What does this new addition bring to the series? Well numerous graphical, mechanical and brand new features are now included in an already comprehensive simulator. Below are some of the highlights that can be taken away from the presentation. Firstly the inclusion of Steam Workshop in the series will be available at launch, making new or modded routes, scenarios, and rolling stock now available easily. The series will now boast multiplayer in the form of the new Relay Play mode, there is little detail however but we will know more in the coming weeks. There will be the addition of Quick Drive mode so people that are either new or just want a casual session can quickly pick up and play without all in-depth mechanics behinds it so the learning curve is diminished.
Sherman Hill route with new ES44AC, SD70M and SW10
Munich-Augsburg route with ICE 3M Class 406
London to Brighton route with Class 377 Electrostar
Now what about if you already own Train Simulator 2012, do you have to purchase this to get access to the new additions, no. If you already own Train Simulator 2012 there will be a free update to on the same day it is released giving you access to the new features. What you do miss out on however is the new routes and engines as described above. Existing players can treat the new simulator as a DLC pack essentially, so if you do not like the routes or trains, don't buy into them. They will be eventually separate DLC if you want to cherry pick but purchasing 2013 will give you a significant discount over that.Train Simulator 2013 will launch on September 20th, 2012 on the Steam store. In store versions will be available worldwide in early October.
