Sid Meier's Railroads!

Best For: Ages 10 and Up
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Genre: Simulation
Available For: PC
# of Players: 1
Fun Factor: 3 out of 5

You usually don't see names in computer game titles, but Sid Meier is the exception, and for very good reason. Few game developers have this kind of track record. From Sid Meier's Civilization to Sid Meier's Pirates! (both are highly recommended for kids over 10), if you see "Sid Meier" in the title, you're guaranteed compelling easy-to-learn/lifetime-to-master gameplay. I mean, Sid Meier pretty much invented the concept of an economic railway simulation with the first "Railroad Tycoon" game in the early '90s!

The idea here is that you're a venture capitalist helping to connect the country and build a financial empire while making sure products are going to the places people need them most. Laying track, buying luxuries like refrigerated or Pullman cars, or fancy engines, nets you income based on where goods are going, the efficiency of your lines, and whether or not rivals are making use of track networks under your control. Sounds boring doesn't it? The good news is that Sid brings the style, ease of use, and challenge. There is always more than one interesting and relevant decision to make and the game never feels as dull as it should. Simple banjo music and standards create the right atmosphere, and the game is friendly - it has the look of a toy train set - but is never silly or cartoonish. The game's main failing (aside from bugs, look for patches at Firaxis.com) is a feeling that things are too simple here. That makes it accessible for younger players, but bright tweens might want something more.

Parents take note: Yes parents, really, this game features late 19th century economics and concepts like robber barons, land use rights, deal brokering, and other ideas kids won't be exposed to until they read outside of their high school history books. While not 100% accurate (fun always wins out over realism in video games - and should), kids will come away with a greater understanding of how the rails built this country and how vital they are today - all while being challenged and entertained. Train enthusiasts will have a good time at the rail yards, and kids will too.

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