Trainz - The Complete Collection is absolutely just that... an all-in-one collection of all things
Trainz. Included in this package, you'll have access to everything from the simulators themselves, to expansion packs, and a way to paint railcars any way you wish. Whether you want to start with the
Ultimate Trainz Collection or move into
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 or
2006, or ride the rails in
Trainz Routes 1 - 4, you'll have plenty (and I do mean PLENTY) of routes to run.
Let's just say that there are way too many things included in Trainz - The Complete Collection to be able to touch upon every specialized aspect of each of the games. However, if you're into trains, model railroading, or any other aspect of locomotion, this pack is the one for you.
The basics behind Trainz is that you need to manage everyday tasks of the railroad industry, from moving cars around and keeping the yard clean, to drop-offs and deliveries at remote locations. Trainz can let you get as in-depth as you wish, allowing you to control your locomotives either with a model railroading-style speed dial or from the seat of the engineer, pulling the throttle and mashing the brake levers. No matter which method you choose, you'll need to always keep speed in mind, because it can be very easy to get out of control around corners or come into a yard too hot and derail by hitting another train (Yes, I did it. No, you don't want to hire me to pilot your train.).
While there are some tutorials that will help you get used to the mechanics of the Trainz universe, it seemed easy to get "lost" in what to do next for the game's mission-style objectives. It's true that you can be prompted with new goals in some modes, but they are sometimes not nearly as clear as the need to be, which can lead to some frustrating moments.
Trainz - The Complete Collection isn't just a mission-based train simulator, however. In other modes, you'll be able to even set up or modify your own tracks throughout the world, put any combination of train cars onto the tracks, and populate the world with everything from buildings to herds of animals. There are literally thousands (the game claims to have over 80,000 items available for download) of objects that you can place in your world, which is an amazing thing for anyone that is into model railroads but doesn't have the space for it at home.
There is just so much to do in Trainz - The Complete Collection that you will certainly get your money's worth if you're into this sort of simulation. On a deeper side, you will also have to do some management to keep things flowing around the world you're playing. Another great thing about these types of games is that even when you complete all of the objects in one mode of play, you'll always have replay value with the free play modes. Kudos for compressing so much into one package.
