Once enjoyed by children and adults all over the world, model railroading is a pastime that has seen better days. Thankfully for train enthusiasts, however, the art of model railroading is something that translates well to the virtual world of modern video gaming. This idea has been capitalized on many times by game developers and publishers who are looking to keep the niche alive for a little while longer.
Microsoft Train Simulator
Microsoft's entry into the world of railroad simulator, "Microsoft Train Simulator," was released in May of 2001 with a rating of "E for Everyone." A gamer can play as either the engineer or one of the passengers and travel across hundreds of miles of virtual track laid out in a detailed, 3-D environment. While there are a lot of different game play mechanics to master with "Microsoft Train Simulator," online help is available through a series of tutorials.
Lionel Trains: On Track
Lionel was one of the original model railroading companies. "Lionel Trains: On Track" was developed for the virtual world and published by Black Lantern Studios. The game provides players with an overhead view of a track that is pieced together one-by-one to make connections to various cities. Cargo can then be delivered and cities can be upgraded. "Lionel Trains: On Track" was released on November 30, 2006, with a rating of "E for Everyone. It is available exclusively on the Nintendo DS handheld gaming system."
Trainz Railwayz
"Trainz Railwayz" actually provides virtual train engineers with two genre-specific titles to enjoy: "Harlem Line Edition" and "Metropolis Edition." The former takes places in the city of Harlem, New York in the 1980s. "Metropolis Edition," on the other hand, creates an intricate railway system in the heart of a bustling city."Trainz Railwayz" has been given a rating of "E for Everyone." It was released on October 8, 2007, and is available exclusively for the PC.
Sid Meier's Railroads!
"Sid Meier's Railroads!" is a game about economics and business savvy just as much as it is a train simulator. Here, you'll have direct influence over cities within reach of your railroad system, providing them with merchandise and citizen transportation in an effort to help them grow and succeed. What starts as a small town in the beginning of the game may very well end up as a thriving metropolis by the end. "Sid Meier's Railroads!" was released on October 17, 2006. It has been rated "E for Everyone."
Tags: Lionel Trains, Lionel Trains Track, Meier Railroads, Microsoft Train, Microsoft Train Simulator