Right, so I know that this will probably cause some arguments with some Trainz users, but let me just get this out of the way - I have no problem with TRS22. Though my favorite Trainz game will always be T:ANE, I have no problem with TRS22 and am satisfied with it as a customer. Even with its lack of major new features, I am fine with the overall package.
Now, you could argue that TRS22 is not as big of a package as previous versions, as every version from TS2009 onwards offered a massive new feature over the previous game. TS2009 introduced a major overhaul to the game engine, TS2010 introduced my favorite rendition of the menu in any Trainz game, TS12 introduced Multiplayer, T:ANE introduced a brand new game engine and is the ultimate development in versions of Trainz using the "classic" lighting engine, and TRS19 introduced the most major overhaul to the lighting engine and user interface since 2001. And TRS22? Its main new feature is probably Multiplayer Surveyor, but is largely still in a Beta form, since you can only access two routes and use only assets built into the game. There is also something that you could argue is a new feature for TRS22, and that's the many ways you can buy it.
With TRS19, it always felt like, to me, it was just the Regional, Standard, and Platinum Editions, with Trainz+ being for those people who wanted everything. Now, with TRS22, Trainz+ has been advertised more than ever as the way to buy the game. I am not going to say it is a bad offer - in fact, I am considering either subscribing to Silver Class or to Trainz+ Standard, but not yet Gold - as you have access to the latest version of Trainz, legacy products (which I wonder, does it include games like TD2016, TMR17, TS12 and earlier versions? Or is it just T:ANE and TRS19 right now?), and access to all DLC and a FCT for as long as you have the subscription is fine. I still am not the biggest fan of DLS download speeds, but I did buy a 7-day FCT some time ago, activated it when TRS22 officially released, and downloaded thousands of assets from the DLS, so I'm fine for now, and I don't like how the latest updates to Trainz are locked behind a subscription (I'm fine with upgrading to the latest game, like TRS19 -> 22 -> 25[? - whatever the next version will be] -> etc, but not the minor patches like 117669 -> 670 -> 671 -> etc [not sure if those are/were actual Trainz+ builds, just using that as an example], as the reliance of Service Patches for updates works, but is a bit annoying), but otherwise Trainz+ makes sense as an option.
Then there's Surveyor 2.0.
I'm fine with it being subscription-only. I do hope that, if N3V releases TRS22 Platinum around Christmas and includes Surveyor 2.0 with the package, then those who preordered TRS22 (like me) and those who own it do get a discount code to buy the Platinum version. But right now? It seems like Surveyor 2.0 has some bugs, so I understand it not being included in the final package. Plus, with Trainz+, you have the option to pay for it, and if you're worried about bugs, you can buy TRS22 outright and keep it forever (until the DRM certs expire, but that's 99 years from now, we're fine hopefully).
All in all, I am happy with my preorder of TRS22. Even though I did later buy TRS19 Platinum, truth be told, it was only so that I could have the content, and not because I actually wanted the game. When it was the latest version, I had just got T:ANE to work. (It's a shame that there was no SP5 patch for T:ANE with Metal support, but I don't use it anymore, so I'm fine.) Plus, it seems like SP4 and maybe SP5 introduced a lot of bugs, and even when the disaster that was TRS22 Early Access (everything was broken and nothing was working), I just barely played Trainz. Problem solved. Seriously though, I am happy with TRS22, but am not sure if I would buy a Platinum Edition. It all depends on if Surveyor 2.0 is included, and how good it is (and if Surveyor Classic will still be available in that release). I will certainly be buying future Trainz products outright, and will continue to support N3V and content creators by buying DLC, and will subscribe to one of the subscription services sometime in the probably near future. I wish N3V the best of luck, and may Trainz grow and prosper!
(Just remember, this is my opinion - if you have a different opinion, or would like to talk about how you disagree or agree with something I've said, feel free to do so! My opinion of TRS22 is an opinion, and if you have a different opinion, that's fine by me.)
Anyway, enjoy your day, everyone.
Andrew
Now, you could argue that TRS22 is not as big of a package as previous versions, as every version from TS2009 onwards offered a massive new feature over the previous game. TS2009 introduced a major overhaul to the game engine, TS2010 introduced my favorite rendition of the menu in any Trainz game, TS12 introduced Multiplayer, T:ANE introduced a brand new game engine and is the ultimate development in versions of Trainz using the "classic" lighting engine, and TRS19 introduced the most major overhaul to the lighting engine and user interface since 2001. And TRS22? Its main new feature is probably Multiplayer Surveyor, but is largely still in a Beta form, since you can only access two routes and use only assets built into the game. There is also something that you could argue is a new feature for TRS22, and that's the many ways you can buy it.
With TRS19, it always felt like, to me, it was just the Regional, Standard, and Platinum Editions, with Trainz+ being for those people who wanted everything. Now, with TRS22, Trainz+ has been advertised more than ever as the way to buy the game. I am not going to say it is a bad offer - in fact, I am considering either subscribing to Silver Class or to Trainz+ Standard, but not yet Gold - as you have access to the latest version of Trainz, legacy products (which I wonder, does it include games like TD2016, TMR17, TS12 and earlier versions? Or is it just T:ANE and TRS19 right now?), and access to all DLC and a FCT for as long as you have the subscription is fine. I still am not the biggest fan of DLS download speeds, but I did buy a 7-day FCT some time ago, activated it when TRS22 officially released, and downloaded thousands of assets from the DLS, so I'm fine for now, and I don't like how the latest updates to Trainz are locked behind a subscription (I'm fine with upgrading to the latest game, like TRS19 -> 22 -> 25[? - whatever the next version will be] -> etc, but not the minor patches like 117669 -> 670 -> 671 -> etc [not sure if those are/were actual Trainz+ builds, just using that as an example], as the reliance of Service Patches for updates works, but is a bit annoying), but otherwise Trainz+ makes sense as an option.
Then there's Surveyor 2.0.
I'm fine with it being subscription-only. I do hope that, if N3V releases TRS22 Platinum around Christmas and includes Surveyor 2.0 with the package, then those who preordered TRS22 (like me) and those who own it do get a discount code to buy the Platinum version. But right now? It seems like Surveyor 2.0 has some bugs, so I understand it not being included in the final package. Plus, with Trainz+, you have the option to pay for it, and if you're worried about bugs, you can buy TRS22 outright and keep it forever (until the DRM certs expire, but that's 99 years from now, we're fine hopefully).
All in all, I am happy with my preorder of TRS22. Even though I did later buy TRS19 Platinum, truth be told, it was only so that I could have the content, and not because I actually wanted the game. When it was the latest version, I had just got T:ANE to work. (It's a shame that there was no SP5 patch for T:ANE with Metal support, but I don't use it anymore, so I'm fine.) Plus, it seems like SP4 and maybe SP5 introduced a lot of bugs, and even when the disaster that was TRS22 Early Access (everything was broken and nothing was working), I just barely played Trainz. Problem solved. Seriously though, I am happy with TRS22, but am not sure if I would buy a Platinum Edition. It all depends on if Surveyor 2.0 is included, and how good it is (and if Surveyor Classic will still be available in that release). I will certainly be buying future Trainz products outright, and will continue to support N3V and content creators by buying DLC, and will subscribe to one of the subscription services sometime in the probably near future. I wish N3V the best of luck, and may Trainz grow and prosper!
(Just remember, this is my opinion - if you have a different opinion, or would like to talk about how you disagree or agree with something I've said, feel free to do so! My opinion of TRS22 is an opinion, and if you have a different opinion, that's fine by me.)
Anyway, enjoy your day, everyone.
Andrew