The AI system allows for proper consists to spawn in a variety of yards, at a variety of times. The V2 AI gives the impression that you aren't alone and works well in it's present state- what it isn't is an activity editor like in MSTS, or scenario editor for TS20XX. Is it worth the time and money to buy the upgrade? For me it was worth getting just with the introduction of functional AI since I'm not using the MP feature. Any extra packs of locomotives, and or rolling stock you may have already purchased in Version 1 are fully compatible and seem to be upgraded into V2 versions. They've made it easy to import V1 route sets into V2- just follow their instructions.
The V2 upgrade then affects the other sets like Cajon Sub, CSX A-Line, and iirc the Selkirk/Mohawk routes. *Version 2 is compatiable with version 1 content! *Includes accurate signal systems and dispatcher boards for routing player and AI train movements.
*Includes working defect detectors which produce actual random defects to fix.
*Includes the ability to create a true train simulator world by being able to merge routes with new routes such as the BNSF Cajon Sub and the future BNSF Seligman Sub and BNSF Bakersfield Sub. *Includes an improved track and switch system (looks mobetta). *Includes smart AI locomotive engineers that obey signal indications and track speeds. *Includes new environmental lighting and weather systems (clouds, thunderstorms, fog). *Includes a cool new shadow system (included in the latest update). Includes working hump at Barstow with retarder brake squeal sounds. Includes Tehachapi Pass and the Palmdale cutoff betwen Mojave and Hiland There are still some really good online groups to get involved with (e.g., The Depot) if thats your thing too.
One expansion for the East was also recently released, CSX Waycross now carries on the CSX A-Line further (this one I don't have yet so won't comment further to be fair).įor those still on the fence about Multiplayer, the AI in Version 2 is a decent set up- you can also go into the editor and change up times, spawns, and so on to suit your needs- and you see operating trains, can do roll-by's, be a foamer/anorak, do MoW work under the gun without worrying about some numpty ruining your session. There are now a lot more locals to operate if thats your thing, as well as AMTRAK and the plethora of freight movements. Run 8 Studios has also more recently released BNSF San Bernardino Sub- Los Angeles to tie into the Cajon Sub. Two of the expansion sets add more track miles to Southern California operations BNSF Seligman West now advances the old Needles Sub all the way into Arizona and is well rendered. Version 2, which includes some loving to the graphics and some AI that helps flesh out the main line running trains and makes dispatching a lot more interesting (get enough trains running and you could easily just play this as an RTC), has seen three expansions in the past year. It's been awhile since I posted anything rail related so I thought I'd try and catch up with Run 8.