Virtual reality (VR) presents an incredible opportunity for deep simulation experiences, which makes it surprising that train simulators are relatively rare, particularly for PC VR and devices like the Meta Quest. Passionate simulator enthusiasts often go to great lengths to recreate the feel of being a train driver, complete with elaborate setups and controls. Imagine immersing yourself in a fully realized virtual environment that simulates this sensation—this is what Train Sim World VR: New York aims to deliver.
Created by Dovetail Games and Just Add Water, this game is a streamlined adaptation of the original Train Sim World available on PC. It focuses on the Harlem Route of the New York Metro, featuring an impressive 1:1 scale replica that spans over 29 miles through Manhattan and climbs up to Harlem, incorporating both underground and aboveground scenic views. The experience includes real trains, brought to life through a collaboration with the MTA.
Recreating such an expansive route in VR is a bold undertaking that the developers embraced eagerly, recognizing the platform’s potential.
“As a lifelong train enthusiast and simulation aficionado, I felt immersed in a new world when Microsoft launched Microsoft Train Simulator in 2001, and to this day, I’m still navigating through it!” shared Matt Peddlesden, executive producer at Dovetail Games, reflecting on his journey into the realm of train simulation. Beyond his role at Dovetail, Peddlesden has also established a community-driven UK Train Sim website.
Developing this VR project involved a fresh perspective compared to their previous work on PCs and consoles. “The key was understanding the differences between a Quest platform and non-Quest platforms,” Peddlesden elaborated. “I can easily spend hours in front of a PC exploring vast mountain passes, but a Quest user likely prefers shorter, more engaging sessions. This guided our decision to feature the Harlem Line, which offers brief, impactful experiences.”
The game is crafted not only for hardcore fans but also for newcomers to the franchise. The meticulous attention to detail and authenticity is clear, as players will manipulate all controls for operating various trains, including the older M3A and newer M7A models, without any compromise in complexity. Gamers will find themselves managing door operations, adjusting speed with a variable control lever, sounding the horn, and adhering to schedules and speed limits—just as one would in reality.
However, certain unnecessary controls have been streamlined, and the developers have gamified portions of the experience to inject fun into an otherwise serious simulator. A new campaign mode deviates from the PC version by featuring a scoring system based on speed compliance, horn usage with fans or mechanics on track, and timely stops at stations. This incentivizes players to revisit particular routes and refine their skills, even if they aren’t detail-oriented enthusiasts.
This blend of high-score challenges and replayability offers a relaxing yet immersive experience, where players may lose track of time until their headset’s battery runs low. The developers have successfully recreated the essence of train operation without requiring physical controls, adjusting the experience thoughtfully for VR players who might be less familiar with traditional train simulators.
“We had to cater to both the VR audience and train buffs; hence, we retained authentic train-driving controls while incorporating arcade-style elements, including score gates and objectives for users preferring a faster-paced playstyle,” noted Nick Dent, lead game designer from Just Add Water.
This marriage of precise simulation with high-score incentives and game-like objectives parallels that of arcade train simulations, like the renowned Densha de Go! As you step into a Tokyo arcade and engage with one of these machines, you’re not just interacting with a game; you’re stepping into an authentic driver’s cabin, reminiscent of those on the Yamanote line, equipped with a dedicated space for a pocket watch, akin to a real train operator.
The gameplay creatively fuses the authentic feel of train operation with scoring and goals, paired with accessibility settings designed for a broad audience, welcoming everyone to experience the joy of train driving. The development team expressed their desire to ensure inclusivity in the experience.
“We drew inspiration from Densha de Go in balancing enjoyment with realism, playing it for hours on the Switch!” Dent explained. “Especially on Quest, it needed a similar arcade vibe to engage the VR community. With millions of headsets available, we couldn’t ignore that aspect.”
One of the most gratifying aspects of this experience is that as players improve, the gameplay becomes increasingly tranquil. With familiarity with the controls, handling them becomes second nature, enabling appreciation for the immersive world around you. Although visually simplified to accommodate the hardware’s limitations, especially on the Quest 2, the recreation remains detailed enough that players can recognize familiar sights from their journeys in New York.
Simply hearing the train sounds and adjusting controls serves as a calming respite from reality, which is a feat that required considerable effort to achieve.
“A major challenge for Train Sim World in terms of routes is the 1:1 scale, which made transitioning to VR particularly demanding,” Peddlesden highlighted. “In gaming terms, 29 miles is enormous, making it a significant hurdle to travel at 70 miles per hour without any loading screens. While accurate simulation is vital, achieving 72 frames per second holds even greater importance.”
The game’s tranquil ambiance is complemented by a menu designed to resemble an apartment, complete with smooth jazz to ease players into the experience. In Journey mode, players can disembark to explore stations and collect items to enhance their apartment’s decor, all while enjoying the route and immersing themselves in the driving experience without the pressures of hitting performance targets.
Train Sim World VR has been developed in partnership with the MTA to ensure the train and line representation is accurate, allowing the team to gain invaluable insights about the real-world line. However, they are mindful of the line between realism and safety.
“We routinely consult with MTA and Metro North, presenting them with ongoing builds or screenshots, and they provide feedback. The primary concern is less about being too accurate and more about over-accuracy due to inherent safety and security risks, particularly with the Metro, where the immersive experience makes you feel like you’re actually on the train,” they noted.
This game successfully marries the desires of core simulation fans with enhancements aimed at making the experience accessible for newcomers. This approach has helped not just in attracting those less experienced in train simulations, but also in drawing dedicated PC fans into the VR world. Dovetail noted that showcasing the game at events has led some PC players to acquire headsets for this experience, while some even participated as beta testers.
As our discussion wrapped up, the team expressed hopes that this endeavor could pave the way for additional VR lines in the future, depending on its success. I share that hope; whether it’s more journeys through New York or exploring entirely different destinations, having spent time with this title makes the prospect of diving back into Train Sim World VR to venture somewhere new thrilling rather than daunting.
Now that I’ve concluded this article, perhaps a ride awaits me.