OpenCritic
Steam
An economic strategy game created by an experienced studio, Gaming Minds, in which the player becomes an owner of a railroad company. Their task is to take control of the entire market and turn their company into an empire. Since the game takes place in XIX and XX century, the technology of the entire society is constantly changing.
Railway Empire, released on PC, PS4 and XONE, is an economic strategy game. The title was developed by veterans in this genre, Gaming Minds, that also created games such as, e.g. Grand Ages: Medieval.
Plot
Railway Empire is set in the United States and the starting point is in the year 1830. Our goal is to create a railway empire and eliminate our competition. The game spans throughout many years allowing us to even play in the 20th century.
Mechanics
Railway Empire, released on PC, PS4 and XONE, is a classic economic strategy game – that means that the game revolves around developing our company and finding a balance between the incomes and expenses. Our responsibilities are: creating new railways, buying and upgrading trains as well as transporting people and goods. We also need to invest in train stations, buildings in which we can repair our vehicles, factories and even tourist attractions for engers.
There are more than forty types of trains and during the game we can use more than three hundred various technologies that are divided into five historical periods. With The increasing level of technologies used by the American society has an impact on the market, which forces us to adapt to new business elements.
The competition, controlled by AI, keeps the game interesting. We can play with maximum of three other companies, although the less experienced players can set their game to have one or two rivals. The fight for keeping our position on the market is not only limited to business. We can sabotage other players by using bandits and spies.
Game modes
We can play in campaign, separate scenarios that offers specific challenges or in a free mode where we can develop our business without any goals imposed on us.
Last updated on July 17, 2017
Last Update: February 6, 2018
Railway Empire Game Guide
This game guide for Railway Empire is a complete set of tips that will teach you everything about railway management. The walkthrough for Railway Empire also includes information on how to build tracks and run your industry.
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Videos and Screens
[1:09] Railway Empire launch trailer
[1:09] Railway Empire gameplay trailer #1
Digitally ed: 4.5 / 5 by Matt Sainsbury
The game plays beautifully, is perfectly comfortable with a controller, is expansive, and is both enjoyable and illuminating. Everything that a good simulation game should be, really.
Pure Nintendo: 7 / 10 by Kirk Hiner
In other words, if you’re considering Railway Empire because you love the sound of a train in the distance, you’re not likely to enjoy the game. This is a management seem that digs deeply into the technology, the business strategy, and the economic acumen required to tame America’s landscape and reach the pinnacle of what this nation’s all about: corporate power.
TheXboxHub: 4 / 5 by Gareth Brierley
This game will only be of true interest to sim fans – railway sim fans in particular. It is maybe too expensive for the newcomer to take a punt on, but should it hit a sale, I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it.
The main pros of the game
- Engaging Gameplay: Many s find the game fun and addictive, especially after learning the mechanics.
- Strategic Depth: The game offers a solid mix of strategy and management, with meaningful decision-making that impacts the player's empire.
- Visual Appeal: The graphics are praised for their detail and beauty, enhancing the overall experience.
- Historical Elements: The inclusion of famous locomotives and the 19th-century setting adds educational value.
- Challenge: The game features various objectives and challenges that keep players engaged, particularly in campaign modes.
The main cons of the game
- Complex Mechanics: Some s find the mechanics complicated and difficult to master, leading to frustration.
- Repetitive Gameplay: Once players figure out the strategies, some feel the game can become repetitive and too easy.
- Frustrating Controls: Many reviews highlight issues with track and signal management, which can lead to gridlock and mission restarts.
- Poor Interface: The menu and UI are considered confusing and not -friendly, making it difficult to access important information quickly.
- AI Competitors: The competitive AI is seen as overly aggressive and can detract from the enjoyment of the game.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to s
- Multiplayer Mode: Many s express a desire for a multiplayer option to enhance the competitive aspect of the game.
- Improved Tutorial: The tutorial is considered inadequate, and players wish for better guidance on the game's mechanics.
- Enhanced Economic Management: Some players feel that the economic aspects could be more developed, allowing for deeper management strategies.
- Better Track Management Tools: s want more intuitive controls for managing trains and tracks to avoid confusion and frustration.
- Sandbox Mode Improvements: Players desire a more relaxed sandbox mode without time constraints, to allow for exploration and learning at their own pace.
Summary
- Overall, "Railway Empire" is well-received for its strategic gameplay and visual appeal, but it faces criticism for its complexity, interface issues, and lack of certain features that could enhance the gaming experience.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 136 votes. 25 players anticipated the game.
Railway Empire Summary
Game Series: Railway Empire
Platforms:
PC Windows January 26, 2018
PlayStation 4 January 26, 2018
Xbox One January 26, 2018
Nintendo Switch June 19, 2020
Developer: Gaming Minds Studios
Publisher: Kalypso Media
Railway Empire System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-750 2.6 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 3.2 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 460 / Radeon HD 5870 or better, 7 GB HDD, Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-2400S 2.5 GHz / AMD FX-4100 3.6 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 680 / Radeon HD 7970 or better, 7 GB HDD, Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit
DLCs for Railway Empire
Down Under
DLC
May 8, 2020
Northern Europe
DLC
December 13, 2019
DLC
May 24, 2019
DLC
March 1, 2019
Great Britain & Ireland
DLC
December 14, 2018
Crossing the Andes
DLC
October 19, 2018
The Great Lakes
DLC
August 17, 2018
Mexico
DLC
June 8, 2018