Trainz: A New Era offers nearly everything a rail fan could want: from the ability to build your own railway to controlling the trains. With convincing real world physics, weather effects, and the ability to drive modern and historical trains from all over the world, this is the closest most enthusiast get to their dream of driving a 662,000 lb locomotive.

The only issue? If you want all the DLC it might be cheaper to buy your own railroad.

Back on track

The most recent release of Trainz: A New Era has just undergone a huge overhaul, making it look and feel better than ever as you control locomotives of all types and eras from all over the world. Perfect for trainspotters of all varieties.

If you are not in the know, you may think that controlling your train will be simple. After all - once you have laid your track - you can only go backwards and forwards. But there is far more to it than that.

Along with controlling speed to account of bends - and making sure you arrive on time - you also have to be aware of every other element of the track. This include ensuring the points have been switched to the section of track you want to travel along and adjusting for every inch of incline as you crawl upwards - being sure you are aware of the additional drag each carriage adds.

A digital train set

You don't only worry about this when controlling the train, you must also keep it in mind if you choose to construct your own routes.

Fortunately the digital manual that comes with Trainz: A New Era should prepare you, just read through its 250 pages and you should be ready to deal with every weather and real-time physics effect it can throw at you…

The only downside is the DLC. Sure, there is a lot for free from the games “download station”, but the 26 pieces of paid additional content add up to a hefty price tag if you want to purchase them all.

I choo choo choose you

Unlike simulator games like American Truck Simulator or Farming Simulator 15, Trainz: A New Era is unlikely to gather an audience outside of train fans. But for this audience, it is perfect and should offer everything they want until the next Trainz release... providing they can afford all the DLC they want.