RUNNING TRAIN | 走ル列車！ Review Summary

New standard for train simulators: This game sets a new benchmark for train simulators with its advanced graphics, detailed environments, and realistic train physics. It is considered a significant evolution in the genre, offering an unparalleled experience for train simulation enthusiasts.

Highly detailed scenery: The game features incredibly detailed and realistic scenery, including environments, locomotives, and station elements. This attention to detail enhances the overall immersion and visual appeal of the simulation.

Cutting-edge graphics: The game boasts cutting-edge, photorealistic graphics that are visually impressive and run smoothly even on less powerful hardware. This makes it accessible to a wider range of players without compromising on visual quality.

Smooth performance: The game runs smoothly and efficiently, with excellent performance even on high graphics settings. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience.

Visually stunning: The game is praised for its gorgeous and lifelike visuals, which contribute to a visually stunning experience. Players appreciate the game's aesthetic appeal and realism.

No tutorials available: There is a significant lack of tutorials, making it difficult for beginners to get started. This includes the absence of tutorial manuals and in-game guidance.

Control scheme difficulties: Players find the controls hard to use initially and report issues with the control scheme, including throttle control and overall user-friendliness.

Speed limit UI problems: Players find it difficult to identify upcoming speed limits due to late signals and missing UI elements. This affects gameplay and user experience significantly.

Braking mechanics issues: The braking system is reported as difficult to use and not sensitive enough, particularly at low speeds. This can make driving and stopping challenging.

Sound design needs improvement: Players have noted that the sound effects, including running sounds and station announcements, could be improved for a better immersive experience.

Realistic physics and simulation: The game is praised for its realistic physics, including accurate train handling, weather effects, and realistic models, signals, and sounds.

Challenging braking gameplay: Gameplay involves precise stopping and tight schedules, with a focus on braking in time and keeping notice of speed limits. The braking system requires time to master.

Japanese commuter railroading: The game features Japanese commuter railroading with a main line and a branch line, offering a mix of local and express trains. It evaluates various aspects of train operation.

Variety of trains and models: The game features several different trains with unique handling, braking systems, and length variations. Players appreciate the variety and realism of the train models.

Balanced realism and accessibility: The game is a railway simulation that balances realism and accessibility, making it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore train sim fans.

Smooth and stable performance: The game runs smoothly and without issues across various hardware configurations, including high-end setups and laptops. Players report minimal stuttering or frame loss, even on ultra settings.

High FPS on various hardware: Players report high and stable FPS on a range of hardware, from high-end GPUs like the RTX 5090 and RTX 3070 Ti to mid-range cards like the RTX 2060. The game maintains stable performance even at high resolutions and ultra settings.

Performance on older hardware: The game runs decently on older PCs, with some players reporting smooth performance on rigs that are nearly 10 years old. Optimization allows for adjusted settings to ensure smooth gameplay on lower-end devices.

Supports DLSS and Lumen: The game supports DLSS, which helps in achieving higher FPS and better performance on compatible hardware. This feature is highlighted by several players as a significant advantage.

Small game size: The game has a small file size, which is appreciated by players. This makes it easier to download and install, even on devices with limited storage.

Highly recommended for train enthusiasts: The game is strongly recommended for anyone with an interest in trains, train simulations, or Japanese railways. Multiple reviews highlight its appeal to railfans and train simulation enthusiasts.

Recommended purchase: Several reviews simply state that the game is recommended or definitely recommended, often suggesting it to friends or other potential players.

Worth the price: Many reviews mention that the game offers good value for its price. Players feel that the cost is justified by the quality and enjoyment of the game.

Add more features and content: Players are requesting additional features such as save functionality, controller mapping, more trains and maps, passenger boarding, and unexpected events to enhance gameplay.

More assist features for beginners: There is a call for more assist features to help beginners, including visual indicators for speed control, to make the game more accessible to new players.

Community fair range: $15.00 - $25.00.

Game completion: 3.0h.

Story completion: 0.8h.

Session length: 0.5h.

The game has an initial learning curve due to the lack of a full tutorial, but becomes highly enjoyable once players get the hang of it.

Reported time to anchor: 1h.

Friction: Lack of a comprehensive tutorial; Learning curve for new players.

Newcomer Explorer: Casual and exploratory, focusing on learning and completing routes. Motivation: Enjoyment of easy-to-learn gameplay and completing routes. Stance: buy.

Veteran Enthusiast: Dedicated and immersive, focusing on realism and detailed gameplay mechanics. Motivation: Passion for trains and seeking a high-quality, realistic train simulator. Stance: buy.

Indie Supporter: Supportive and appreciative, focusing on the game's overall quality and the developer's effort. Motivation: Supporting indie developers and appreciating high-quality, passion-driven projects. Stance: buy.

The game generally performs well across most hardware cohorts, with high VRAM configurations reporting smooth performance and stability. Lower VRAM configurations also report good performance but with some isolated issues.

Windows <8GB VRAM: positive. Users report surprisingly smooth performance and high frame rates, even on high settings.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: positive. Users experience very smooth performance and high frame rates, with excellent graphics and optimization.

Windows 8-11GB VRAM: mixed. Most users report good performance and high frame rates, but some mention optimization issues and frame drops.

Steam Deck: The game has received praise for its graphical quality and smooth performance on Linux using Proton. However, there are notable issues with controller support and some performance optimization needed, particularly with frame drops in complex scenes. The overall user experience is positive but could be enhanced with better controller support and performance optimizations.

Linux and Proton: The game demonstrates strong compatibility with Linux through Proton, with users reporting smooth performance and minimal issues. Minor graphical glitches were reported but were easily resolved, indicating a generally positive experience for Linux users.

Early Access and solo development: The game is noted for being in Early Access and developed by a single person, which is impressive and worth mentioning.

Personal playlist mention: A user mentioned their personal playlist related to the game, indicating a personal connection or enhancement to their gaming experience.