Embarking on a virtual journey through Toy Trains on the Meta Quest is like a nostalgia-fueled journey with the kind of stuff you may remember your (grand)parents having around. Developed by Something Random, a team comprised of former SUPERHOT developers, Toy Trains is certainly a departure from their previous intense gaming experience, offering players a delightful and relaxing virtual reality (VR) adventure.
The premise of Toy Trains is both charming and straightforward. You find yourself in an attic, surrounded by forgotten toys and the opportunity to relive childhood memories. The miniature world of Toy Trains, inhabited by the tiny “Railies”, unfolds as you take on the role of a railway engineer, connecting tracks from mines and woodcutters to construction sites. The gameplay allows for an intuitive and tactile experience as you pluck track pieces, trains, and wagons from a user manual and place them on the board.
The landscapes, each with its unique topography, pose open-ended challenges with multiple solutions. This design choice encourages players to unleash their creativity and build tracks that meet the requirements without the pressure of time limits or scores. The lack of a timer contributes to a relaxed and playful gaming experience, complemented by an attractive art style and pleasant music, creating a warm and cozy virtual world. There’s a small puzzle element to the challenges you receive, but it’s very casual in nature.
As you progress through the levels, Toy Trains introduces new elements such as bridges and slopes into the mix, adding more complexity to your track-building endeavors. The game’s progression leads to the creation of more intricate routes, allowing you to showcase your imaginative prowess and get a little more creative. However, the objective-driven adventure is relatively short, and some players might find the options to keep playing afterwards a bit barebones.
The game’s visuals and audio contribute significantly to its appeal. The charmingly detailed board invites interaction, allowing you to interact with everything, from the water to the clouds, and hear ambient sounds. The soundtrack, a blend of mellow guitar strings and soothing keyboard sounds, enhances the immersive experience, creating a perfect setting for concentration and creativity.
In terms of narrative, Toy Trains weaves a subtle story through letters, conversations, and contextual situations on each board. The overarching theme of a lonely child engaging with imaginary toy friends and building intricate railroads adds a meaningful touch to the gaming experience. And while not a narrative powerhouse, the storytelling successfully creates a connection with the player, making Toy Trains feel like more than a series of objectives.
Despite its brevity and lack of additional content, Toy Trains manages to deliver a satisfying experience suitable for players of all ages. The gameplay is simple yet enjoyable, offering a low-pressure environment with puzzles that have multiple solutions. The cute presentation and absence of a competitive aspect make it an ideal choice for those seeking a nostalgic and relaxing VR title.
In summary, Toy Trains achieves its goal of providing an engaging and purposeful VR experience. Its approachable puzzles, meaningful story, and overall charm make it a delightful choice for a quiet afternoon of creative gameplay. While its brevity may leave players wanting more, the joy and satisfaction derived from building miniature railroads in this wondrous VR world are undeniable.
Score: 7.9/10
Press Play Media 