Developer Dovetail Games are back on track once again, this time with their latest iteration in the simulation genre; Train Sim World 7! Aside from featuring brand-new routes and locomotives, what else is new? As we so often see with sports titles, yearly releases can limit the number of new modes and features. Is this worth the upgrade from last year’s Train Sim World 6?
Train Sim World 7 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox One Series X|S, and PC.
Arrive Right on Time in Train Sim World 7!
As simple as the premise is for the Train Sim World titles, I must admit I’m quite the fan. While I’m no trainspotter or anything of the sort, there’s just something so incredibly peaceful about playing these games. Some noise-cancelling headphones, a cup of tea, and safely driving my train creates some of the most stress free gaming I’ve ever experienced. But how about you? What are your go-to titles to unwind with? Let me know in the comments below, but for now, it’s time to get this review rolling!
Gameplay
If you’ve played a Train Sim World game before, then you’ll know exactly what to expect. If you’re a newcomer to the franchise, then this may just be the best jumping-in point. Why? Well, because Dovetail Games has implemented a beginner-friendly control scheme! This essentially strips everything back to the bare minimum, leaving the player with just the brake and acceleration to control. You can still control the camera and move around on foot, but for the actual driving, Train Sim World 7 is perfect for those unfamiliar with the games or younger train enthusiasts. The Training Centre is still here, of course, making this the most accessible TSW title to date!
For returning players, you’re most likely considering Train Sim World 7 based on the new routes included. First up is Airedale & Wharfedale, a scenic route through Yorkshire that offers plenty of variety. From bustling towns to the open countryside, there is plenty to see. Part of this route is very familiar to me, so it was genuinely fascinating to see stations and areas I’ve travelled through countless times over the years.
Next, we have the Tri-Rail Miami Airport to Boca Raton, a complete contrast to travelling across Yorkshire! With more than 45 miles of Floridian track to speed along, this is perhaps one of the most relaxing routes I’ve played. Marking the Sunshine State’s debut in Train Sim World, the Tri-Rail is your go-to route for when you want long stretches of sunny scenery.
Finally, the German Bahnstrecke Nürnberg to Würzburg route rounds out the experience. Featuring regional and intercity services, these high-speed locomotives are perhaps my favourite to drive. Whilst this route doesn’t feel as fresh as the Tri-Rail, or as familiar as journeying through Yorkshire, the trains themselves more than make up for it.
And I’m Freight… Freight Haulin’
Aside from the routes, though, what else is new? Well, as usual, not all that much, unfortunately. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything new! For starters, we have a new game mode: Freight Hauler! Instead of being given a set route to follow, this mode places freight cars around the map, and it’s your job to get to them, hook them up to your loco, and deliver them. It’s completely free roam and isn’t time-based, making this a fun new way to explore each route whilst figuring out the best way to deliver the goods to their destinations.
Another new addition is Live Weather. The developers constantly improve the weather in the series, but Train Sim World 7 sees the biggest update yet. Using real-world meteorological data, this mechanic reflects the actual weather in the specific locations. Seeing storm clouds slowly form overheard before unleashing a torrent of rain is impressive. Doubly so knowing that, in that particular area of the world, it’s raining cats and dogs! It adds a layer of unpredictability to your journey. Rather than pre-selecting the weather before you load into the map, it’s now much more dynamic.
Graphics & Audio
As always, the trains are the absolute stars of the show. The sheer amount of detail gone into each model just shows Dovetail Games’ passion for the locos. Seeing trains I’ve been on in person recreated meticulously, from the emergency signs by the doors to the layout of the cabins, is truly remarkable. Environments, while not quite as detailed, are nevertheless vast and packed with detail.
That’s not to say it’s flawless, though; far from it. The amount of pop-in can be egregious, with textures or environmental objects slow to load in. I didn’t notice any frame drops, thankfully, something that was quite frequent in previous iterations. Whilst the improvements may be small, it is, visually at least, the best-looking TSW to date.
If there’s something Dovetail Games nails every single time, it’s the sound design of the trains. Every locomotive sounds unique, the gentle thrum as you travel, the wind whipping by if you have a window open – it all just sounds perfect. What is a shame is that voice-over elements are AI-generated. Onboard and platform announcements feature text-to-speech, which is quite disappointing.
Longevity
Train Sim World 7 is the equivalent of a morning commute to the city centre. And by that I mean, it’s absolutely packed! Previous routes, be they ones included in previous games or DLC, can be redownloaded (for free!) and brought into TSW7. Even if you don’t own previous content, the three routes available in the standard edition are more than enough to keep you going until the inevitable eighth entry next year.
Final Thoughts
Whilst I’m still not sure what the thought process was behind making TSW a yearly release, I can’t deny just how much enjoyment I get out of playing them. Train Sim World 7 is no different, providing three high-quality routes for returning fans to enjoy. Plus, the new Freight Hauler mode offers more sandbox fun than even the Free Roam mode. Add on the simplified control scheme that makes it accessible to more people than ever before, and you’re on track to be the best train simulation game ever.
Therefore, Train Sim World 7 receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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