To install:
As I had written as loving the previous version was to make so good a free update. This then hebte the 2012 version to the 2013, brought especially from the menu a lot of innovations. More on that later.
The simulation runs as its predecessor under Steam, which requires an account with the latter. Without this it is not playable. Possibly updates need to be loaded from several hundred MB before you can start properly. With the CD version, I think it me.
The Menu:
Anyone who has played the part of the 2012 is particularly attentive to the biggest improvement here. Finally there is a reasonable and straightforward menu where you can choose between scenarios, the quick game, or Collection.
In the collection there is an area below the example, the routes are listed that have been installed / purchased. Then, clicking one arrives at a list of various scenarios in which you can drive these different trains. These are labeled with differently colored bar (green, yellow, orange, red) to bring the level of difficulty of each route expressed. Additionally, the traveling time is written.
This is however also linked to the difficulty, because a 180Minuten ride is quite something difficult due to the concentration time.
I find it very successful compared to its predecessor.
Graphics / Sound:
Even with the update some innovations came in terms of graphics.
On the one hand you can now set the graphics in the main menu itself and no longer has to take an additional program, on the other hand, it runs better with a little less hardware. While it is in the high settings still very hardware hungry, but already a little less than before.
Also new is the distance tilting was used. In yet already older Hagen-Siegen route the tracks in the area of the curve are eg ground level. With the new route London-Brighton the new track technique was applied in the in the corners the track, at every turn, others were moved to an angle. Thus, the trains put into the corner and you can then take them at a higher speed.
Trains are also displayed faithfully in the game. Since there is nothing wrong.
For sound, I can also leave a few words. Each train sounds different. Be it from the motors ago or the operating noise of the axles and wheels. Even when stopping every train squeals different.
So I imagine a simulation.
Detailed and authentic!
Content:
As we come to the root of all evil. Although the packaging like much promise, but there is something different.
Who expects a lot of content will be disappointed very quickly. If you buy for the first time this game is included in about 2-3 lines and that's it. Who wants to drive more routes must already more into their pockets, because most of all content, whether additional routes or trains, it must additionally purchase on Steam and can go before the money quickly.
The packages cost nähmlich quite a lot. For example, the route West Coast Main Line North is offered for 29.99.
Such routes while including diverse Zuggespanne, several scenarios and a beautifully modeled route that are long in some packets over 100-150km. But one would like to several routes acquire one should take time with the purchase, since many routes are in the range between 20-30.
Last year I found fault nor the pricing policy, since I was not willing to shell out so much for such routes. Now it looks still exactly, but the more tracks you tried, so you could tell what kind of work goes into it.
That's why I have been there a split opinion.
Nebenstrecken there is then even more trains to acquire that cost around 7-13. These are then recreated in great detail and also come up with new scenarios.
But be careful!
Well read the description. Because there is often noted, which is provided for a particular train a distance. This is not available, so you can not play the supplied scenario.
Language:
Here English is required. While there are packages where the info texts are all in German, but just as many are only in English. Why has taken no time to translate them to the country I do not understand.
Steam Workshop:
Newly there is now also the workshop. There everyone who owned the simulation can create an original story and make it available for playing the TS community. There is then also what lines and trains have you have to play this and these scenarios are then evaluated.
Homegrown:
On the Rail.Sim.de side there is a large forum where there are also people build themselves using de editor own routes. These cost nothing and you can even install without any problems with him. These routes are mostly in terms of signal technology and detailed awareness again a good increase to traditional things.
Stopping by worthwhile.
Conclusion:
On the whole I am satisfied with the update. It has become finally clear and uncomplicated. The new routes are beautiful and TS 2013 can rightly be called a simulation. It gives me a lot of fun with the workshops and the forums you get always delivered new things.
Only the prices for additional content are a bit steep. Since everyone has to decide for himself whether the price would be paid for a route.
-> A small tip: Steam makes regular promotions where everything is reduced by 50-75%. Who then buys new additional content can not complain really.
