An early access code was used, with many thanks to Big Games Machine.
In the heart of a bustling city at the turn of the 20th century, Railroad Corporation 2 from developers Corbie Games invites you to step into the shoes of a budding railroad magnate.
With a map spread before you and the sound of trains echoing in the distance, you’re tasked with building a rail network that will connect cities, drive industry, and carve out your place in history. As an early access title, Railroad Corporation 2 shows plenty of potential, but it’s clear that there’s still some fine-tuning needed to make it the true tycoon experience it aims to be.
A Detailed World in Railroad Corporation 2
From the moment you start your journey, Railroad Corporation 2 impresses with its attention to detail. The game world is richly textured, with cities, landscapes, and infrastructure.
The premise is engaging. It allows you to experience the challenges of managing a railroad corporation during a pivotal era in transportation history as the industry moves from steam to electric-powered trains. The game’s focus on strategic planning and economic management gives it a depth that fans of the genre will appreciate.
This early access version of the game that I played has one mission and a sandbox mode. There are 10 locomotives in total, with more to be added during the early access stage.
Whether you’re laying tracks across vast landscapes, upgrading locomotives, or constructing vital infrastructure like bridges and tunnels, the gameplay is both challenging and rewarding. The introduction of railroad electrification as a central gameplay mechanic adds a layer of historical authenticity, and the need to balance finances while expanding your network keeps you on your toes.
You’ll start by setting up your headquarters in a strategic location and managing specialised departments. You’ll also complete research on the tech tree to develop new technologies and geology to explore and acquire new resources.
You will need to staff your train empire strategically to gain advantages across important departments, such as track building and maintenance, to ensure your railroad’s smooth and profitable operation. You’ll also be tasked with transporting all sorts of resources, such as wood, grain and stone, and delivering them to the correct location.
The Need for a Stronger Tutorial
However, as promising as Railroad Corporation 2 is, it’s hard to ignore that the game could greatly benefit from a more robust tutorial system. The initial learning curve is quite steep, especially for new players who may need help with the number of systems and options available from the start. While the game does provide some guidance, it’s often insufficient for those unfamiliar with railroad management’s ins and outs.
A more comprehensive tutorial would help ease new players into the complex mechanics, ensuring that they can fully enjoy the gameplay without feeling lost or frustrated. This is especially important in a game where strategic decisions carry significant weight and can determine the success or failure of your corporation.
User Interface and Long Load Times
Another area in which I think Railroad Corporation 2 could pay some attention is its user interface. While the UI is functional, it feels like it could be much more intuitive. Important information can be difficult to find, hidden away and buried in the UI, and navigating through the various menus can be a cumbersome experience. For a game that demands careful management of multiple systems, a streamlined and user-friendly interface is crucial.
Improving the UI to make it more intuitive and accessible would enhance the overall gameplay experience. Players should be able to focus on strategic decision-making without being bogged down by confusing menus or unclear instructions.
Another area the developers should pay attention to is the long load times when you first begin to play the game; the game loads so slowly that I had enough time to go and make a coffee and come back to my laptop.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite these issues, Railroad Corporation 2 is a game with a lot of potential. The early access version already offers an engaging experience, and with some additional polish, it could become a standout title in the genre.
The developers, Corbie Games, have a solid foundation to build upon; there’s every reason to believe that the final version will address the current shortcomings and deliver a good gaming experience. Railroad Corporation 2 is worth watching for those who enjoy the challenge of building and managing a complex network of railroads.
Final Thoughts
As it stands, Railroad Corporation 2 is a diamond in the rough. It offers a pretty detailed world and strategic gameplay but is held back by the learning curve and a UI that needs refinement. For now, it’s a promising journey that’s worth taking as long as you’re prepared for a few bumps along the tracks. You can check out the game on the Steam page here and maybe add it to your Wishlist.
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