Train Mechanic Simulator is a simulator focused on the repair and driving of various trains and their carriages. Featuring a mixture of first-person repair and third-person driving, the game features a huge open world to explore and a plot driven story.

Keeping on track

Following the recent slow revolution of simulator games, Train Mechanic Simulator presents an interesting take on the genre. The mixture of first-person and third-person play styles brings a feeling of a more traditional RPG which works surprisingly well. In repair mode, players can take apart all manner of engine parts and rotate them in 3D space before replacing them and fixing damage. In driver mode, the character journeys through a massive world stopping along the way to repair yet more damaged trains. This relaxing style of play which is becoming ever more popular is enhanced by soothing music and realistic graphics. While it will certainly become tiresome for some, Train Mechanic Simulator makes enough in the way of progress to feel like a true innovation.

One step forward

Fans of other transport simulators will find lots to enjoy in this charming little title. The inclusion of a basic plot and varied play modes are a nice touch but this does come at the price of realism. Some parts and repairs appear fairly ridiculous, partly breaking the immersion which is so important in simulators. Overall, however, Train Mechanic Simulator is an engaging game.