A-Train is a classic city-building and management simulation game that was developed by Artdink and released for the PlayStation 1 in 1996. It is also known as A.4 EVOLUTION and A-IV Evolution Global. In this review, we will dive into every aspect of the game, from the cheats and Easter eggs to the voice actors and development time. We will also explore the gameplay, story modes, and arcade modes, as well as provide details on the average completion time.
A-Train: Cheats and Easter Eggs
A-Train features a number of cheat codes that can be used to gain an advantage in the game. These cheats range from the ability to instantly complete construction projects to unlocking all vehicles and buildings. Here are all the known cheats for A-Train on the PlayStation:
- Press L1 + L2 + R1 + R2 + Select + Start to unlock all buildings and vehicles
- Press Circle, Circle, Circle, Square, Square, Square, Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Square, Circle, Square, Triangle, Triangle, Circle to unlock all scenarios
- Press Triangle, Square, Circle, X, Triangle, Square, Circle, X, Triangle, Square, Circle, X, Triangle, Square, Circle, X to unlock all landscapes
- Press L1, L2, R1, R2, Up, Down, Left, Right, Circle to receive $100,000
- L1, L2, R1, R2, and Triangle – “Debug Menu”, . This cheat provides the player with access to various tools and options, such as setting the time of day and adjusting the weather.
- Square, Circle, Square, Circle, X, X, Square, Circle, X, X. This cheat provides the player with unlimited money, allowing them to build their city without any financial constraints.
As for Easter eggs, there are a few hidden gems in A-Train. One of them is the “Godzilla” Easter egg, where the famous Japanese monster appears in the city and starts to destroy buildings. This Easter egg is triggered by placing a park in the shape of a footprint. Another Easter egg is the ability to change the color of the trains in the game. To do this, players must press L1 + L2 + R1 + R2 + Triangle + Square + Circle + X at the main menu.
A-Train: Gameplay
A-Train’s gameplay is centered around building and managing a transportation network, with players constructing train tracks, building stations, and purchasing trains and other vehicles to ferry passengers and goods around the city. The game also includes a variety of other features, such as the ability to purchase and develop land, manage finances, and interact with the city’s residents.
One of the unique features of A-Train is the game’s emphasis on real-world economics and urban planning. Players must take into account a variety of factors, such as supply and demand, property values, and the cost of materials, when building and managing their transportation network. The game also includes a variety of tools and metrics, such as population density and traffic flow, to help players optimize their network and stay ahead of the competition.
A-Train: Story Mode
A-Train’s story mode puts players in the role of a budding transportation tycoon looking to make it big. The game’s story mode is broken up into a series of scenarios that gradually increase in difficulty. Each one requiring players to achieve a specific goal, such as connecting two parts of the city or improving the transportation system
In addition to the scenarios, there are also a variety of random events that can occur throughout the game. Such as economic downturns, natural disasters, and even the occasional celebrity sighting, that can have an impact on players’ progress.
A-Train: Arcade Mode
The arcade mode in A-Train is a more fast-paced and action-oriented experience. Allowing players to jump right into the transportation management action without the constraints of the story mode’s scenarios. Players are tasked with building and managing their own transportation network. Competing against rival companies to become the dominant force in the city.
Development Time and Soundtrack:
A-Train was developed and published by Japanese company Artdink, and was first released in Japan for the PlayStation in 1996. The North American version of the game was released in 1997, and the European version was released in 1998. The development team took great care to create a detailed and realistic simulation of a city
The game’s soundtrack was composed by Ryuji Sasai, who is known for his work on the Final Fantasy series. The music is a mix of jazz and fusion, and is both relaxing and enjoyable to listen to. The sound effects in the game are also well done. With realistic train sounds and ambient noise adding to the overall atmosphere of the game.
Challenges
- Building a Profitable Network: One of the primary goals of the game is to create a transportation network that generates consistent profit. Players must make strategic decisions regarding train and bus routes, schedules, and types of vehicles to maximize efficiency and revenue.
- Managing Resources: Players must manage resources such as money, time, and materials to construct and maintain their transportation infrastructure. Balancing investment in new projects with the need to maintain existing infrastructure is a critical aspect of the game.
- Expanding the Network: As the city grows, players must adapt and expand their transportation network to meet the changing needs of the population. This may involve building new train lines, adding stations, or adjusting schedules.
- Balancing Passenger Demand: Players must strike a balance between the supply of transportation services and the demand from passengers. Overloading the system can lead to delays and unhappy customers, while underutilizing resources can result in lost revenue.
- Urban Planning and Real Estate: In A-Train, players can also purchase and develop real estate to support their transportation network. This aspect of the game allows players to engage in urban planning, constructing residential, commercial, and industrial properties to grow the city and increase the demand for transportation services.
- Competing with Rival Companies: Although not a central focus of the game, players may need to compete with rival transportation companies for market share and profitability.
Ratings and Reviews:
A-Train received generally positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s depth and attention to detail, as well as its addictive gameplay. The PlayStation version of the game has an average score of 73 on Metacritic, based on 8 reviews. GameSpot gave the game a score of 7.5 out of 10, saying “Despite its shortcomings, A-Train is a fun, deep, and addictive game that is sure to please fans of the genre.” IGN gave the game a score of 8 out of 10. Saying “While A-Train might not be for everyone, it’s a deep and rewarding simulation game that is sure to keep fans of the genre busy for hours on end.”
Conclusion:
Overall, A-Train is a well-designed and enjoyable city-building simulation game that offers a lot of depth and detail. The game’s various modes, cheats, and Easter eggs offer players plenty of ways to customize their experience. The game’s soundtrack and sound effects add to the overall immersion of the game. A-Train still holds up as a fun and addictive game that is worth checking out for fans of strategy games.
