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A-Train |
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System: Amiga 500 (1MB; 1.5 MB for high-resolution graphics) Genre: Manager simulation Manufacturer: Maxis Publication year: 1991 |
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A-Train consists of several elements. On the one hand, you build yourself a railroad
line that should be as profitable as possible, just like in Railroad Tycoon. When you
do it, you should always keep an eye on the regular working times, because the passenger
trains yield most profits in the morning and in the late afternoon, when the people go
to work or return home. On the other hand, you can play the stock exchange, and like in real life, this is risky on the one hand and a long-term investemnt on the other hand. Moreover, the game also deals with real estate speculations. You can and you should purchase real estates, but, above all, you can acquire so-called subsidiaries, as well. What is hidden behind is facilities like appartments and hotels for accomodation, but also lease buildings which you can build in various heights and which go with the principle: the higher the building, the longer it takes to build it. Entertainment facilities like stadiums, golf courses or ski resorts can be bought and sold. All this is designed to fill the city with life, just as is the case in Sim City. However: nothing is possible without raw materials, so you have to build factories to produce them, and, if necessary, you have to establish a transportation line to take them where they are needed. Yet, you should have enough money left at the end of the fiscal year to pay your taxes. A-Train is by far the most complex manager sim that I know. Unfortunately, it is the one that takes most time to play, too, for there is nothing like time compression. Therefore you will need much time and patience, and - for the time in-between in which you cannot do anything - a replacement occupation. |