We’re RailFans!
February 14th, 2008
When we’re taking breaks in our company lounge - strangely many of our staff seem to be addicted to RailFan - the rather unusual, but hyper realistic simulation game for the PlayStation 3 that lets you act out on your all time fantasy of being a train conductor. Well maybe this is a common fantasy for those living in or have lived in Japan.
The game emphasizes realism and allows you to drive trains in three different locations, including Chicago’s brown line, part of Tokyo’s JR system and Osaka. Your task in the game is simply, you need to run the train properly and make sure to stop on time at each station. Controls are pretty simple as well, you only need to control the train’s throttle.
Railfan differs from other train simulation games mainly by its graphics. The game’s graphics are displayed by a streaming video of the actual train lines. The camera shakes to give you the feeling of a moving train and cut-scenes will display additional overhead views of the train.
The game is extremely challenging and teaches among many things just how little margin for error there is in train operations. You think that being only 10 seconds behind schedule is minor but multiplied across say the Chuo line of Tokyo and you’ll be over 10 minutes late before you even get to Mitaka with angry salaryman late to work.
The game is addictive in strange way and perfect for the office lounge has you can take sips of coffee and dream up new ideas with co-workers.
Highly recommended. Only wish we could drive subway cars and see virtual tunnel advertising displays like our MetroVISTA platform. Maybe the next version will feature these elements!
More on RailFan @ Wikipedia
