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Review of A-Ressha de Ikou Z: Mezase! Tairiku Oudan on PlayStation

by Chucky Chucky photo Jan 1996
Cover image of A-Ressha de Ikou Z: Mezase! Tairiku Oudan on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Jan 1996
Genre: Business Simulation
Developer: Artdink
Publisher: Artdink

Introduction

Ah yes, A-Ressha de Ikou Z, or as I like to call it, 'The Game That Turns You into a Train Boomer,' for the PlayStation. If you've ever dreamt of commanding a fleet of trains while also simulating the thrill of zoning out at a business meeting, boy, do I have a train wreck of a game for you!

Gameplay

The premise of A-Ressha de Ikou Z is straightforward: you run a train company. But don't mistake this for a kiddie train set; you're overseeing a massive transportation network with all the excitement of watching paint dry. You get to schedule trains, build tracks, and-hold your horses-expand your city. Just imagine it, a whole city waiting for your trains to show up, only for you to make sure they don't run out of coal or whatever they eat to make them go. In true simulation style, this game doesn't shy away from making you metaphorically sweat as you learn the ins and outs of rail management, which can be about as thrilling as finding an extra piece of cereal at the bottom of the box. Players need to balance finances, plan schedules, and construct a city, which is akin to trying to make an origami crane out of microwave popcorn-it's tricky and surprisingly messy. Who knew transforming raw transport materials into a bustling metropolis could be so mind-numbingly complex?

Graphics

Now let's chat about graphics. Picture this: you're playing a 1996 game on the PlayStation. The graphics are what can only be described as a nostalgic homage to simpler times. They're a mix of blocky goodness and vibrant colors that scream '90s retro aesthetic. Just don't expect anything close to realistic physics or advanced textures. Trains move along tracks that look exactly like they were drawn by your cousin's six-year-old after finishing a juice box. Yet somehow, in all their pixelated glory, the trains do manage to convey the essence of rushing through cities, albeit with the grace of a three-legged dog on roller skates. If you're into artistic impression and nostalgia, you'll appreciate the charm of these visuals (albeit mostly for the fuzzies they give rather than their technical prowess).

Conclusion

In summary, A-Ressha de Ikou Z is a delightful journey if you have the patience of a saint and a penchant for patience-testing simulations. Sure, it can be mind-numbing at times, but maybe that's the ultimate zen experience everyone keeps raving about? Learning to be a tycoon in mass transportation while understanding the nuances of pedestrian life isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you stick with it, you'll find a surprisingly rewarding experience tucked away in this vintage gem. Just remember to take a break; no one needs a game to teach them how to push themselves to near insanity.

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