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Review of Densha de Go! on PlayStation

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Jan 1996
Cover image of Densha de Go! on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Jan 1996
Genre: Train Simulation
Developer: Taito
Publisher: Taito, Square Enix

Introduction

Hop aboard the iconic Densha de Go! on the PlayStation, a game that takes train enthusiasts to the next level-without the fear of delays! This beloved train simulator challenges your ability to stick to an unyielding schedule, because let's face it, if you can't make it on time, you might as well not show up. Densha de Go! is the ultimate love letter to Japanese rail culture, offering more realism than you can shake a 9-iron at (or whatever max-speed trains use for safety)!

Gameplay

Gameplay revolves around driving trains along actual routes in Japan, with the pressure on to strictly adhere to timetables down to the second. Stop too far from the platform? -30 points! Come in late and cause a chain of commuter rage? -50 points! Ah, sweet perfection! You'll need to obey speed limits and other posted signs like your grandma obeys her bingo schedule. This isn't just a joyride; you're on the clock! Instead of kickback-driving, you'll be freaking out as you try to land that train smack-dab at the correct stopping point, ideally within half a second of the schedule. That's right, folks, we're mixing nail-biting action with spectacularly mundane transportation management-it's the kind of excitement that belongs in a Theresa May biography.

Graphics

Graphically, Densha de Go! employs computer graphics that may not make your PlayStation weep with joy, but they do an admirable job mimicking Japan's serene landscapes. Imagine pixelated trains breezing through pixelated electrified pylons and sprinting past mightily empty stations that are all trying very hard to look busy. The immersive environments manage to keep the feel of being in a real train, but don't expect to be blown away like you would with those RPG sword-swinging visuals. The beauty lies not in the realistic depictions, but in the sheer dedication to realism in train operation-because who needs hyper-realistic graphics when you can enjoy watching a 5 fps train elegantly glide over flawlessly straight tracks?

Conclusion

In conclusion, Densha de Go! is not just a train simulator; it's an experience. If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to be a train conductor, minus the actual claustrophobia of a train cabin, this game provides more than just a simulation. It throws you into the wonderfully chaotic world of Japanese trains, where every second counts, every stop can be a stumbling block, and every missed schedule could awaken a nation full of disgruntled commuters. So, if you enjoy playing 'Follow the Rules' and do so with flair, grab your PlayStation, hop aboard, and get ready to scream 'ALL ABOARD!' as you embark on this hilarious ride through an overly punctual landscape.

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