Should I buy the game?

[tadgell]

hi there

i was wondering, should i buy the North American version of the game? I hear there are a lot of bugs in the game for the EU version, so i am pondering on the question...

[SavV1]

A patch is due for the game in January so, with luck, most of the major bugs will be gone with it.

[RSderek]

I think you should buy the game.

Then you can join in the fun here.


regards

Derek

[FileEditor]

I have probably come across less than 10% of all the bugs and glitches that have been listed around here and of those I have spotted, I would say that I found most because I was 'forcefully' looking for the problem. Some people seem to have real problems with this game whereas others seem to have a perfectly running sim. Maybe you will be lucky, if you get it. Definitely worth getting though - such a step forward from MSTS.

[jimmyshand]

Well worth buying. I agree with the previous response in that I have had very few bug related problems. The only downside at the moment and I stress 'at the moment' is that the game is still bare bones in terms of add ons and extra stock etc. So someone switching from MSTS might be a bit frustrated at not having 100's of locos and routes to choose from.
Graphically this game is a leap forward provided your PC is not too old. However that said my PC is by no means cutting edge but I can still run the game with most settings on medium to high. For me so far it is the cabs that make this game, they are spectacular 3D, photoreal in most and pannable in all directions. In my opinion it is worth the money just for the quality cabs that feature in this game.
This game is the way forward and with some of the new releases on this website is already improving albeit slowly.

[jamespetts]

The most serious problems at the moment are with creating immersive scenarios, signalling and operations. For those interested only in driving, the problems are far less significant than those interested in recreating realistic railway operations more generally.

A number of significant bugs have been confirmed as being addressed in the first patch, but among those not confirmed as being addressed yet are some of the most crucial signalling bugs that mean that a great many realistic situations will result in either collisions or trains being held indefinitely at red signals. Given the confirmed progress in relation to the first patch, it seems likely (but not certain: we don't know, for example, how financially healthy that RSDL, the developer, is) that these problems will be addressed eventually even if they are not addressed in the first patch. Nonetheless, it seems that RSDL are making great efforts to try to fix the problems that we have identified here, so, as things stand at present, the chances are good that things will improve. It also seems that there are additional features that did not make it into the original release, but that are planned for either the first or subsequent patches: support for the Rail Driver controller, for example, is scheduled for the first patch; support for projected lights and heat haze is known to be a goal but not something likely to be found in the first patch.

Whether you buy Rail Simulator now or wait is up to you - given that information, and all that given by other posters here, you should have enough to decide

[AndiS]

By the time KRS will be available in the US you will have details on the patch (or shortly thereafter).

If you love route creation, freestyle driving, or shunting, then KRS is a must as it is now. If your preference is realistic train operations, you might need some fixes, and it is currently unknown what the patch will cover. However, I dare say that after fixing a few of the real bugs (and they certainly are in the focus of RSDL), we will see a situation where this domain is on a par with MSTS and Trainz. It simply needs some time for all the buds to unfold.

Many people will miss their vast collection of MSTS or Trainz models, there is nothing to do about that. However, now that the necessary exporters are available, you will see a stream of good looking models, benefiting from the much better graphics engine.

One thing I suggest is that you treat yourself to some decent graphics card. Need not be a 8800, from other people's reports I gather that a 8600GTS is sufficient for great graphics and framerates. I run KRS on on-board graphics, it runs fairly well considering the dire circumstances, and looks better than MSTS. But I hate to see all the others having tons of vegetation etc. where I have but a top MSTS route, so I am going to change that in the near future.

Bottom line: Do not expect revolutions, but a lot of "eye candy" aka visual joy. And the route editor is fine. You got to learn its ways but then it is fine.

[tadgell]

thanks for everyone opionon, but i am pondering on msts2 also, i not sure when it will be released, and i cant buy both games...lol

[CaptScarlet]

thanks for everyone opionon, but i am pondering on msts2 also, i not sure when it will be released, and i cant buy both games...lol

Msts2 wont be released for about a year but then you will also need Vista to run it which may or may not be a problem for you.

John

[wmghobbs]

You don't have to think of RS as a complete replacement for MSTS. If you have equipment and routes for MSTS that you liked, they don't stop operating when RS is installed. Nor do you have to think of RS or MSTSII. These sims aren't so expensive that you can afford only one.
I bought RS prior to the US release to learn about the steam locos. Waiting for the US route would not have added anything in that regard. The evidence is for a modern diesel era route.
I also had to go through the process of upgrading my video card and power supply. Got lucky there: the video card went on sale for half price leading into Christmas. The video card will handle DirectX10 which will be needed for MSTSII.
When the US release comes out, I am way ahead of the learning curve. I'm not holding my breath for MSTSII. That may be a bit like "Waiting for Godot." So what to do in the meantime? Getting really comfortable with RS is going to take a while longer.

Bill Hobbs

[stuartrayner]

thanks for everyone opionon, but i am pondering on msts2 also, i not sure when it will be released, and i cant buy both games...lol

As others have said, MSTS2 is going to be some time. So, I think buying both is probably the way to go. You can never have to many sims

Seriously though, although there are issues with RS, they dont spoil the fun for me at all. My PC is 4 years old, still 32 bit processor with AGP graphics and RS gives a solid 14-18fps with most settings on med (and a few on high). Enough for me at least. Also, if everybody waited for bugs to be patched there would be little funding or motivation for developers to continue their work.

My advice is to go buy it and get creative with it.

In terms of waiting for the US version, that is certainly a personal choice. However, as the US version will apparently come without the York - Newcastle route, I would recommend downloading that if it is free (or reasonably priced) just for the approach to Newcastle over the Tyne alone (IMHO). If you like switching, Tyne Yard has loads of potential too to complement whatever the Cajon Pass route might add (I will be downloading that. I dont know much about US operations but am looking forward to learning a little ).

[exshunter]

If you can put up with the stuttering/pausing then go ahead and buy it,the graphics are great!!!

[daandmda]

If you can put up with the stuttering/pausing then go ahead and buy it,the graphics are great!!!

Depends on your system. My Windows Vista Home Premium, 3.0 GHz, 2GB RAM, nvidia GF 8400GS 256MB runs it awesomely smoothly.

[exshunter]

fair comment, but i dont think a system comprising of qx6700 processor, 2x8800 gtx sli, 4 gig corsair ram, asus striker extreme m/board, fatal1ty gamer x-fi etc etc should struggle?