A new version of the train simulation game “Densha de Go!!” was released for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on December 3rd, 2020.
Densha de Go!! (which literally means “Go by Train!!”) is a long-running and highly popular game series in which the player drives a train along the simulated train routes of Japan’s actual train lines.
The joy of the game is that it recreates very closely the actual experience of a train driver, as players must follow speed limits, but still adhere very closely to a strict timetable and also a high level of precision is required when stopping at station platforms.
The series was first produced as an arcade game by Taito in 1996 and is now produced by Square Enix. The newest version for PS4 and Switch is called Densha de Go!! Hashirou Yamanote Line and features the entire circuit of Tokyo’s Yamanote Line. This version is based on the 2017 arcade game version, but features the new Takanawa Gateway Station which opened in the Minato ward of Tokyo in March 2020. On the Yamanote Line players will drive a E235 series electric commuter train and the PS4 version also supports PSVR mode with the E235 driver’s seat and controls faithfully recreated in virtual reality. Moreover, routes and vehicles that are not included in the arcade version, such as the Saikyo Line and the Narita Express, are also included in the new console version.
View the trailer below for a glimpse of this updated train driving experience.
Article by Michael Lambe. Images courtesy of Taito/Square Enix. All rights reserved.