Railway Empire 2
" Detailed simulation strategy with intuitive track-laying and sandbox freedom but clunky management "
Railway Empire 2 Review
Railway Empire 2 presents a mixed bag for train simulation enthusiasts. Many players appreciate its vibrant visuals and improved track-laying system compared to its predecessor, making it accessible for newcomers and enjoyable for longtime fans. The game offers a rich blend of logistics, trade route management, and city growth strategy, delivering hours of engaging gameplay, especially in sandbox mode.
However, some users find the game clunky and frustrating, particularly with track management and the train signaling system. The simplification of mechanics, while intended to streamline play, has been criticized for reducing depth and challenge, making the experience feel watered down compared to classics like Railroad Tycoon. Additionally, technical issues such as crashes and freezes, along with a lackluster storyline and questionable DLC policies, have dampened enthusiasm for some players. Overall, it’s recommended primarily on sale and for those with a keen interest in train simulators.
Highlights
Players praise the game's vibrant and detailed graphics that bring the 19th-century railway era to life. The improved and intuitive track-laying system is seen as a positive evolution from the original. The blend of logistics, trade routes, and business strategy offers a relaxing yet rewarding experience. Sandbox mode is especially lauded for providing nearly endless entertainment and creativity. Fans of the genre appreciate the game's faithful spirit and the frequent DLCs expanding content variety.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the clunky and complicated track management, which frustrates players used to more fluid systems. The signaling and multi-track handling are seen as poorly implemented, limiting gameplay depth. Many find the game oversimplified, losing the strategic complexity that defined earlier railway simulations. Technical issues like frequent crashes and freezes negatively impact playability. The storyline is considered weak or nearly non-existent, and the DLC pricing and regional pricing policies have drawn complaints. Some players also dislike the forced transport of certain goods, such as alcohol.
Pros
- • Vibrant and detailed graphics enhance the 19th-century railway atmosphere.
- • Improved track-laying system is intuitive and satisfying to use.
- • Engaging blend of logistics, trade routes, and city growth management.
- • Sandbox mode offers nearly endless replayability and creative freedom.
- • Accessible gameplay for newcomers to the railway simulation genre.
- • Frequent DLCs add valuable new content and variety.
- • Faithful to the spirit of classic train simulation games.
Cons
- • Clunky and complicated track management frustrates experienced players.
- • Poor signaling and multi-track handling limit gameplay depth.
- • Oversimplified mechanics reduce strategic complexity and challenge.
- • Frequent crashes and freezes disrupt the gaming experience.
- • Weak or nearly non-existent storyline fails to engage players.
- • DLC and regional pricing policies have been criticized as unfair.
- • Forced transport of specific goods, like alcohol, is annoying.
Rating Criteria
Don the coat of a clever entrepreneur, take over a small railway company in the early 1800s and turn your steam engines into the workhorses of the economy. Grow your company into the largest railway company of the continent and outsmart your competitors.
