a bit creepy and unrealistic, which can detract from the overall immersive experience of driving. Nevertheless, the game compensates for this with its exceptional driving mechanics. The controls are precise and responsive, making the act of driving the tram feel incredibly satisfying. Additionally, the various game modes available provide countless hours of entertainment and the ability to customize the gameplay to suit individual preferences. Overall, Tram Simulator Urban Transit is a valuable addition to any simulation fan's collection.
