A First Look At MSTS

By Jay Schroeder

It's been just about a week since I bought my copy of Microsoft Train Simulator from a local Electronics Boutique. I stand pretty much satisfied with the product. This product offers great scenery and the availability to add on many future third party downloads. For four days I've been hauling passangers, freight and just exploring the territory. However, down the road I believe this game will become a horrendously boring game with the limited amount of railway for us "train-simmers" to cruse. "As Real As It Gets?" That "Real" consists of only 7 tracks accumulating to 626.73 km of railway to travel. Maybe if more track was added with the just "Exploring" ability would give users the ability to use their immagination in the game and give the game itself more lifespan of want. All in all I am satisfied with what I have for now. The detailing of the trains is beautiful and the accompanying sounds and outside graphics I believe that it is a great game for all ages. Besides a few kinks which I am sure that will be able to be tweaked in a future patch all is good in this one for me.

MULTIPLAYER

I have been hearing that Microsoft's Train-Sim developers were pressured to get this released on time. Possibly that could have something to do with it but what this game really needs is a multiplayer option! We all wish to be within the same track in real life operation simulation. With people on same the tracks as you and within your area gives you more to look forward to. Avoiding a fellow train-simmer who has derailed his train in front of you or teaming up with someone to deliver oil to someone atop the mountain in the winter, all raises realism and interest in the game. I hope that maybe a multiplayer option will be released some time in the near future.

FOR NOW

For now let's just break into our new computer hobby and look forward to things to come. Great mods are on their way downloadable here at Train-Sim.Com and at other web sites across the web. We should enjoy what we have for now.

Jay Schroeder
SFRAM66@aol.com

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