Metro Simulator 2

Riding the metro can be a tortuous commuting experience for some, but imagine how much more demanding it must be for the train conductor. That's where you come in when you play Metro Simulator 2.

This true-to-life simulation of the Moscow metro can be a bit too realistic for some players, but those looking for the ultimate escapist fantasy will have more than their money's worth when they play this complex title. As long as you can come to terms with the game's unintuitive UI and some of the usual jank that we've come to expect from this sort of game, you'll find lots to love about Metro Simulator 2.

Realistic Railways

Driving simulators – especially those focused on a very specific type of work vehicles like trucks or trains – have become an increasingly popular genre with PC players in the last couple of years.

With games like Euro Truck Simulator 2 and Train Sim World 3 becoming more and more mainstream, it makes sense for a game like Metro Simulator 2 to try to capture the hype with its ultra-realistic controls and impressive attention to detail.

Every aspect of a real-life metro train has been ported over to Metro Simulator 2 with the utmost care and meticulous attention. Every knob and button is right where it should be, which is great for players looking for a true-to-life experience but might be a bit daunting for those with only a passing interest in trains.

Ride with a Purpose

Don't let the playground appearance of the game deceive you: there's plenty to explore and objectives to tackle in Metro Simulator 2.

While the star of the show is clearly the game's free mode – where players can just ride around aimlessly on the Moscow metro system – there's also a "Scenarios" mode. Here, players are met with irregular situations that will test their response times and how well they know their trains.

Scenarios offer more of a purpose to the game and are a great addition to tackle once you get familiarized with the basic controls, which is, in itself, no easy task.

Commitment to Detail

Metro Simulator 2 was clearly designed by someone who truly appreciated every aspect of the Moscow metro. Every station has been painstakingly recreated with every minute detail included. The many architectural styles and influences of Moscow's Line 6 look just as it does in real life, and that's no easy feat.

However, that realism comes at a cost. Even the beefiest gaming rigs will struggle to keep the game running properly, which is something that screams optimization issues. Depending on how much you care about games running smoothly, this might be the definitive deal breaker that's standing between you, and one of the most realistic metro simulators available.

Pros

• Incredibly realistic controls
• Scenarios provide many hours of extra gameplay
• Stations can look true-to-life

Cons

• Poor performance, even on top-end PCs
• Confusing UI
• Might be a bit too confusing for new players