Easy enough for kids to play?

A

aluluei

New member
My two sons (ages 5 and 8) recently found some Trainz videos on Youtube and are interested in the game. Before I shell out for a copy, I would greatly appreciate opinions on whether it is suitable for kids. Would it be too difficult? They both love Sid Meijer's Railroads -- my 5-year-old loves playing in train table mode, and my 8-year-old also enjoys the competitive modes. Both are more interested in the building/planning part of the game than the competing part, so a straight railroad simulator would be great. Would Trainz be suitable? If not, is there another program they could try?

Cheers,
Elizabeth
 
I think it should be ok for your 8 year old as I was about 8 or 9 when I got trs2004.

Im not so sure about your 5 year old but he may get some fun by just controling trains on the game
 
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It is very suitable for kids that young,you might have to help them a bit with setting up some things in surveyor when/if you want to install new routes etc.But other than that they could toy around in surveyor for a long time and keep them out of your hair:hehe: :o But as far as driving goes,I'm sure they will love it,and I'm sure you will love it to if you watch or play:)
 
It's most certainly worth a try, especially for the older child.

You should be able to find TRS2004 or TRS2006 on sale at bargain software prices either online or at Walmart, etc. Beware of secondhand/used copies though because it isn't possible to re-register them so as to gain access for downloading items from Auran's web site (DLS/Download Station).

John
 
Thanks very much for the fast responses! I just discovered that the local Best Buy has it, so I'll go and pick it up.

On second thoughts, I'll wait until my 8yo gets home from school, then tell him we can go and get it as soon as he finishes his homework. If I'm lucky he'll be motivated to work quickly; if I'm unlucky the 5yo will complain bitterly about having to wait on his brother.

Elizabeth
 
Trainz is very suitable for kids and I think they'll enjoy it:) . I got my first Trainz when I was 8 and have been playing it for nearly 5 years since! It haven't found it diffcult since I had it either.

Hope this Helps,

Cheers
Jamie
 
Kids these days are not intimidated by computers, so I think they'll enjoy it. I agree, they might have to fight you for time with it though. It's very addictive and can be very time consuming once you get into it.
Have fun and remember, we are here to help if you have problems.
 
I agree, they will enjoy it, if they enjoy trains :)

I got the original MSTS when I was 9 or 10, and using that is a lot less user friendly (for younger people, as you need to keep an eye on just about everything to keep your train going).

TRS is very simple compared, and the oldest one will find entertainment in surveyor as well I think. Especially if he enjoy creating lines in 'tycoon' style games :)
 
Boco said:
This biggest problem may be for them to get it away from you first! LOL!

Have fun!

Boco
Click to expand...
or for you to get it away from them :)

At every show where we demonstrate Trainz, the kids take to it like ducks to water. After five minutes they have figured out the basic controls, after ten they're telling everyone else how it should be done. So I wouldn't worry if they can use it.

Since it also allows for a creative outlet, Surveyor, it can be a great tool in getting them to learn about geography. In order to recreate a prototypical route, they would have to investigate and study that route. Even a realistic looking fantasy route would require some knowledge of how it should all be put together.
 
i am making my local route from year 1875 for my son when he's old enough to use a mouse. he's only a year old at the moment but i reckon from 3 to 4 he will show an interest even if if its just the fun of derailment :-) all in all I think its great for kids if they show an interest. just hoping mine does as he's gonna have a great layout to play with.
 
martinvk said:
At every show where we demonstrate Trainz, the kids take to it like ducks to water. After five minutes they have figured out the basic controls, after ten they're telling everyone else how it should be done. So I wouldn't worry if they can use it.
Click to expand...

I hear ya. :hehe:

~R~
 
My Grandson has been playing since he was 4 now he's 5 & he loves it.He loads the game himself put all his trains on & runs them.He's just started to do some scenery modifications.half of British Midlands is now under water but the trains still run.

You'll probably find you will loose your computer once they start using it.

Dave
 
A couple of years ago I was demonstrating Trainz at a Model railway show here in Australia.

We had a parent come up to us and tell us his 4 year old plays Trainz, and was able to drive 2 locos at the same time.

I am sure that the children will know how to use Trainz better than you after 2 weeks.

Regards
 
My 4 year old plays and usually has no problems driving the trains by himself. He's even made a few of his own routes (I had to edit some stuff of course so it would operate properly).
 
aluluei said:
My two sons (ages 5 and 8) recently found some Trainz videos on Youtube and are interested in the game. Before I shell out for a copy, I would greatly appreciate opinions on whether it is suitable for kids. Would it be too difficult? They both love Sid Meijer's Railroads -- my 5-year-old loves playing in train table mode, and my 8-year-old also enjoys the competitive modes. Both are more interested in the building/planning part of the game than the competing part, so a straight railroad simulator would be great. Would Trainz be suitable? If not, is there another program they could try?

Cheers,
Elizabeth
Click to expand...

Im 12 and am an expert of trainz.
 
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