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Railway Empire 2 is the latest train management simulation game from developer Gaming Minds Studios and publisher Kalypso Media. As a sequel to the 2018 game Railway Empire, Railway Empire 2 features many quality-of-life improvements from the original title while adding even more details and strategy to the mix. It is a fun but complicated example of a train management simulation game that gives players tools to control their own railroad empire.
As the entrepreneur of a railroad company, in Railway Empire 2 players have to plan out their strategy and manage budgets while bringing the continent together with the use of new rail technologies. The game provides players with countless hours of peaceful locomotive simulation with just the right amount of competitive nudges to keep everyone on track. It is more accessible than its original entry in the series, yet still is a complicated game that can become difficult if played casually.
The Dawn Of Steam Locomotives
Railway Empire 2 takes place during the age of railways as the technology of steam locomotives is just being invented. Throughout the game, players build rail networks between cities all across the continent and pay close attention to resources that are needed or provided in various locations. Building rail lines can become expensive, as tunnels or bridges are required for some parts of the country, so budget is a constant focus. Competing railway companies are also a constant threat that can ruin even the best-laid plans.
As the player grows their company and time moves forward, eventually steam engines evolve into more powerful locomotives. 60 famous trains are included in the game, and players can choose to add different forms of freight or passenger cars onto each route, with detailed depictions of them shown as players zoom in to watch their train bustle down the track. Another change from the original Railway Empire is the greatly improved simplicity of game mechanics for track construction with land that adapts to the track layout across different terrain, as well as expanded train stations that can hold up to 8 tracks each.
The Calming Side Of Gameplay
Despite the complicated management mechanics of Railway Empire 2, the game is incredibly relaxing. The beautifully detailed world and ability to virtually board the trains and watch the scenery pass by provide an almost meditative feel. The United States and continental Europe are included with two large maps that are heavily detailed with terrain and locations that provide education as well as beauty. Players can also enter an engine shed to customize the pain jobs of their locomotives and even read up a bit on each type of train from actual history.
Multiple Modes Of Play
Players can choose from six entrepreneurs to play as, each having their own strengths and weaknesses for the gameplay. There is a single-player campaign made up of five chapters, or players can select one of the 14 different Scenario settings to play through that each offer unique challenges to overcome. There is also a Free Play mode that allows for custom games or construction mode providing a sandbox gameplay setting, both of which offer much more freedom for creativity and customization for players to enjoy playing however they most enjoy.
Railway Empire 2 is not just a single-player experience either. Friends can join forces with a cross-platform multiplayer cooperative experience to outsmart the competition. Up to four players can team up together to run the same railroad company as partners, where good communication becomes a necessity.
Fans Of Management Simulation Games Will Enjoy
As a casual player, Railway Empire 2 can get incredibly overwhelming quickly with the number of different things to pay attention to, such as: resources, connecting lines, what the competition is doing, and budget. This is a strange contrast to the slow-moving nature of the game and the peaceful feeling that the theme and graphics provide. For anyone who is a fan of train simulators or management games, however, Railway Empire 2 is an enjoyable experience that can provide countless hours of entertainment.
Source: PlayStation/YouTube
Railway Empire 2 was released for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on May 25, 2023. Screen Rant was provided with a digital Steam download code for the purpose of this review.