| BVE TrainSim | |
|---|---|
Screenshot of a Class 323 (BVE 4) |
|
| Developer(s) | Takashi Kojima (Mackoy) |
| Publisher(s) | Takashi Kojima (Mackoy) |
| Distributor(s) | Takashi Kojima (Mackoy) |
| Version | BVE TS 2.6.3 BVE TS 4.2.1947.25355 BVE TS 5.0.4265.3690 |
| Platform(s) | Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows ME Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista (With .dll add ons & BVE 5) Windows 7 (With .dll add ons/Windows XP Mode & BVE 5) |
| Release date(s) | BVE TS 2: 2001 BVE TS 4: 2005 BVE TS 5: 2011 |
| Genre(s) | Train Simulator |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) | 3+ |
| System requirements
DirectX (BVE 2 and 4); Microsoft.NET (BVE 4); |
|
BVE Trainsim (originally Boso View Express[1][2][3]) is a Japanese three-dimensional computer-based train simulator.[3] It is notable for focusing on providing an accurate driving experience[3][4][5] as viewed from inside the cab, rather than creating a network of other trains[6][7] —other trains passed along the route are only displayed as stationary objects.[3] BVE Trainsim was developed by Takashi "Mackoy" Kojima[8] starting in 1996,[3] with the original program name coming from the Japanese 255 series multiple unit trains found in routes in Japan.
Although the internal working of the BVE Trainsim program itself cannot be modified, additional routes and train cab views can be added[4][5] via a number of text-based configuration files.[6] Route builders have produced over 300 additional routes for the program,[9] along with matching cab environments. Routes built by independent developers simulate rail activity in Asia, North America, South America, and Europe.[9][10]
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BVE Trainsim 1 was released in 1996 as a Alpha version under the name Boso View Express[11] and 1999 as a Beta Version. This version, the first version of BVE to be produced, had an interface that was similar to BVE Trainsim 2, but did not have a logo. Instead, the official symbol of BVE up until the release of BVE 2 in 2001 featured the words: 暴走 VIEW EXPRESS.[12]
The first stable version released in 2001. BVE Trainsim 2 featured ATS and ATC.
Unreleased and later cancelled, BVE Trainsim 3 was originally started in 2003 as an improvement over BVE Trainsim 2, but was eventually stopped due to problems encountered with development of the aforementioned program.[12]
BVE Trainsim 4, released in 2005, added support for plugins to simulate train safety systems other than ATS and ATC. Because of the cancellation of version three, this was the first follow-on stable version since version two. It also has better graphics than BVE 2 with the former being a major update.
BVE Trainsim 5 was officially released on 5 September 2011 as the successor to BVE 4. In July 2008, the developer had stated that he was rewriting BVE Trainsim from scratch because the currently released versions do not work with DirectX 9, and that the new version would support Windows Vista and Windows 7.[13] It features a new format for storing train routes and route dependencies and a totally different interface from the previous versions including a distance to next station indicator and a passenger discomfort indicator.
openBVE is an independently developed open source train simulator. Although the name and logo which originally came from BVE Trainsim, the open-source train simulator was developed from scratch and features support for train exteriors, animated 3D cab environments and animated scenery. Internally, openBVE makes use of OpenGL for rendering, as well as OpenAL for three-dimensional positional audio.
The program is noted for its cab ambience and realism.[14] It is currently distributed in the public domain,[15] along with full C# and C source code.[16]