Reviews:
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This follow-up offers the same smart and polished management challenges as the first, but adds loads of new content and variations
With memories from my early years including spending time with my grandfather in his basement with his elaborate model train setup, there’s something about the Train Valley titles that taps into nostalgic appeal. Granted, this is absolutely a puzzle / strategy game that is more focused on the minutia of where and how you lay out your tracks and junctions rather than what’s pleasing to the eye, but each scenario you find yourself in typically manages to exude some sort of charm regardless. Once you’re set up your job is to then manage everything very carefully to move around people and supplies without any catastrophic accidents along the way. While you don’t need to be on the clock necessarily (you just won’t earn stars as quickly), the real thrill is when you’re able to get set up in a way that you’re able to stagger at least 2 sets of cars on your railways at once, staying efficient and trying to beat that minimum time with flying colors. Perhaps the core gameplay hasn’t changed much from the original, but the fact that you’ll pretty quickly be able to remember the sensible controls and that there are challenges spanning multiple eras, each with their own concerns and flair, really makes this feel like a satisfying package.
Justin Nation, Score:Nindie Choice! [8.8]