Ludography
The Train Game cover

1983 · Puzzle

The Train Game

1983 video game

Released
1983
Platforms
ZX Spectrum
Genres
Puzzle
Developers
—
Publishers
—
Modes
Single-player
Country
United Kingdom

About

The Train Game is a simulation video game originally published by Microsphere for the ZX Spectrum in 1983.

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The player assumes the role of a chief operations manager at a railway. Two different track layouts are included, A and B, each viewed from overhead on a single screen. Trains must be kept running by operating switches to avoid derailment. To score points, trains must stop at stations to pick up passengers.

The player selects a level of play, which determines the number of trains running, and for every 25 passengers picked up, the sub-level increases by one. If passengers are kept waiting too long, they become angry and do not increase the player's score. Up to three trains may be running on the network, and passengers are colour-coded indicating which train they wish to board.

Reception

The Train Game was critically well received. Sinclair User described it as original, well-thought-out and full of action. ZX Computing considered the game to be an excellent example of what the 16K Spectrum is capable of, requiring skill and practice to navigate even one train. It was suggested that a training track with eight switches should have been included.

CRASH observed that The Train Game was "simple in idea, but sophisticated in its details", with the player required to rapidly check the switches each train is approaching, while also considering the needs of the waiting passengers. The graphics were highlighted as "cute and to the point", and overall a review score of 75% was awarded.

Collections1 collection

Platform libraries

Description adapted from its source, CC BY-SA 4.0.