28.3.2012

Boxed product review note:-Make sure that you check you have the latest version of this product from the aerosoft website. At the time of writing, the current version is listed as v1.3 on the aerosoft website.The version that was delivered on the disc was out of date (v1.2). This review is on version 1.3 of the product.V1.3 review:-Having never played the older World of Subways titles I was not sure of what to expect from this title. Having previously purchased Flight sim products published by Aerosoft in the past, I felt confident that WOS3 would be a great starting point into the world of the underground.Installation was quick and simple,my only gripe is that you will need an internet connection to activate and play the game for the very first time. This also meant that I had to install the 'Aerosoft Launcher' onto my PC. As it turns out, I never again used this software after activation.*on a side note, the launcher does tell you if you have any game updates to any of your installed Aerosoft titles. However, the application will not download these updates onto your computer for you. To update this product to version 1.3 you need to register your game with a valid email on the aerosoft support website. Once registered, you need to select the 'run' option (not save/save-as) to have your product updated. The version 1.3 update was a huge download which took me 45mins to download in the evening.Gameplay:-The graphics are great and the detail is unbelievable. They include realistic lighting effects shadows and reflections (which could benefit from some anti-aliasing). However you will need a mid-range 'gaming' desktop to match the performance/detail seen in the HD screenshots of the game. I tested this with an i5 coupled with a GTX560 on a WD hard drive using a standard SATA 3Gb/s connection, topped with 12Gb standard RAM. I used maximum settings for testing with adequite results for frame rates (20fps average, +/-4fps around built up scenery and large complex stations). Passing AI trains also appeared smooth with little fluctuation in frame rates.-The whole circle line is included as well as the depot at Hammersmith. The 3rd and 4th power rails also look great and the stations can be explored on foot. Some of the 'missions' also let you travel the underground as a passenger.Menus:-Simple design, but it takes a while for my mouse pointer to move from one side of the screen to the other. It also looks like the pointer has a maximum speed at which it can cross the screen at. I suppose the interface looks 'clunky' if I could describe it accurately.Driving Experience:-Well, if you are in training to become a real-life driver on the London Underground, this is the game for you. As the player/driver, you will need to set up vital equipment and systems on board your train before you get going (such as tail-lights, air conditioning, head-lights and the DVA). The 'deadmans' handle is also a nice realistic feature. The DVA takes a few minutes to set up on its own and if, like me, you don't know the layout of the real circle line, you will need the map which is included in PDF form under 'Aerosoft' in the windows start menu. The DVA is great addition, as it lets you program the correct station announcements onto your trains tannoy system. The announcements also seem very realistic and add atmosphere to the environment of a dark tunnel.-Driving the train requires you to be on the look out for signals at the side of the track, as well as using the mouse and keyboard to increase speed/brake, and interact with other controls. My only grip with this method is that the player must hold down the [shift] key every time you want to interact with a control which is not part of the main driving control group (the traction brake controller). I feel that this method is frankly awkward in my case, but not bad enough to detract hugely from the experience once you get used to it.-Mastering station stops requires a bit of practice, but it is just part of the fun of the game.Sounds:-Are very realistic, im not an expert on London Underground C-stock trains, but the sounds really are good.I will sum-up this review by saying there is plenty of features to keep up interest within this game. It also seems to be well supported by the developer and certainly looks better that any other train simulation-type game at the time of writing. If you are still unsure about purchasing this, then why not look at a video of it on YouTube, there are loads!

21.11.2011

I'm not a great fan of train simulators. In fact I'm not a great fan of simulators full stop, with the exception of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and X. But my curiousity was aroused after the recent release of Railworks 3, or Microsoft Train Simulator 2012 (which are now one and the same thing) as the improvements in realism and graphics has been ten fold over previous versions.I accidentally left this off my Christmas list, so when I saw it on offer my curiousity got the better of me and I decided to give it a punt.Firstly, the installation. Like Railworks 3 it requires a third party launcher initially. Unlike Railworks - which uses Steam which is a proverbial pain in the rear - the launcher here is that of Aerosoft.This launcher is a lot better than Steam and doesn't keep popping up and making a general nuisance of itself. Just bear in mind that you will need to have an internet connect in order to validate the initial installation - after that, don't concern yourself with it and it won't bother you.Installation is straightforward. Driving a train isn't, but is a most rewarding experience once you have followed the training provided on the disk. Suffice it to say that there is a lot to be done before the train lurches forward in a most satisfying manner. I have ridden on the Circle Line C stock for over 30 years now, know the routes supplied well, and the sounds which accompany a gentle trundle under London on this mostly cut and cover route. I recognised most of it, which says a lot. The big omission that I noticed was the absence of the Met junction at Baker Street. Once you get used to it, this is a pretty detailed and immersive simulator.I have purloined one of my son's Train Controller units. This works very well with this application, just a couple of tweaks being required. Worth it as otherwise the number of keys on the keyboard that need to be remembered is considerable - and miss one bit out on setting up the train and you're not going anywhere! Joystick is not supported.A common problem, so I learned from the forums, is to install and then find there is no sound present. The fix is easy - update your Direct X Runtimes from Microsoft (a Google search will provide the necessary links and advice) and all will probably be well.It's good - don't forget to put it on your Christmas or Birthday list - or failing that you could actually buy it. Be patient and spend an hour or so in training and you'll be well rewarded. If something doesn't go quite as planned, then don't blame the game but review what you have (or haven't) done according to instruction; my experience to date is that you'll always find something.Now - please excuse me. MIND THE DOORS!Post review note just in case you think of another in the series.....Having praised the above, I was delighted to receive Vol 1 New York in my Christmas stocking. Although published as part of the same series, it eminates from a totally different company which normally gets things right. In my book Aerosoft got it seriously wrong in Volume 1 - it has all the hallmarks of a poor trainsim of 10 years ago. You'll love Volume 3 Circle Line, the subject of this review - but you'll be disappointed by the earlier version by comparison.

22.8.2011

The game comes on a single DVD with a full colour paper manual in German and English (French & Spanish versions in PDF format are installed with the game), and a paper map of the London Underground.The installation program only includes German and United States English and there are some grammar mistakes. You have to install both the Aerosoft Launcher (which manages online activation) and the game itself. However, it made a poor choice of default installation folder for both programs as it wanted to install under the c:\ root folder. Once installed you have to activate the game over the Internet, which can be done 3 times then you must email them for a reset...Once installed there was no Sound at first,

22.9.2011

i loved the other two titles in the world of subways series and this was well looked forward to, loading took some time and as has been said on other reviews the serial number has to be entered twice, or in my case several times as it was not valid ?? , then on the 8th time success, graphicly it runs well and looks superb, i can`t help but be impressed by the ammount of work that has gone into this sim, the attention to detail is amazing, the only pity is lack of sound not a thing and nothing i have tried will get the sound to work , everything else works fine but there is just no sound, shame, others have said that this is a limited playtime game but i suppose if like me you have an interest in the underground and subways in general (as long as i can get some sound)

19.4.2014

This is my review of World of Subways 3. I will be going over pros and cons. Overall, it is an amazing game with minor complaints. Here are the 10 top features for me.1) Highly detailed C stockI live in London and take the Circle Line occasionally and TML have done a brilliant job of developing the look of the C stock.2) AnnouncementsThe announcements are quite accurate. There are also manual announcements like "No smoking allowed, stand clear of the doors."3) Nicely detailed stationsThe station design is very original, for example (EVERY STATION). It seems very realistic and clean.4) AnimationsWith the support of the announcements, the announcement "this train is ready to depart.

30.10.2011

As a fan of simulation games, and especially train simulation, I kept thinking that this could quite easily have been one of the best on the market, there's so much which is actually quite admirable and well-made about this game, yet at the same time there's still a lot of bugs and flaws that keeps it just short of being unmissable. As it is, most tube fans will probably stick to their OpenBVE and other train sims, but this one offers much superior graphics and sound and a lot of care and attention has obviously been put into the game.But that said there are some flaws which make it difficult to like this as much I want to - most casual gamers will find setting up the train at the beginning

15.5.2012

First off, I've got to agree with other reviewers about the ridiculous install palava. Even the original Half Life 3 wasn't this much agg!But bear with it, there's a good sim behind it all. Just follow the instructions carefully and you'll be o.k. (I hate following instructions personally, but I got there first time).You will need quite a meaty graphics card to get it to run reasonably smoothly. I had an 9500gt with an AMD 720 triple core and it was unplayable, I upgraded to a 560ti and it now runs really well.Yes, it is a bit boring running to the back of the train setting the lights etc, but after you've done it a couple of times it only takes a couple of mins. The actual driving experience is pretty cool,

18.4.2012

I found loading of this game onto my PC quite lengthy but without hiccup - I run a PC with an i7 processor, 12 GB RAM, an Nvidia mid-range graphics card and Windows 7 (64 bit). Having only recently stopped commuting to West Brompton in London I am very familiar with the Circle Line, and think this package reproduces it with a lot of atmosphere and realism. It is obvious a huge amount of work has gone into researching and producing this simulator. But, like many things the "Devil is in the detail" and, ironically, I think that's what limits the appeal of this game. I cannot see an "easy mode" to experience the main tube driving simulation, you have to learn a plethora of keyboard controls and complete training etc.

16.5.2012

This is a highly enjoyable simulation that will doubtless appeal to the broad demographic of die-hard fans of the London Underground's circle line. I'm more of a Northern line man myself (which I consider to be by far and away the finest individual transportation route in the whole of Europe). However, my sense of professionalism as a reviewer must take preference over any grudges against alternative lines- so I won't be so petty as to dock any stars on that basis (tempted as I am!).Although the trains can basically only go either clockwise or anticlockwise, fortunately the programmers have included more options than merely driving forwards or backwards- which might have got pretty tedious.

28.3.2016

First off i love MSTS plus the loads of add on routes,I know its old now so looking for a more up to date simulator i read various reviews (mainly bad) and bought a copy of London Underground simulator.First off the installation process is weird to say the least but finally got it installedThere is a training mission where a guy called Danny shows you the ropes where you drive a train from Hammersmith to Edgare Road pick up some passengers and drive back to Hammersmith again.The graphics are excellent in fact you'll need at least 512mb graphics card to play this game.It took me ages to get to grips with controls (the games biggest let down) but once you have mastered it its an excellent game ,There is the complete circle line to explore,

28.6.2012

I opened the box with a goulish sense of glee hoping to mow down a few 'jumpers' while learning the in's and out's of the Circle and Hammersmith line (Like why at Paddington you walk a mile to get to trains going the other way instead of just crossing the platform). Anyway I was sorely dissapointed. No sooner had I started the game than I was on strike. I was releived to note though that with overtime and normal play I was soon able to buy several new cars and a house. I have noticed there is some great new content promised with a "Break the Picket Line" download and "How many drivers can you squeeze in a cab for overtime" or "Pass your MBA part time learning, while driving in the rush hour" all promise hours of fun.

27.11.2011

This software puts you in the cockpit (if that's what they're called - maybe it's 'cabin' ??) of a London Underground train. You're the driver of a Circle Line train. There are 35 stations which you pass through.If you enjoy simulators then you're probably going to also enjoy this, but I would hesitate to use the word 'play' where this piece of software is concerned because 'London Underground Simulator' is not a toy - it really doesn't feel much like a game so if it's games which you're looking for I suggest you look elsewhere. For example, I can't imagine many x-Box and PS3 players (particularly if they're teenagers) discussing how 'exciting'

7.5.2014

This is a decent game for someone who loves the London Underground and wants to see what it is like to drive one of the trains!I find the game play is good and the graphics are also good. Being a simulator focused, there are times when you will see weird graphical issues like people walking through doors since most of the focus was on the train cabs and make them authentic looking.This game could use a better tutorial mode. It isn't immediately obvious, upon starting the game for the first time, how to access the training. Instead, training is buried under "Missions".Even after you complete the training, there are times having a "help" mode would be useful because there will be times when you can't make your train move and you don't have any idea why.

17.2.2015

The train simulator that I have always been looking for! Very realistic and it really gives you that smell that a few games really achieve when making simulators. The other recommened simulators are Euro Truck Simulator 2 and Flight Simulator X, they really capture the essence of a simulator.I would avoid doing the briefing misson in this game because it is excruciatingly slow. I would personally recommend watching Nerd^3 plays London underground simulator, very helpful and incredibly funny! I just jumped straight into the second mission and i've been enjoying playing this game, probably clocked around 30 hours of this game already!I recommed looking at the specs required and see if your computer meets them and take your time with the installation,

25.7.2012

This game is amazing. The graphics are good, the gameplay is realistic and smooth and the storyline as such is very realistic. People who have bought this or it to be a GAME can be disapointed that you cant just get in and go but this is a SIMULATOR which means it is in-depth and very realistic. However, this game is only as good as the computer that is running it. This game requires alot from your computer and the majority of computers in the home will lag or just not run at all. You need a decent HD graphics card and a decent processor as well.This game requires a lot from your computer but if your computer is up to the job then expect hours of Underground fun!

World of Subways 3: Circle Line - London Underground Simulator (PC) - Reviews

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