Praised by one journalist as "another gem that could take its place in the array of this year's best strategy games," Rails Across America is likely to please fans of both the strategy and sim genres. Often compared to the popular title, Railroad Tycoon II, Rails takes the model to a higher level, allowing players to experience the business aspects of running a railroad empire.
Rails Across America is a game of railroad empires in North America, covering the period from 1830 to the near future. It is a real-time strategy game with a "sim" flavor. Rails allows for hundreds of tracks with thousands of trains to cross the continent. Players must focus on strategic decisions: where to expand, where to compete and when to call in favors from government officials, union leaders, and other powerful figures.
Players will compete for 'prestige', which is earned by good railroad management and specific goals for different eras. Multifaceted victory points will mean players will be less likely to find economic loopholes by which to dominate the game.
Multiplayer mode allows up to eight players to interact with one another both cooperatively and competitively. They must react to competitive pressures and strike deals with their competitors to play one off against another. Players can play over LAN, Internet or through Gamespy Arcade. A demo is also available for trial at www.flyinglab.com and www.strategyfirst.com. Rails Across America is published by Strategy First and will be distributed throughout North America by Infogrames. Suggested retail price $39.99 US.
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