Train Simulator

Overview

Train Simulator, sometimes known as Railfan, is a series of Japanese train driving simulation games developed and released by Ongakukan between 1995 and 2007, with a revival in 2022. Earlier games in the series were released for Windows and Macintosh computers, while later games in the series were released for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation 3. Most of the games were released exclusively in Japan, with only one entry (Railfan: Taiwan High Speed Rail) receiving an overseas release in Taiwan and the revival being released digitally worldwide. Some of these games were developed as a crossover with Taito's Densha de Go! series, combining the former's use of full-motion video with the latter's arcade gameplay.

One of the earliest simulators of its type, Train Simulator pioneered the use of real-life footage as full-motion video for the train cab's front window which, combined with the interactive 3D-modelled replica of the train cab's interior, gives the illusion that the player is driving an actual train through the real route. The video itself adjusts its playback to match the train's actual speed, with audio mixed-in separately. This technique was later used for numerous other train driving simulators, including Unten Douraku, Hassha Yoshi, and Testudou Nippon.

Gameplay-wise, Train Simulator has players driving a train through each section of the route using a simplistic set of controls (a multi-stage throttle lever and a multi-stage brake lever, both of which can be combined into a single set of controls). Along with free-form driving through the unlocked sections, players can unlock additional sections by playing through each game's "Exam" mode, which tasks them with additional restrictions (such as following both the speed limit and strict timetable and following strict guidelines for stopping the train at the platform). Each game also has bonus travel information about each station, the railway itself, and surrounding areas, as well as a quiz mini-game.

The series primarily focuses on particular railway lines throughout Japan, with some entries including multiple lines and some entries including overseas lines (such as the West Rhine Railway in Germany, the Marseille-Ventimiglia Railway in France, the CTA Brown Line in the United States, and the Taiwan High Speed Rail in Taiwan). Most of these games focus on electric trains, with some focusing on high-speed "bullet trains".

The series is the brainchild of Ongakukan founder Minoru Mukaiya, who was best known at the time as the keyboardist for the jazz fusion band Casiopea. The studio previously used the video synchronization technology for the multimedia project "Touch the Music by Casiopea". Earlier games in the series had Mukaiya's name on the box art as the game's "director", and had him voice the game's mascot (a train driver bearing his resemblance). Music from the band were also used in some of the series' later entries (most notably Train Simulator Real: The Yamanote-sen).

After the release of the series' PS3 entries (Railfan and Railfan: Taiwan High Speed Rail), Ongakukan ceased working on consumer train driving simulation games and instead focused on large-scale train driving simulators (for exhibitions and training), automated train platform doors, and train departure melodies. Much of their experience in industrial simulators were later used in the 2022 revival, JR East Train Simulator.