Train Valley 2 is finally making its way onto the PlayStation 5 in Train Valley 2: Community Edition, a complete release of the 2019 train tycoon puzzle sim with stacks of extra content. Lithuanian devs, Flazm, released Train Valley 2 on PC back in 2019, amassing a rather impressive player base, and now they’re set to conquer the console crowd partial to some trains and causal tycooning.

Train Valley 2: Community Edition takes the base game, with 50 levels, and stacks on another 70 from DLC. Not only that, there’s a massive 158 community-created levels included too, adding up to a massive package of 278 levels. It brings with it loads of extra content and a hefty amount of time for completion, especially for those aiming to ace the challenges.

The role of overlooking the train lines boils down to a few key roles: create railroads, direct and divert trains as needed, and distribute resources. It seems relatively straightforward, but it doesn’t take long for the challenge to really kick in. Becoming a train tycoon involves plenty of micro-management – it’s not as simple as getting the trains from A to B. You’ll need to approach situations as efficiently as possible while completing tasks and managing money, crucial for success.

It all starts off in the Steam Age, way back when locomotions headlined the Industrial Revolution. Through the 50 levels of the main storyline, train overseers will find themselves working their way through various moments in time all the way into the Space Age.

The valleys I found myself operating within were populated with low-poly stations, factories, and local environmental scenery, all presented in a pleasant soft-coloured palette. The isometric view provides a lovely view and a perfect overhead lay of the land.

Each map feels different from the last and comes with its own set of challenges, including saving resources by working around obstacles and terrains that can’t be built upon. With all the sharp assets, it can sometimes get overcrowded, and once I got further into the business, it could be overwhelming to take in everything on screen. Despite this, the map design and integration of puzzles are impressive and provide enough space for players to test out what route works best through some trial and error.

It took me a few attempts at the first few maps to comprehend where my part was in this whole operation. The opening tutorial was fairly basic and gameplay is simplistic, but it can easily become complex, as I found later down the line. This is one for the logistically inclined, those who can manage various comings and goings all at once.

For those who need some time to strategically plan out their moves, the game can be paused at any time when one needs to shift direction. Time is one of the main challenges to be faced, thus, the efficiency element is crucial to having multiple trains going at a time and generating money to keep the trains running.

The game mechanics do work well, and meeting all goals on a map takes a great deal of determination – meeting time frames and working within certain limitations can be intense, though it is mighty satisfying mastering a level and being rewarded with new stages and unlockable trains.

On the PlayStation 5 the game ran well, it didn’t chug at all. Where it felt slightly clunky was in the controls. While the introduction of console controls mostly works, it still ultimately feels like it would be better served on mouse and keyboard. Building tracks with the analog stick was finicky – I would begin to lay tracks and end up with a wobbly rail rather than a straight line, and it cost me greatly. Every extra chunk of rail took a decent portion of my workable funds. Apart from my dodgy trackwork, controls took some time to adjust to, but the shortcuts work well enough for the PlayStation port.

Audio cues help a heap to know when all the moving parts are working together; clicking on a station may invoke a little toot from a train, or reaching a factory may trigger a chime, signifying a move in cash flow. The soundtrack is lovely with some subtle instrumentation that is very calming for those like me who tend to get frustrated at stressful puzzles. Audio has a calming effect and didn’t take away from my concentration, it was present but it wasn’t overpowering.

Train Valley 2: Community Edition is a calming but surprisingly complex tycoon puzzler. For those who like to work their brains while playing with trains, this title is a pretty smooth ride.

Written by: Yasmin Noble