Just like most simulators, Train Simulator 2015 seems to be a game geared toward train enthusiasts/hobbyists. This game is for anyone who loves a good mental exercise, or love procedural thinking.
During the academy section of the game, it not only teaches you how to play the games, but I found myself having to think about how drivers work to effectively deal with speed limits, and how they have to reach stations on time and not over shoot the platforms in the process. One of the downfalls of this game is that some lessons in the academy were similar to others making the lesson a little redundant. For example, loading and unloading of cargo, as well as coupling and uncoupling of the cars. There really isn’t much of a story unless the player wants to do impromptu role play of being a train conductor/driver.
Unlike other simulators, the scoring is in real time and quickly lets the player know if they're making an error or are speeding. The graphics, while not that hardware intensive, makes you feel like you are in the cabin of a train. Even though the game is about going from one station to next, there are some elements that keep the game fun so that it isn’t just going up and down a track. There are time factors, different cargo factors, as well as trying to go for a good score.
As well as these factors, the game is changed up with the different types of trains. While the game itself has a good selection, this selection is increased even more with the DLC. The DLC contains different countries and their respective trains.
The game can be played with a controller, but staying with keyboard and mouse is recommended. This recommendation comes from having to micro manage the brake and throttle as well as carefully calibrating the train. This can be difficult at some points, for example when trains need to be refuelled requiring you to get as close to the filler port as possible.
You can pick the game up directly from Steam here: http://store.steampowered.com/sub/51150/
“All aboard for a solid train experience.”