Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ultimate Trainz Collection builds on the solid foundation of the original Trainz Virtual Railroading, bringing the simulation to version 1.5 with a host of new gameplay mechanics. The addition of multiple cab views and dual cab controls transforms locomotive operation into a fully immersive experience. Whether you’re riding shotgun in the engineer’s seat or overseeing operations from an external perspective, the controls remain intuitive and responsive, allowing both newcomers and veteran train enthusiasts to find their sweet spot.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

One of the standout features in this edition is the Custom Content Manager. Users can browse, download, and install community-created routes, rolling stock, and scenery assets directly from within the game. This seamless integration encourages exploration beyond the included scenarios and opens up virtually endless possibilities for sandbox play. Building your ideal rail network has never been easier thanks to drag-and-drop track laying and a robust terrain editor.

The collection’s six new scenarios—Biriburra Yards, Banks Heath, East Coast Sunlander, Robe River Iron, Alcopulse Railroad, and Blue Sky Steel—offer a pleasing variety of operational challenges. From hauling iron ore across rugged outback lines to orchestrating high-speed passenger services in the East Coast Sunlander, each scenario is meticulously crafted to test your planning skills, time management, and attention to detail. The pacing is well balanced between relaxed scenic runs and high-stress shunting puzzles.

Graphics

Graphically, Ultimate Trainz Collection may not rival the latest AAA titles, but it delivers impressive detail where it counts. The new locomotives, including the iconic GG1 electric engine and the sleek TGV high-speed train, are rendered with crisp textures and realistic proportions. Trackside objects—from signal boxes to telephone poles—add layers of authenticity to each environment, and the updated lighting model enhances atmospheric effects like dusk, dawn, and midday glare.

The scenery assets demonstrate a notable improvement over the original release. Trees, grass, and terrain textures have been refined, while water reflections and shadow mapping lend greater depth to rivers and bridges. Even the humble grain silo or mountain embankment receives thoughtful texturing, making every route feel lived-in. In particular, the Robe River Iron scenario’s arid landscapes and Alcopulse Railroad’s industrial backdrops stand out as highlights of the collection.

For creative enthusiasts, the included Ultimate Trainz Collection edition of the Paint Shed program is a blessing. This design tool allows you to repaint locomotives with custom liveries, logos, and weathering effects. Whether you want to recreate a historic rail company’s exact color scheme or craft a futuristic high-speed bullet train of your own design, Paint Shed’s straightforward interface makes it accessible without sacrificing power or flexibility.

Story

Though train simulators typically place gameplay over narrative, Ultimate Trainz Collection weaves a subtle story through its scenario design. Each mission comes with contextual briefings that outline the historical or commercial importance of the routes you’re about to tackle. For example, the East Coast Sunlander scenario evokes the glamour of long-distance passenger travel, while Banks Heath’s industrial sprawl tells a tale of freight logistics and supply chains.

Beyond in-game briefings, the Trainz eXchange Magazine provides ongoing narrative threads that deepen immersion. With internet access, you can read news updates, developer interviews, and community spotlights without leaving the simulator. These magazine entries spotlight real-world rail events, user-created content highlights, and behind-the-scenes looks at upcoming expansions, keeping the story of Trainz evolving over time.

The sense of progression across the six core scenarios is surprisingly satisfying. Early missions introduce basic hauling and shunting, while later challenges require precise scheduling and coordination of multiple locomotives. By the time you reach Blue Sky Steel’s complex steel mill operations, you’ll feel invested in the simulated rail network, treating each cargo manifest as a small but meaningful chapter in the broader Trainz universe.

Overall Experience

Ultimate Trainz Collection offers one of the most comprehensive railroading simulations available, combining the original Trainz engine with a wealth of new content and usability improvements. The game strikes a fine balance between realism and accessibility, making it a welcome addition for dedicated railfans and casual players alike. The Custom Content Manager ensures the simulator remains fresh long after you complete the included scenarios.

While the graphics engine shows its age in certain areas—such as static crowd models and occasionally muddy textures—the strengths in locomotive detail, environment fidelity, and overall design more than compensate. Performance remains stable across a variety of hardware configurations, and the user interface feels more polished and intuitive than earlier versions of Trainz.

In conclusion, Ultimate Trainz Collection is a must-have for anyone seeking a deep, customizable train simulation experience. Its blend of new scenarios, expanded controls, community integration, and creative tools like Paint Shed make it well worth the investment. Whether you aim to faithfully recreate real-world rail journeys or build fantastical networks from scratch, this collection delivers hours of engaging, rewarding gameplay.

Retro Replay Score

null/10