I like my simulation games and the slightly odd ball, it is why I’ve played Euro Truck Sim 2 as much as I have and even traded cards on Steam to complete my collection. Train Simulator had eluded me until the 2014 version landed. This is my Verdict.
It is an exciting time to be a simulation game fan. Mega-trucking game European Truck Simulator 2 saw its first piece of DLC, Going East! release on Friday while Train Simulator 2014 is coming out on the 26th. They’re both looking very good and there are some lovely videos of them both after the break.
Regular readers of the site will know that I am a big fan of Euro Truck Simulator 2 which surely ranks alongside Farming Simulator and Train Simulator as one of the hits of the simulation game genre. With the new Train Simulator title coming out later this month, the 26th to be exact, I thought it was the ideal time to find out more. My hunt led me to Simon Saunston of developers RailSimulator.com. Simon is brand manager at the company and was perfectly placed to answer my questions about what to expect in the new game, resolve my concerns over the amount of DLC with his titles and more. Hit the break and enter the world of trains.
I was bitterly disappointed by last years Trucks and Trailers, a title which I felt damaged the growing reputation that was being enjoyed by SCS Software’s Truck Simulator series of games. Fortunately, the precursor to European Truck Simulator 2, Scania Truck Simulator, is a much more enjoyable experience.
As you might guess by the name this title features a heavy influence from truck manufacturer Scania. This is felt most keenly with the presence of only one cab to drive in, a Scania truck. But SCS have done a really good job modelling the cab, both on the inside and out, this is all thanks to the new engine they are using which was developed for ETS2. The new engine is shown off best in the Dangerous Drives mode which features a variety of extremely challenging missions where you must drive your truck, sometimes with cargo, from point to point in the quickest time while avoiding hitting any obstacles. The first mission takes place on a route with a passing resemblance to the Road of Death. Things only get more challenging from there, while one mission really shows off what the new game engine is capable of by making you drive through a flooded town with rain lashing down. It is quite a sight and shows how far the series has come.
Project CARS is shaping up to be quite an impressive piece of work, both with the actual game, and the development process which uses the World of Mass Development (WMD) platform. In short, this is what has the potential to be one of the best racing games ever tied with one of the most innovative development methods there is.
It is Sunday, the first day of my week off work, and what do I do first? I hunt down the latest from SCS Software on Scania Truck Simulator and European Truck Simulator 2. I may play the DiRT: Showdown demo later to inject some excitement into my life. Before that though, hit the jump to learn more about what you can expect in Scania Truck Simulator and get a glimpse of the map that you will be able to drive along in its bigger brother due out later this year.
Slightly Mad Studios have added a new member tier to their World of Mass Development powered title Project CARS. The new tier is called Full Member and comes in between the Team Member and Senior. If you want to become a Full Member, it will set you back €45, but more importantly you will get a free boxed copy of the game if you join or upgrade to the new tier. The other lower positions aren’t being ignored, Juniors will…
Construction Simulator is coming on the 17th February to UK retail thanks to the ever loveable Excalibur Publishing. This new video shows off some of the vehicles you will be able to use to construct houses and swimming pools. A gravel pit is also promised as a place to play around with big machines. Sounds fun, any wannabe builders out there looking forward to this?