Menus are simply constructed and nicely laid out with easy to select icons, sliders, and buttons used to control every aspect of the simulation. Being able to use the product easily and quickly goes a long way to maintaining interest for the casual gamer or hobbyist. Rather than concentrate or obsess on real-life physics, the game makes the hobby accessible in a way that allows you to overlook certain areas that other train simulations focus on, sometimes to the exclusion of enjoyment. While true that Trainz isn't a hardcore simulation in terms of absolute realism of train behavior per se, as a simulation of a hobby, it stands far above anything on the market at the time of release. And, it doesn't stop there, as terrain types, roads, textures, vehicles, buildings, structures, layouts, rolling stock, and more are but some of the categories offered. With the constant addition of official downloadable add-ons available at the Auran website (three service packs available at the time of this review) complementing sections on content creation, movies, accessories, user creations (rated), links and more, any shortage of initially included locomotives or carriers is being addressed daily. Hobbies are meant to be shared, and Auran has provided an excellent means for expanding your treasure trove of trains in that respect. With Trainz, you can tweak, build, invent, and collect continuously without making your spouse and kids go hungry. As anyone who has built a model railroad the old-fashioned way knows, the process is never ending - the wealth of material on hobby store shelves and available online is as astounding (as are some of the prices) as it is unattainable at times.
All are exquisitely designed and offer literally unlimited hours of involvement and enjoyment. Picking the best of the three separate modules, collecting, driving, or surveying (building layouts) is a matter of personal taste. Fortunately, the designers seem truly dedicated to making the hobby affordable and fun for fans of all ages. While the manual is a bit stiff in style, the actual hands-on beauty of the simulation is nothing short of inspired, with a minimal learning curve for what could be a complicated endeavor. The single most endearing attribute of this title is its simplicity and ease of use, regardless of which aspect of the hobby enthralls you.
Now, Trainz developer Auran puts an exciting spin on the hobby with three distinct facets that allow the enthusiast nearly unlimited access to what can be an expensive pastime or even obsession.
While the hobby of collecting model train sets and paraphernalia has fluctuated in appeal over the years, the fascination remains the same. The fascination with trains goes far back in European and American history to a time when hand-carved wooden locomotives and cars were considered priceless treasures by youngsters (and adults).
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