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Build and operate a money-making transport network by linking
passengers and cargo to their destinations. Put together a
profitable company by constructing transportation routes between
growing cities and their industries. Race against other companies
to make the most lucrative connections and rake in the cash.
Or just sit back and enjoy the detailed world in action as
you build and play with moving vehicles such as trains, buses,
ships, and aircraft...
Chris
Sawyer's Locomotion
is, in essence, an updated version of his classic Transport
Tycoon series. It allows you to construct a variety
of vehicles: trains, buses, trams, trucks, aircraft and ships.
You can also play during different time periods from 1900
to 2000, with appropriate vehicle types, buildings, industries,
and background music; connect roads and tracks with an easy-to-use
interface; compete against up to 14 other simulated transport
companies; challenge a friend with head-to-head multiplayer;
build your transportation empire in three different areas
of the world - North American, British, and Alpine; and delve
into over 40 pre-designed scenarios, or randomly generate
your own unique scenarios.
One thing that struck me was that the cover of this game so
heavily promotes the fact that this was created by the man
behind Roller Coaster Tycoon. Why does it not mention
the fact that he also created the Transport Tycoon series?
Is it perhaps because Atari are trying to repackage a ten
year old game with some slight modifications?
And
why is it called Locomotion? Building and running a
rail network is only part of the game. Trucks, busses, trams,
planes and ships are also an integral part of the whole package.
Could it be that Atari were hoping to appeal to model rail
enthusiasts?
That
said, Locomotion is a lot of fun. Okay, it's not easy
to get to grips with, and the training sections don't really
go into enough depth - like it would have been handy if this
had shown you how to take out a bank loan to buy more stock.
Also it won't be long before your screen is full of loads
of windows that show each vehicle and it's stats - and at
times your screen can become a little cluttered. But, once
you've mastered the basics, this is an extremely addictive
game. I really enjoyed playing on the map of Great Britain
- moving coal and grain between London and Plymouth - but
there are many more interesting scenarios for you to try.
If this sort of game is your thing, then you will find plenty
here to entertain you.
But,
while there is plenty to keep you amused, a slightly redesigned
version of a game that was released ten years ago is not,
in my book, a new game. If you've already got one of the Transport
Tycoon games, then you're probably better off without
this new version.
Nick
Smithson
Buy
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£24.99
(Amazon.co.uk)
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£16.99
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£16.99
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All prices correct at time of going to press.
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