Train sim created by just one person is being called the best ever made(kotaku.com)
655 points by oumua_don17 5 days ago | 249 comments
tl;dr: Running Train, an Early Access train sim built by solo developer Novatetsu Games, recreates a fictional Japanese region with 42 routes across 40km of meticulously detailed track—including logically placed powerlines, traffic, and weather/seasonal effects—much of which isn't even visible from the driver's cab. Steam reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the modeling, lighting, and support for the Zuiki MASCON peripheral. Planned additions include passengers, a conductor mode, and expansion to 100km of track by end of next year. It's available now for $18.
HN Discussion:
  • Amazement that a single developer could create such a polished, photorealistic game
  • Curiosity about how a solo dev sources or creates so many high-quality assets
  • Appreciation for modern tools like free Unreal Engine enabling solo devs from anywhere
  • Criticism that the article is shallow and the journalist didn't actually play the game
  • Skepticism about the 'best ever' framing, noting it's derivative of Densha de Go