– Advertisement –
City Transport Simulator Tram is the perfect game for lovers of light railway. This tram driving and partial business simulation tool captures the tram driver role perfectly. Moreover, there is plenty of DLC if you wish to expand your experience. Consequently, if you fall for its slow and loud charms, you’ll lose hours to its relaxing ways.
This simulation game was developed by ViewApp and published by Dovetail Games. Moreover, it is a single-player title that can be viewed from many perspectives. Accordingly, it’ll appeal to many sim-loving gamers. My only complaint is the lack of business complexity. Unlike its peers, this game refuses to explore this key aspect. Yet, this shortcoming has its advantages. Thankfully, the lack of complexity allows you to focus on the driving and little else.
City Transport Simulator Tram tells no story.
Simulation games are renowned for poor or no story at all. City Transport Simulator Tram sits in the latter category. Instead of a plot, you are told to run a company and get on with your day. This into-the-fire approach should have been daunting, but it wasn’t. Thankfully, you are talked through the basics and nothing is left to chance.
Alongside the main game mode is a sandbox option. When I wanted a mindless moment, I’d select this mode. Instead of creating routes, buying trams, and worrying about passenger satisfaction, I could simply drive. This was great fun as the city felt alive. Additionally, the signalling can be complex, so the sandbox option removes these distractions.
It feels tougher than it is.
First, you’ll feel out of your depth. Creating routes, picking trams, and learning the fundamentals is an uphill battle. However, you soon get into your stride as you motor around the city. Stations appear quickly and starting and stopping correctly can take some practice. On top of this, remembering how to open the doors, following a timetable, and avoiding pedestrians is quite the task.
If you feel that things are too much, you can simplify the controls. This was great as you didn’t have to worry about the doors or any of the fiddly switches. Instead, you concentrate on speeds, signals, and stations. This is the perfect option for younger or less able gamers. Alternatively, if you simply want to bum around and enjoy driving, this is the perfect approach.
Where is the business model?
City Transport Simulator Tram lacks a business model. This was a shame as it would have padded out the core action. The only business aspects focus on route planning and tram acquisition. Your money and XP are earned by doing your job correctly. Abide by the speeds, acknowledge the signals, and stop at every station and you’ll be doing just fine.
City Transport Simulator Tram looks good but needs a modern polish.
Like its peers, City Transport Simulator Tram uses repetitive character models. This made me chuckle and I had twins, triplets, and quads on board my vehicle. This was lazy from the developer as it reduced the realism. Alongside this, the world feels very angular and everything is unnecessarily sharp. Moreover, there is rubber banding when you view your vehicle using the exterior camera. This isn’t a problem, per se, but it lacks a modern polish.
The audio isn’t exceptional, it is realistic and I liked the familiar noises. Furthermore, there is a sense of hustle and bustle and the engines, bells, whistles, and doors closing were great. My only complaint is the lack of other traffic sounds. I’d have liked car horns to honk or a connection with other tram drivers.
Excellent controls.
Though there is plenty to learn, the excellent tutorial gets you on your way. There are signals, stations, speeds, doors, and many other aspects to work with. Thankfully, the simple UI and control layout keep you on track. Subsequently, I never felt out of my depth.
The replay value is questionable. There is plenty of DLC and a large city to navigate. However, the lack of business mechanics holds it back. If you want a purely driving simulation, you’ll adore it. Yet, if you want to deliver anything more than customer satisfaction, you’ll be left wanting.
City Transport Simulator Tram impressed me.
The missing business mechanics were a mistake. This will annoy hardcore sim gamers. Moreover, the repetitive character models dent the realistic finish. However, the driving is fun, and I like the tiered difficulty settings. Additionally, each tram is unique and creating a new route was interesting. It’s a shame that it doesn’t tick every box though. Despite the shortcomings, I was impressed, and I recommend buying it here! Can you master each tram? Learn the basics, navigate each route, and become a professional tram driver.
