Railworks 2 is probaly one of those games only railway enthusiasts will fully appreciate, though I highly recommend the base game to anyone who likes rail travel. The routes you get in the basic pack are very good, with scenery that looks almost real from the trains perspective (though if you use the free roam cameras the scenery tends to look a lot less realistic).
It's also probably the most expensive game I've ever invested in to date but only because of all the add-on packs which amount to well over £560 at the moment (and that's not including the actual base game) with more add-on packs coming in the future; on top of that, you can purchase scenery packs and other models from a couple of independent developers who specialize in railway simulators (including Microsofts older Train sim game).
As an introduction to the latest upgrade to Railworks 2, Railworks has been reduced from £29.99 to £14.99; which is IMO a great reduction for this premier simulator.
There is an alternative simulator called Trainz 2010, though at the moment that is full price. however you get much more for your money such as more rolling stock and more lines to explore plus there's only a couple of big expansions costing about the same as the more expensive ones that Railworks offers, and they are much bigger expansions; however I personally don't think the graphics are as realistic in Trainz (which I also have) as they are in Railworks 2. If you don't mind the lightly less realistic look of Trainz, then I'd personally go for that train sim rather than Railworks.
The latest version of Railworks called Railworks 2 or Railworks 2010 has had some nice upgrades that include an easy to use HUD (Heads Up Display), that puts all the main control options at your fingertips rather than have to memorize loads of key bindings, plus it enables you to control the train from all camera positions without having to change positions to the cab interior. Of course dedicated train enthusiasts probably like the ability to control the trains via the working control systems within the cab. Still, the HUD has really opened up the game to those less dedicated. There is now three free downloadable extras amongst the 61 official add-ons that are available to purchase for this game, with more to follow; (see below for full list).
I would have included a screen capture of the new HUD, but my screen capture device (Capture Wiz Pro) won't capture the game screen in Win 7 and there are none that I could find on the web at this time, ( probably because it's only just been released). Those that already have the original get the upgrade to Railworks 2 for free and all downloadable content that you may have purchased works with Rauilworks 2. (I would have been very annoyed if it hadn't worked, considering the amount of money I've invested in this game). All in all I think with the free stuff and the 50% reduction, plus all the updated stuff this deal is well worth getting. It really is a very pleasant and relaxing game, especially in free roam, though watch those speeds because the game emulates real physics, so you may find your engine toppling over on a steep curve if the speed is to much. I love watching the scenery go by while I listen to the sounds of the train passing over the rail junctions. It reminds me of my childhood when I used to travel by steam train regularily. :)
The base game includes several scenarios to play through as well as loads of rolling stock and several locomotives for you to play with. The add-on packs expand the locomotives and rolling stock as well as add loads more scenarios to play through and some of the more expensive add-ons add new areas to explore. There is a good scenario editor to create your own new lines or scenarios, but if you want to create new rolling stock you will need a 3D modelling software which can be very expensive.
The following is Steams information about the game. All the images posted are from the base game, and show what variety you'll get with just that game. Nnone of the add-ons are required, but they do add an aweful lot more to the game; (which is why I've been slowly purchasing them all. I've only got 2 or 3 to buy now.
You can find the game HERE
The Game
RailWorks: a new concept in train and rail simulation. Drive 13 different locomotives along 8 different routes in the UK, North America and Europe. Download new routes, locomotives and rolling stock or create your own design and share it with friends.
The RailWorks platform ensures that your software can be advanced automatically, with ongoing support for new technology and gameplay features available on a regular basis.
Features:
• Stunningly accurate graphics.
• Each of the 8 routes is beautifully modelled with characteristic signalling and signage
• Watch the action from a number of spectacular pre-set views, including cab, passenger, trackside and bird's eye
• Includes over 50 scenarios to test your driving ability
• Simple, user-friendly interface allows instant access to train experience
• Advanced mode creates a challengingly realistic engine driving experience
• Five accurate real-world routes: Bath-Templecombe, Oxford-Paddington, York-Newcastle, Hagen-Siegen and Cajon Pass
• Three fictional routes: a large UK goods yard, a route based around Denver, Colorado USA and a route set in the alpine region of northern Europe
• Powerful user tools to create your own content.
• The World Editor enables users to easily create new routes or modify existing ones
• Routes can be built from scratch, containing your choice of terrain, track and scenery objects
• Ability to share user-created content
• Exclusive Steam-only additional content - BNSF Official Licensed Model Pack
• Additional content already available for download, including locomotives, rolling stock, scenarios and routes*
Exclusive Steam Content:
The Steam version of Railworks 2 includes the BNSF Officially Licensed ES44AC & SD40-2 RailWorks Add-on for free plus,as mentioned above you also get three add-ons for free:
For more than 150 years, the BNSF Railway has provided the backbone of US freight transportation, delivering all manner of goods across 28 states and two Canadian provinces. These BNSF Heritage schemes and locomotives stunningly reproduce one of the classic American marks.
The BNSF ES44AC & SD40-2 RailWorks Add-on contains:
SD40-2 Heritage 1 livery - Black text on the side and logo disc on the nose
SD40-2 Heritage 3 livery - Italic text on the side and nose
SD40-2 'Snoot Nose' Heritage 1 livery - Black text on the side and logo disc on the nose
ES44AC Heritage 3 livery - Italic text on the side and nose
Included Scenarios:
Free Roam: Monument
An assortment of engines are located at Monument on the Castle Rock Railroad. Click an engine to start driving; as you explore the route you can jump into any other available engine in the vicinity. Other available engines, and assorted freight cars, are scattered throughout the route.
Cement Snoot
Drive a cement train out of Victorville to Barstow using a Snoot Nose SD40-2 engine.
Running Notes: You will need to set the switches to Barstow Yard 10. Do this before you reach the Barstow Yard Gate 01 marker to ensure a smooth transfer into the yard. Similarly, check the switches leading out to Barstow East Yard 1 are set after you have dropped off your freight cars.
Against the Grain
You are moving hoppers along the line starting with a set of full grain hoppers at Monument. Bring these to Castle Rock where new empties must be taken to Larkspur.
Running Notes: After you have dropped off the hoppers at the Castle Rock Cement Plant you need to pass back through the yard to couple to the waiting empties. The best path through the yard is through Castle Rock Cement Arrival 2 then couple to the empties with your engines pointing towards Larkspur.
Don’t Stop Moving
Take a long, heavy train up the Cajon Pass on a winter morning. There are higher priority trains on the line so stop at signals when needed. However, coming to a stop on the steep up grades of the pass may cause problems.
Running Notes:
Ensure the train on the North track reaches Summit before you. This may involve a slower climb up the Pass. After Summit, both you and the other train will be travelling North on different tracks until Lugo where you will end up on the same track. Allow the other train to pass the junction at Lugo first so you can follow in the next signal occupation block.
Free Roam: San Bernardino:
An assortment of engines are located at San Bernadino on the Cajon Pass route. Click an engine to start driving; as you explore the route you can jump into any other available engine in the vicinity. Other available engines, and assorted freight cars, are scattered throughout the route.
System Requirements:
OS: Windows XP / Vista
Processor: 1.7 GHz or faster
Memory: 512 MB RAM
Graphics: 64 MB with Pixel Shader 2.0** (AGP PCIe only)
DirectX®: Version 9.0c (Included)
Hard Drive: 6 GB of free space
Sound: Direct X 9.0c compatible
The following are add-ons for the game; only one is reduced by just under 50% at this time. However there are three add-ons for free, plus if you search the sites associated with this game you'll find enthusiasts free downloadables. If you were considering buying any of the downloadable content I would recommend you go for the more expensive add-ons such as the West Coast Mainline North add-on, the Isle of Wight Railworks expansion pack and the Glasgow Airport Rail Link add-on, partly because they add new areas to explore, whereas the cheaper add-ons tend to be just scenario based or with only a few extra pieces of rolling stock to add. I have all the DLC because I'm a closet enthusiast. The total cost for all the downloadable content is rather high at over 560, though I've built up my collection over the 18 months that the game has been released. It was recently upgraded from Railworks to Railworks 2 for free.
There are a couple of enthusiast sites where you can down,oad free content or for that matter buy even more unofficial content; usually scenery add-ons.
Downloadable Content For This Game
£7.99 - RailWorks 2P 4-4-0 Locomotive Add-On
UK Buildings Model Pack - Free DLC
£12.99 - RailWorks Class 56 Add-On
£24.99 - West Coast Main Line North Add-On
£9.99 - Up the Junction Add-On
FREE - Port Road Expansion Pack
FREE - Billionaire Benefactor Scenario
£13.99 - Union Pacific Big Boy Add-On
FREE - Off the Cotswold Line Career System Scenario Pack
£19.99 - Isle of Wight RailWorks Expansion Pack
£9.99 - Class 08 Diesel Shunter RailWorks Add-on
£9.99 - Class 66 Diesel Locomotive RailWorks Add-on
£12.99 - Class 158 Diesel Multiple Unit RailWorks Add-on
£4.99 - BNSF Officially Licensed ES44AC & SD40-2 RailWorks Add-on
£11.99 - Stanier 8F Steam Locomotive RailWorks Add-on
£14.99 - Rascal & Cottonwood RailWorks Expansion Pack
£14.99 - Colton & Northern RailWorks Expansion Pack
£10.99 - Class S-2 Berkshire RailWorks Add-on
£11.99 - GWR Hall 4-6-0 Locomotive RailWorks Add-on
£4.99 - GWR B Set Coach RailWorks Add-on
£10.99 - SP&S Northerns RailWorks Add-On
£2.49 - Black Five Scenario Pack 1
£2.49 - RailWorks 7F Scenario Pack
£11.99 - RailWorks Challenger DLC
£4.99 - RailWorks HST Buffer Version
£7.99 - Class 37 Diesel Locomotive RailWorks Add-on
£11.99 - V2 Steam Locomotive: Green Arrow Edition RailWorks Add-on
£4.99 - RailWorks Mk2e Coach DLC
£11.99 - A1 Tornado Steam Locomotive Pack RailWorks Add-on
£11.99 - Class 390 Electric Multiple Unit RailWorks Add-on
£9.99 - Class 20 Diesel Locomotive RailWorks Add-on
£9.99 - Mk1 Coach Pack RailWorks Add-on
£4.99 - TEA Bogie Tank Wagon Pack RailWorks Add-on
£7.99 - 0-4-0ST Saddle Tank Locomotive Pack RailWorks Add-on
£11.99 - Southern Pacific GS-4 Pack RailWorks Add-on
£11.99 - RailWorks Class 380 Electric Multiple Unit DLC
£7.99 - Norfolk Southern SD40-2 HighNose RailWorks Add-on
£7.99 - Canadian National SD40-2 Wide Nose RailWorks Add-on
£13.99 - Stanier Jubilee Steam Locomotive RailWorks Add-on
£11.99 - Class 45 'Peak' Diesels RailWorks Add-on
£11.99 - Fort Kent to Eagle Lake RailWorks Add-on
£8.99 - Railworks Phorum Peninsula Charity DLC
£2.99 - SD40-2 Santa Fe Edition RailWorks Add-on
£6.99 - RailWorks DT Wagon Pack 01
£11.99 - RailWorks ATSF Warbonnet Pack
£4.99 - RailWorks MJA Wagon Pack
£2.99 - RailWorks SD40-2 Burlington Northern Add-on
was £24.99 now £12.99 - RailWorks Glasgow Airport Rail Link Add-on
£13.99 - 9F Evening Star RailWorks Add-on
£4.99 - RailWorks German Wagon Pack 01
£11.99 - RailWorks BNSF Dash 9 Pack
£14.99 - RailWorks Class 101 DMU Pack
£13.99 - RailWorks GR Class 143 Pack
£11.99 - RailWorks Fowler 4F Pack
£5.99 - RailWorks Class 02 Shunter Pack
£11.99 - RailWorks Light Pacific Add-On
£2.99 - RailWorks Canadian National Add-on
£2.99 - RailWorks Network Southeast Class 47 Add-On
£11.99 - RailWorks BR Standard 4MT Add-on
£9.99 - RailWorks Class 57 Add-on
£2.99 - Railworks Green and Gold HST Add-On
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuVU34GEAOg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUw_pazMTlc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQgL1tdV9Ek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxH41zqfckY
check out the offer HERE
