Microsoft Train Simulator 2
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| Microsoft Train Simulator 2 (Predicted Name) | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | ACES Studio |
| Publisher(s) | Microsoft Game Studios |
| Distributor(s) | Microsoft |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release date | TBA 2009 |
| Genre(s) | Train simulator |
| Media | DVD |
Microsoft Train Simulator 2 (MSTS2) is a train simulator, first announced on January 19, 2007, currently in development and scheduled for release in 2009[1]. The program's lead designer, Rick Selby, has announced that it will be compatible with both Windows XP and Windows Vista[2]. It is the successor to Microsoft Train Simulator and is being developed by ACES Studio (Microsoft Game Studios), known for its long line of Microsoft Flight Simulators, as a part of the "Games for Windows" initiative. The game will use the Microsoft Flight Simulator X graphics engine.
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[edit] About
Microsoft demonstrated Train Simulator 2 on August 25, at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, and released an official press kit which includes several in-game visual prototype images, asset renders and two videos. One video indicates that the game's terrain will cover the entire planet, similar to their modern Flight Simulators, with global rail network data available to route builders.[3][4] Little else is currently known regarding the title. Backwards compatibility with MSTS 1 is unlikely as this is a completely new product having only the name in common with its predecessor. Initial information can be found from Microsoft's official Train Simulator website.[5]
[edit] Release Date
Microsoft Train Simulator 2 is due sometime April 2009.
[edit] Routes
Train Simulator 4 High-Detail Routes: 1. Horseshoe Curve (USA route) 2. Steven's Pass (USA route) 3. BLS Lötschbergbahn (Europe route) 4. Still Unknown (Europe route)
[edit] Possible Names
Many names were considered for MSTS2:[who?]
- Microsoft Train Simulator 2
- Train Simulator 2
- Train Simulator X
- Train Simulator - The World Of Rails
- Train Simulator 2 - As Real as it Gets
[edit] Earlier MSTS2
A sequel to Microsoft Train Simulator was originally announced by Microsoft in 2003. But was cancelled late in the year.
On May 7, 2003, Microsoft Train Simulator 2 was announced,[6] and it was first demoed to the public at E3 Media and Business Summit on May 15.[7] Seemingly its main improvements were the addition of people to the game (i.e. passengers waiting at the stations, people operating the new locomotive roster, etc.), more realistic crashes and other accidents, and turntables. It was being developed by Kuju Entertainment, the original MSTS creators. Due to restructuring efforts at Kuju, the project was however handed over to Microsoft Game Studios on August 18, 2003.[8] However, this project was ultimately cancelled, as the following statement from Microsoft confirmed.
April 24, 2004 — As you know, every business segment within Microsoft is responsible for continually evaluating its strategy and investments in all areas of the business to achieve operational efficiencies. At Microsoft Game Studios (MGS), we must continually evaluate our portfolio strategy and investments to ensure we are achieving our most important objectives of creating successful, platform driving titles for Windows gamers. In addition, Microsoft Games Studio must streamline game development operations to be more efficient and critically examine all projects in development to position the business for long-term success and profitability.
Microsoft Game Studios has cancelled the Windows-based game "Train Simulator 2.0." The decision to cancel "Train Simulator 2.0" was made some time ago and was based on a long, hard and difficult look at our business objectives and product offerings. We remain focused on the simulations category with successful, platform-driving franchises such as "Microsoft Flight Simulator." [9]
[edit] References
- ^ [1] Announcement on the program's official web site.
- ^ [2]Posting on the www.railroadforums.com forum.
- ^ MSTS 2: General Fact Sheet
- ^ Screens of Microsoft Train Simulator 2
- ^ Announcement of new Microsoft Train Simulator
- ^ Microsoft announces Train Simulator 2 – GameSpot.com (May 7, 2003)
- ^ Train Simulator 2 Impressions – GameSpot.com (May 15, 2003)
- ^ Microsoft takes over Train Sim 2 – GameSpot.com (August 18, 2003)
- ^ Train Simulator 2 canceled – GameSpot.com (April 24, 2004)
[edit] See also
- MSTS1 - The Original Microsoft Train Simulator.
- UKTrainSim - An add-on site which is supporting the MSTS 2 project.
- Flight Simulator X - The platform MSTS 2 will be built on.
