The developers of JR East Train Simulator announced that new routes are coming soon to the Japan-focused train sim.
Specifically, in a post on Steam, we heard that said new routes will be launched in June and more information will be shared in early June.
We also get a clue that reads as follows: “The line has a nice red railway bridge.” Unfortunately, your guess is as good as mine on this one.
That being said, we learn about an update coming on May 27, which will greatly improve the Joban Line DLC.
Here’s what you can expect.
- Implementation of driver’s voice
Driver’s voice will be implemented on all schedules, including those added in this update.
（In charge of the voice: Katsuta Unification Center） - Implementation of automatic broadcasting
Automatic broadcasting will be implemented on all schedules, including those added in this update. Existing operating schedule: Implementation of mixed voice and automated broadcasts Additional schedule for this time: Implemented mainly automated broadcasts, assisted by voice（In charge of the voice: Both Katsuta Unification Center） - Brush up motor sound and graphics
Brush up the motor sound and cab graphics of the E531 series. In particular, the motor sound also reproduces the difference in tone between the DC and AC sections! - Implementation of additional operation schedules
A Special Rapid Service and 15-car schedule will be added!
The new schedule is as follows:
- Train Number：1135M
Type/Destination: Local train to Tsuchiura
Section where you can drive: Shinagawa（07:22）→Tsuchiura（08:46）
Type of train: Series E531-0 15 cars - Train Number：3181M
Type/Destination: Special Rapid Service train to Tsuchiura
Section where you can drive：Shinagawa（14:55）→Tsuchiura（16:08）
Type of train：Series E531-0 15 cars
We also get an interesting feature for the routes in the main metropolitan area.
- Partial randomization of signal appearance change(Main Metropolitan Area Routes)
When driving a particular train, the timing of the signal change by the preceding train changes each time the train is driven. This allows you to enjoy a more tense driving experience!
Below you can see before and after screenshots of the improved graphics, and a look at the new line.
If you’re unfamiliar with JR East Train Simulator, it’s available for PC via Steam and comes with a massive range of DLC simulating plenty of different trains and lines around Tokyo and Eastern Japan.
While it’s certainly a niche sim compared to more global franchises like Train Sim World 5, it enjoys “mostly positive” reviews, and it has a dedicated fanbase. Incidentally, it was developed by Ongakukan, one of the pioneers of the train simulation genre with the Train Simulator franchise that debuted all the way back in 1995.
Just a few weeks ago, JR East (the actual railway operator in the real world), which also publishes the game officially, announced an official and blindingly expensive controller unit for the most professional (or nerdy) of the simulator’s fans. A Series 185 DLC has also recently been released, alongside the Hachiko Line.