Despite our preference for Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach and Bispham’s iconic tram line, Vienna’s tram line is certainly up there. Although TramSim: Console Edition lacks the TLC of Train Sim World 3, it succeeds at engrossing you in its stunning scenery despite lacking the TLC of Train Sim World 3.
We’ve never visited the Austrian capital – if the developer wants to invite us over for research purposes, we’ll happily pack a bag right away – but we spent some time watching YouTube references, and it’s clear there’s been some great attention to detail put into this release. Since we saw the city in the game, we picked out real-life landmarks and buildings even though we’ve never been there.
The tram operation is extremely straightforward outside of the startup procedure, which you can skip in most modes. It’s a lot easier than some of Train Sim World’s routes. Despite some cumbersome control aspects, we wished the title was better tuned to consoles – it’s like playing a simulator from a decade ago, when developers hadn’t quite mastered the concept of a traditional controller.
You’ll enjoy driving the tram around more than anything else. The second route is inspired by Munich, adding some much-needed variety, but you can tell the developer spent most of its time and money on Vienna, since this is clearly the more detailed of the two locations.
In terms of direction, it’s almost hands-off, but the XP system allows a light sense of progression. After driving both routes a few times, we didn’t feel compelled to repeat them. Train Sim World 3 has medals and collectibles, and deeper scenarios, so we would only recommend TramSim: Console Edition if you are comfortable setting your own rules and rewards.
Pros:
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Vienna reimagined.
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Operating a tram is relaxing.
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Therapeutic, calming.
Cons:
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Interface and control issues.
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Goals are unimportant.
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A Vienna-Munich matchup.
My rating is 6 over 10.