Everyone loves a good puzzle game. There are tons of different ones to choose from, but it’s always good to get one that tries something different. Train Valley Origins sees you managing different trains across an isometric map. Each train is carrying a different resource, and getting them to go to the right destination is never easy. While it can be tricky, the ability to pause removes the stress. While different challenges are added with each level, it never grows tiresome.
I didn’t get to see a lot of Train Valley Origins. There are 100 levels in the full release, so trying out a handful of them didn’t show the full scope of what’s to offer. Saying that, I had plenty of fun in what I did see. The goal is to get different trains to different stations. Each one carries a specific resource that can’t be sent to the wrong destination. Wood, iron, milk; whatever it is, make sure it doesn’t crash into another train along the way.
You build the tracks by spending money. Delivering supplies earns more cash. New trains can be bought that are faster and better equipped to deliver resources. By managing your supply routes successfully, deliveries can be as effective as you let them, but there are factors that make it more difficult. There’s a time limit on each puzzle. Not only that, but there is a certain number of trains that have to reach the destination. Rewards come in other ways, such as mitigating the amount of train crashes as well.
There might be a clear path for the trains. The thing is, managing the direction of the trains can become intense. You want more trains to reach the destination. However, not flicking the switch in time can lead to collision. It’s exciting and rarely stressful, all the while balancing the challenge. Some destinations are across the other end of the puzzle, so working out the most efficient route is always in the back of your mind.
It helps that Train Valley Origins is colourful. Different biomes. Various layers. A variety of trains. It’s gorgeous to look at, with the visuals not only pretty, but useful to help keep the various resources obvious when observing your routes. I honestly can’t wait to get stuck into all of the various puzzles and locations. It’s pretty chilled, yet it offers fun challenges that get increasingly tougher with every new level.
Train Valley Origins is going to scratch that puzzle itch. Each level forces you to think differently from the last. The new resources that get added increase the strategies of how to plan out the different routes. With vibrant visuals and some well-designed levels, there’s plenty to love. Hopefully its release isn’t too far away because diving into more from these exciting developers is something I can’t wait to do, even if I saw far too many crashes than I’d like to admit.
Train Valley Origins is coming to PC soon.
