EDITED REVIEW:
23/Oct 30
Picked the game up again after ~7 months and I have to say that this game has improved a lot. Signs, props, buildings are nice fluff. Most important, though, has been good improvements to the track laying tool. I am more optimistic this review over the last that this game will be worth a recommend before long. The big blocker for me is multiplayer, This game touts itself as an online game but the net code is still terrible. We've been told this is a priority so I'm looking forward to the next updates.
Things that I think this game needs to stand out and not get lost among other train games out there:
-Map editing: Able to make tunnels/cuts, maybe fill.
-Random or procedural map generator with parameters (sliders for % biome types, ruggedness ie. mountains -> prairie etc).

I can tell the devs have actually been working hard so this is an optimistic update from me,

Updated: 24 Feb @ 10:07pm
Changed my recommendation based on the following:

This game was originally about narrow gauge, wood fueled, age of steam railways. The big features were building your own network and the highly detailed models all run as a simulator.

The developer had stated that there was no intention to change any of the above but the game would be opened up to the Steam Workshop. There were also a ton of features needed to make this a complete game (understandable as it is - was, maybe, when you read this - early access), some of which include the ability to make tunnels, more construction pieces, clean up the contruction system/UI, signs, and better map features to name a few.

Instead, the dev signed with some publisher and since then we have seen:
-A major price hike. I paid C$35 and it is now C$67.
-A rebranding with a new promo video and fancier logo.
-Hype around coal fired locomotives.

I feel like I can safely say that I speak for most of the players that we'd love to see the game finished and released with actual gameplay features before getting more locos etc. My fear is that RRO slips down that slope of many games that get stuck in pre-release just pushing out more units, tanks, mechs etc.

I was prompted to change my review after seing the latest news bulletin talking about adding coal fired locos causing delays as "it requires a whole new workflow". Forget all that and finish the original game. I even bet people would pay something for an 'Age of Coal' DLC after the game was finished.

At this price point, with current gameplay, I would NOT recommend. The usual caveat applies: I will adjust my review if things improve.


ORIGINAL REVIEW:
A virtual model train set of the early narrow gauge steam. If you like trains and enjoy riding around in steam trains hauling goods on a layout of your own design then this is a game for you.

RRO is a bit clunky and finicky which can easily lead to frustration but it's still in beta. There is promise of much to come, though, so I am optimistic about getting a lot on my wish list checked off as the game develops. Hours and hours can be spent getting your layout right but patience and perseverance DO reap great rewards.

I play RRO as a way to relax and hang with some like minded friends.
This is my Bonsai tree.
...if doing Bonsai were a social activity.

EDITED REVIEW: 23/Oct 30 Picked the game up again after ~7 months and I have to say that this game has improved a lot. Signs, props, buildings are nice fluff. Most important, though, has been good improvements to the track laying tool. I am more optimistic this review over the last that this game will be worth a recommend before long. The big blocker for me is multiplayer, This game touts itself as an online game but the net code is still terrible. We've been told this is a priority so I'm looking forward to the next updates. Things that I think this game needs to stand out and not get lost among other train games out there: -Map editing: Able to make tunnels/cuts, maybe fill. -Random or procedural map generator with parameters (sliders for % biome types, ruggedness ie. mountains -> prairie etc). I can tell the devs have actually been working hard so this is an optimistic update from me, Updated: 24 Feb @ 10:07pm Changed my recommendation based on the following: This game was originally about narrow gauge, wood fueled, age of steam railways. The big features were building your own network and the highly detailed models all run as a simulator. The developer had stated that there was no intention to change any of the above but the game would be opened up to the Steam Workshop. There were also a ton of features needed to make this a complete game (understandable as it is - was, maybe, when you read this - early access), some of which include the ability to make tunnels, more construction pieces, clean up the contruction system/UI, signs, and better map features to name a few. Instead, the dev signed with some publisher and since then we have seen: -A major price hike. I paid C$35 and it is now C$67. -A rebranding with a new promo video and fancier logo. -Hype around coal fired locomotives. I feel like I can safely say that I speak for most of the players that we'd love to see the game finished and released with actual gameplay features before getting more locos etc. My fear is that RRO slips down that slope of many games that get stuck in pre-release just pushing out more units, tanks, mechs etc. I was prompted to change my review after seing the latest news bulletin talking about adding coal fired locos causing delays as "it requires a whole new workflow". Forget all that and finish the original game. I even bet people would pay something for an 'Age of Coal' DLC [b]after the game was finished[/b]. At this price point, with current gameplay, I would NOT recommend. The usual caveat applies: I will adjust my review if things improve. ORIGINAL REVIEW: A virtual model train set of the early narrow gauge steam. If you like trains and enjoy riding around in steam trains hauling goods on a layout of your own design then this is a game for you. RRO is a bit clunky and finicky which can easily lead to frustration but it's still in beta. There is promise of much to come, though, so I am optimistic about getting a lot on my wish list checked off as the game develops. Hours and hours can be spent getting your layout right but patience and perseverance DO reap great rewards. I play RRO as a way to relax and hang with some like minded friends. This is my Bonsai tree. ...if doing Bonsai were a social activity.