Drive Through Scenic Rural Japan in RUNNING TRAIN, a Stunning New Indie Rail Simulator

is an indie 3D railway simulation game developed by Novatetsu Games that is currently available in Early Access on Steam.

If you are thinking about featuring games like this on an indie discovery blog, it makes for a great subject because of its unique visual style and relaxing gameplay loop.

Here is a quick look at what the game is about:

The Premise

The game lets players step directly into the driver’s cab of various trains to experience being a Japanese train operator. It features hyper-realistic 3DCG graphics depicting scenic, highly detailed Japanese rural routes—including coastal lines and quiet countryside fields across more than 40 kilometers of track.

Key Features

• Multiple Modes: Players can take on the role of a strict train operator following strict schedules and safety systems (like ATS and EB devices), or kick back in Automatic Driving Mode to relax and enjoy the scenery as a passenger or virtual train photographer using the built-in photo mode.
• Vehicles and Routes: It includes multiple different train types with distinct handling characteristics, running across fictional Japanese-inspired routes through changing weather and seasons (like spring cherry blossoms and snowy winter landscapes).
• Customization: It features open-texture support so players can design and paint their own custom liveries for the trains.

Since it has been drawing a lot of attention for its incredibly realistic graphics and chill atmosphere, a game like this fits right into a curation blog focused on highlighting unique and emerging indie projects!