The original MSTS 2 vs. the new MSTS 2

[Driverman2008]

It's been a little while since I last posted a thread in this section. But I think it's time that the "Ultimate" question be answered. The question is, why is the new MSTS 2 not going to have the same exact roster of trains and routes as in the original one? On a side note, if the original MSTS 2 wasn't cancelled, I would've bought it 4 years ago. So I think it would've been very successful.

I still think to this day that the roster of American and British trains (and routes) in the original MSTS 2 was going to be great.:) The roster of trains and routes in the new MSTS 2 looks satisfying so far (in my opinion), if the next high-detailed European route is British, then I think I'll be even more satisfied.

For an answer, I request that a team member from Microsoft answers my question above. This way we can get the "Real Truth". If you are just another member, feel free to share your thoughts about either version of MSTS 2.;)

[stonelance]

We haven't even announced all the rolling stock or routes yet, so how can you judge that the current roster is not as good or better than the original MSTS2 set? I recommend you wait and see.

As far as I know, not thinking there was a market for the game, was not the reason it was cancelled. If it was, the Aces wouldn't have changed their minds and decided to try to make a TS2 again.

[Driverman2008]

We haven't even announced all the rolling stock or routes yet, so how can you judge that the current roster is not as good or better than the original MSTS2 set? I recommend you wait and see.

As far as I know, not thinking there was a market for the game, was not the reason it was cancelled. If it was, the Aces wouldn't have changed their minds and decided to try to make a TS2 again.
Well, I remember that Stevens Pass wasn't going to be in the original MSTS 2. Also, the Horseshoe Curve route was going to be in the original MSTS 2 (but set in the 1940s, not the present day). And the original MSTS 2 was going to have five routes, the new MSTS 2 is going to have four highly detailed routes. I'm not arguing with you at all, Steve. It's just that I'm noticing some differences. Thanks for your reply.:)

[SurvivorSean]

I've seen topics like this come up before. I've also seen alot of topics lately come out for certain payware routes as well. When I buy an add on route I buy it for the route, and the cars, engines, and activities that come with it are just icing on the cake. There are plenty of freeware and or payware developers out there that can bring out quality new stock to make it better - and they do!

When I buy a simulator of course I expect something. It's not like a route where you can make your own activiites. However, it's certainly not why I buy the simulator. If MSTS 2 stays on course and provides us with WoR, better editors, and better game play as anticipated you'll see all these routes eventually. Getting the program right is what they do best, and I say let's wait and see.

Thanks

Sean

[USRailFan]

The question is, why is the new MSTS 2 not going to have the same exact roster of trains and routes as in the original one?

Because it is a completely different product.

[kevarc]

Because it is a completely different product.

By an entirely different company - remember MSTS 1.5 was by TA and I bet they still have the material.

[zarker99]

wasn't the original MSTS2 going to be by Kuju? If so, just look at Rail-Sim and I think you can guess why MS concelled it.

Rail-Sim is great as a moving scenery generator - but a Sim? I don't think so. Despite the bugs which are slowly being fixed, it has absolutlely no sense of 'being there'. For me, the omni-present 'twittering' bird sound, which stays with you like bad aftershave, completely ruins the experience for me. It re-inforces the feeling that you're watching a film of a train-journey from a small room with an open window - and some guy dubbing in the few train-noises using a cheap keyboard, like they used to do in the old days of silent movies.

In all of Kuju's promises for fixes and enhancements, I've never once heard them mention improving the game's sound - adding wind-noise, brake rumble, better track noises, (never mind anything 'advanced' like reverb).

I don't care how many routes or rolling stock the original MSTS2 promised, if it was going to anything like Rail-Sim, they all would have sounded terrible.

[TrirailF40PHL]

Like Matthew said; What attitude?

The only attitude was in the OP's last paragraph.

wasn't the original MSTS2 going to be by Kuju? If so, just look at Rail-Sim and I think you can guess why MS concelled it.

I believe TA was in charge of rolling stock, but Kuju was still involved in the development of the game.

Brings up an interesting question - are the old screenshots of the original MSTS2 hanging about anywhere? I'm tempted to check the rail shapes against those of KRS.

-Kurt

[westerngy]

Boy are some people demanding of things not even released and a yr or so from even a release date.

[rchgck]

Here are some screenshot of the original MSTS 2.

http://flyawaysimulation.com/article428.html

http://www.trainartisan.com/taMSstory.htm

http://pc.ign.com/dor/objects/566311/train-simulator-2/images/trainsim2_051303_04.html

In searching for that, I found this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4LS9hhuDpI

And this.

http://cyruslum.com/artwork.html - Too bad this never materialized.

I wonder if all those Pennsy models will turn up down the line in X?

[USRailFan]

I believe TA was in charge of rolling stock, but Kuju was still involved in the development of the game.

TA was apparently only going to make the locos and possibly some scenery items for the two US routes. The freightcars and most of the scenerey for the US routes apparently were to have been done by MLT. And there was at least two European outfits involved as well (possibly Europeanbahn and BlueSkyInteractive).

[CaptainBazza]

Thanks for the information, it's part of our train sim lore now.

Cheers Bazza

[TrirailF40PHL]

TA was apparently only going to make the locos and possibly some scenery items for the two US routes. The freightcars and most of the scenerey for the US routes apparently were to have been done by MLT. And there was at least two European outfits involved as well (possibly Europeanbahn and BlueSkyInteractive).

Interesting. Makes sense too, as MLT and TA were the two developers that MS brought to the 2002 NMRA convention.

-Kurt