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Post by sgtmajor on Dec 29, 2007 17:58:26 GMT -5
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Post by kbr on Dec 29, 2007 18:26:43 GMT -5
Very impressive looking. I'll have to hunt that demo down so I can see how it handles on my system. Right now I'm waiting for TRS2004 to arive, so I'll probably be busy with that for a while first, but the more I hear and see about Rail Simulator, the more impressed I get.
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Post by flytexas on Dec 29, 2007 19:07:36 GMT -5
Wow! Wow! Wow! That looks fantastic! Off to find that demo. ;D Brian
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Post by sgtmajor on Dec 29, 2007 21:19:57 GMT -5
Glad you like it. I'm anxious to see what all else the real game will bring out. Here's one more shot of the interior I failed to post the first time. I'd like to see what the rest of the train looks like. (smile) Best wishes,
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Post by kbr on Dec 29, 2007 22:06:38 GMT -5
I downloaded the demo in the background while I was doing a flight and just had a chance to check it out. From the controls and the way the sim handles, this is definitely MSTS's sequel in spirit if not in name. I couldn't believe how good it was running. Even in the busy city there was no stuttering, lag or any other sign of slowdown. I was very impressed with what I saw. Hopefully the full version will run just as good. I may end up getting this sooner than I had planned.
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Post by bhk on Dec 30, 2007 0:20:07 GMT -5
Kevin, what's the URL for the download? I must admit to being mightily impressed by these screen-shots. As you say, MSTS II, but without MS's involvement. Cheers! Bruce
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Post by Dan on Dec 30, 2007 0:37:08 GMT -5
Here you go, Bruce. I'm downloading it as we speak - 400+ Mb. www.gamershell.com/download_22072.shtmlI must say that of all the 'Train' Simulators I've reviewed for the past week or so, since Tom opened this forum and you and many others have posted screen shots and information, that this is the most impressive and realistic so far. Who knows what MS will release next fall, but from what I've read, it will be based on the FSX engine, which I have no intention, within the foreseeable future, of converting to - in any kind of sim. So, as SgtMajor, Kevin, yourself and others have mentioned - I will probably go with this one when it comes out - at least for now. By the way - how are the sounds with these trains? I just watched a couple of videos on YouTube of different train simulators - the sounds are not comparable to flight sim at all, but there running off a video, so I can't tell the quality. Thanks to all for the information so far - very helpful, before I start spending . . . Dan …it’s great being a kid again – without the glue! ;D
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Post by kbr on Dec 30, 2007 1:14:15 GMT -5
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Post by scubakobe on Dec 30, 2007 1:20:04 GMT -5
Hmm.. My brother would probably like this. Can you run the train completely manually? Watching water level, coals, etc? My brother runs scale steam engines (powered by steam, yes) and I've seen how he has to watch the water level and other things or it can blow. Better start downloading it anyway...
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Post by bhk on Dec 30, 2007 1:22:39 GMT -5
Thanks, Dan.
I have no idea what the sounds are like (yet...I'll have to await the download), so can only speak from my experience with what was available up until Kuju released this.
It's generally agreed that the most realistic in-cab sounds belong to BVE. I emphasise "in-cab" because the viewpoint cannot be shifted from that location, so it is impossible to hear sounds as if outside the driver's cab. But the variety is broad, including different track noises for tunnels, bridges, jointed track, welded track, cross-overs, culverts, overpasses, trains passing and so in. In addition, every sound created by the operation of in-cab equipment is heard and in some of them (London Underground, for example) all the comms and platform noises are simulated.
Second to BVE would be Zusi. Great internal and external sounds for the locomotives, trackage and ambient noises.
Third would be any recent Maple Leaf Tracks package for Train Simulator. They have reproduced the sounds of heavy diesels and associated track sounds, rolling-stock sounds and in-cab comms to such a degree that the difference between their stuff and the default MSTS routes/rolling stock is chalk and cheese.
Fourth is Trainz. Whilst the sound samples themselves are good, their application and management leave a lot to be desired.
Fifth would be TrainMaster 4. Excellent reproduction of notching up and down the control stand, and the engine, because they are actual SD40-2 sound-samples. But there are no track sounds or any ambient sounds at all.
Sixth is the absolute default, unmodified, Train Simulator.
So it remains to be seen whether Kuju have learned from user feedback over a period of several years and come to the party with a solid sound package.
Bruce
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Post by bhk on Dec 30, 2007 1:24:23 GMT -5
Hmm.. My brother would probably like this. Can you run the train completely manually? Watching water level, coals, etc? My brother runs scale steam engines (powered by steam, yes) and I've seen how he has to watch the water level and other things or it can blow.... You can in the original, Kobbe, so I would guess that Kuju have kept that feature in this one. I could never run a steamer properly....always ran out of boiler pressure on a long uphill grind! Bruce
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Post by sgtmajor on Dec 30, 2007 1:29:08 GMT -5
Dan.... I'm actually quite pleased with the sounds thus far. The only thing I'm not super pleased with is actually the keyboard commands.
HOWEVER..... with that said, that very well could just be a new sim that I'm not yet use to. It seems that I did see something about re-mapping keyboard commands etc., so I'm sure the flexibility should be there to adjust the key strokes to my liking. OR.... talk the wife into a rail driver (Big Grin)
The screen shots for the U.S. trains looks mighty impressive and I tend to agree with Kevin.... no real notiable hits on frames.... however, this is a demo after all so I'm not sure if that would qualify for a conclusive deduction.
For me.... the only real draw back is this is due to be released on Jan. 16th, I figure about a week or so to receive it in the mail, (Jan 23 - 25th) I leave on the 26th for a week's business trip!!! RATS!!! (smile)
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Post by bhk on Dec 30, 2007 2:53:04 GMT -5
I've downloaded the demo and am quite pleased with the graphics but the sounds are as sparse as the original Train Simulator, unfortunately. There is one "chuffing" sound that simply gets louder as the speed increases and softer as it decreases. There are no supporting steam sounds that we associate with a steam engine. At rest, this engine is dead silent. Steam engines, even when just sitting still, are alive with sounds....air compressor, steam weaps and leaks.......they are not totally quiet. When on the move, in addition to the "chuff", there is a repetitive clank and clunk....very similar to what Kuju did with the basic running sounds for the original Train Simulator. I hope that this a just a trait of the demo and is in no way indicative of the end result otherwise it looks as if it will be up to the third-parties to once again add the finishing touches. Bruce
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Post by sgtmajor on Dec 30, 2007 3:24:34 GMT -5
otherwise it looks as if it will be up to the third-parties to once again add the finishing touches. ;D ;D Isn't that the way it usually goes..... They build it and the 3rd Parties make it a fantasitc program. Seems that has always been the case for all the programs I've come to love. Cheers,
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Post by bhk on Dec 30, 2007 6:39:03 GMT -5
;D ;D Isn't that the way it usually goes..... They build it and the 3rd Parties make it a fantasitc program. Seems that has always been the case for all the programs I've come to love. Cheers, Very true, Steve. We only have to look at Flight Sim to appreciate that. Bruce
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