Guess what? We know Microsoft’s Flight Simulator is really cool and they make it better and better with every release. But something really neat is cooking and this has nothing to do with flying and air. This time it’s on rails. Game Studios is prepping the new release of Microsoft Train Simulator, and it’s scheduled for early 2009. The first screenshots already looked very promising and the details are incredible. I know it probably doesn’t beat that old train system you have on your attic, but surely it opens up perspectives to a whole new experience.

Train Simulator 2 will model almost all of the world’s railways using sophisticated processing techniques and real-world track data.
Powerful tools will let users build upon this framework by customizing, extending, creating, and sharing their own content with other virtual railroading enthusiasts.

I’d love to get my hands on this one and I think I’ll try to dig up some local train collector clubs and get a launch party together in an old abandoned station, with the release of the game on full screen and a nice experience around it. This game is developed for the Games For Windows section, and helps you get the most out of your Windows experience. Trains rule!

Keep an eye on TSInsider, the home site of the game.
Check out the screenshots on the site