Rob Lake checks out the Southeastern High-Speed DLC for Train Sim World 2...
The much loved and incredibly detailed train simulation game, Train Sim World 2 has received yet another piece of DLC.
This time around Dovetail Games takes us to the Southeast of the UK with the Southeastern High-Speed DLC. This new piece of content sees you take control of the day-to-day operations of the high-speed St. Pancras to Faversham line, as well as your more slow-speed domestic routes too.
The main bulk of this DLC will see you inside the cabin of the BR Class 395 EMU, which is decked out in its 10th-anniversary livery from 2019. Throughout our journey across the southeast, you'll have to contend with the power change over at Ebbsfleet International as well as learning the TVM430 signalling that makes up the HS1 line (High-Speed 1), and the more traditional signals from the regular lines. If the hustle and bustle of the more domestic route is your thing you can also take control of the BR Class 375.
From first playing Train Sim World 2 it's clear to see that series developer Dovetail Games has a passion for creating a detailed and immersive experience. Whilst I'm not personally a "rail buff" I can see the beauty in these pieces of British history.
My first port of call was jumping into the Hitachi built, BR Class 395 Javelin. Class 395 is a relatively modern train that's been in service on the HS1 since 2009. This train is an incredible piece of machinery which can reach a top speed of 157mph. From it's the first introduction to us on a bright and sunny St. Pancras platform, Dovetail Games puts us straight into the driver's seat. Don't let all the buttons confuse you as you receive a pretty in-depth tutorial on the basic functions of the train. This tutorial is a nice way to introduce you to both the Class 395 and the workings of the Southeastern line.
With this short tutorial done, you're then whisked off into the cabin of the much slower BR Class 375. Class 375 is a different breed of the machine when you compare it to the faster Class 395. On the first comparison, the dashboard is much more simplistic and compact, yet both trains operate in much the same fashion. Through these scenarios, you're tasked with running the more domestic services that are the lifeline to the people of Southeast England. Whilst it's a much less slow line when compared to the HS1, things are more hectic.
That's the beauty of this piece of DLC. You get two vastly different experiences, seen through two very different trains. Whilst one is sleek and elegant, it's on a much faster line so there are fewer steps to be performed. While the other is a more stop-and-start line, which sees you testing your driving prowess at pretty much every station.
Both fans of Train Sim World 2 and train buffs, in general, will get quite a lot out of this DLC. If driving isn't your thing, you can also experience both routes as a passenger, and there are plenty of things to do along the journey. The Southeastern lines are faithfully reproduced and it's fantastic to see a great level of detail in the surrounding world.
Of course, the trains are why we're here and both are a real pleasure to drive. Everything about both the Class 395 and the Class 375 is authentic. From the minute functions such as cabin lighting, to alert buzzers, and even the central heating. This DLC and Train Sim World 2 is a great place to get lost in.
Rating 9/10
A review code of Train Sim World 2 and Southeastern High-Speed was provided for this review.
This game was reviewed on an Xbox Series X
Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev
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