Railfan - PS3

[englishbob]

Cracking find, thanks. Its the Asian version for me then. Just got to find somewhere that will ship to the UK then!

[J0e Musashi]

How is the options screen, hard to navigate for non-Japanese?

[Akihabara]

Tried the Densha de Go controller from 98, didnt work with PS2-usb adaptor, anybody tried later versions?

[Gradius]

I don't own Railfan but have tried my shinkansen (usb) controller on Densha de Go Final on my ps3 and it works fine. I'm really tempted to get this game now.

[Ginger Tosser]

Mmmm, maybe i'll keep the Shinkansen then

On a train theme anyone seen the Wii branded Shinkansen controller, real or photoshop?

[Gradius]

Just found a decent translation page for Railfan if you really need it.

http://www.densha-de-go.com/railfanps3.htm

Plenty of spiffy Densha related goodness to be found on this site.

[Ginger Tosser]

Nice find.

This interests me Will the ps2 version work!

[Gradius]

Nice find.

This interests me Will the ps2 version work!

Maybe, but you will need to get a Japanese Wii methinks. I cannot see this getting a western release

[englishbob]

Slightly OT, but I'd like to get one of the Densha series on PSP. At first glance there seems to be around 4 different games, so which one comes with the highest recommendation?

[canuhavebabies]

I've been playing on Railfan all night (11pm-10am)


Here's some notes i made for the preperation of my review....


+ You can save and reply your played routes

+ The Type 2 Densha de go! Controller works on Railfan

+ THe Gameplay is much more eaisier than previous Ongakukan releases

+ Stoping at the right part of each station is far easier, i'm not sure if this is a good thing

+ The movie styled camera option (ariel shots from helicopter mixed with ground shots) is brilliant with some wide angled city views.

+ Did i mention the type 2 controller works with it!

+ Each line has options for the player to view various locations and landmarks in picture format with a Japanese narrator with Japanese text.

+ Each line has different menu music, ranging from easy listening to relaxed beats.

+ Those used to previous Ongakukan games, might take a few minutes adjusting to the different layout and icons.

+ The reply mode also includes a demonstration of each line being played. It's pretty addictive watching it. very relaxing.

+ The train sound effects seem too quiet compared to the gears, driver, etc. I'll try and mess with the audio controls later.

+ The sheer amount of cameras on the Japanese lines are umbelievable. Every 30 odd seconds theres a different camera shot, whether from a station, helicopter, back of a moving car, in a field, hanging from a post, and many other creative places.

+ The Kyoto line starts underground for a few minutes, but the rest of the line is outdoors.

+ The Tokyo line has very impressive areial shots.

+ I still havnt played the main game / tasks section, just the free ride mode.

[r3z]

On PSP there's quite a few to choose from but personally I think the first one - Mobile Train Simulator + Densha De Go! - is the best as it's got a good variation of runs and it's the most unique (uses video), but it's also pretty difficult and is quite strict regarding mistakes.
The other Densha De Go games are conversions from PS2 and a bit more arcade-style so easier to pick up.. if you've been to Tokyo them the obvious one is Yamanote line, and although I've played it the most it is also probably the most repetitive as you only run around a loop and stop at every station - Mobile Train Simulator and the Chuo line (across Tokyo)/Tokaido line (Kyoto to Osaka) versions of Densha De Go include express/limited runs as well where you skip stations which give them a bit more variation and some good high-speed sections.
There's also Osaka Kanjousen which I haven't tried but probably it's similar to Yamanote line as it's just a loop, but with fewer stations, and I've seen another version of Mobile Train Simulator around as well.

[canuhavebabies]

Yeah if you are interested in the Mobile Train Simulator series, Tokyo and MTS Keisei line (Narita airport to Tokyo) are great choices.

There is no clear better game (especially the game graphic titles). There was a discussion about it on densha forums, and we couldnt agree on one title.

[Akihabara]

OK so it's clear now that the type 1 controller DOESN'T work and the Type 2 does. What about the Shinkansen controller?

[Johnny]

OK, I know this is the standard question everyone asks when they get semi-excited about games like this, but to someone who has no interest in trains, what's the attraction?
canuhavebabies is making this game sound essential and I've always wanted to give train games a go but never bothered. Doesn't it just come down to stopping at the right stop and stuff or is there some sort of hidden depth to it?

I'd love to get into Densha De Go! or Railfan or any other train games but needs convincing that it's worth my time and effort.

[segages]

Train games are definitely strangely addictive for me. The thing is, there's no frantic action but that's probably part of the appeal - you have to keep calm or you'll mess up but there's alot more to it than start, stop.

You have to stop at the correct stations but there's all things to think about like speed limits on the way, signs, making sure you close the door before moving off, not accelerating too quickly out of a station, not braking too sternly coming in, not speeding and slowing if you find yourself short of the mark. And you can't be late. Ultimately you have to be consistent at getting everything perfect.

Once you get into it, it's stupid how determined you become trying to get the mark bang on. Consecutive stations give you chain bonuses etc, it depends on which game you're playing. I guess you'd like it more if you've been over there.

I've got this on the way and can't wait but I have no interest in trains. Have been playing Densha Final on my PS3 whilst waiting for actual PS3 games to arrive along with Tokyo Bus Guide 2. And I don't like buses either

edit: great impressions canuhavebabies - I can't wait.