DLC: Marvellous Monorails

[Norfolk_Chris]

This DLC is horrible!

Is this what CO has spent the last six months working on? Perhaps it would have been better if they had stayed on holiday! It's horrible, I would not want to add these to any of my cities.
I'm sorry CO this is the first DLC that I will NOT be buying.

 

[ggjono]

Is this what CO has spent the last six months working on? Perhaps it would have been better if they had stayed on holiday! It's horrible, I would not want to add these to any of my cities.
I'm sorry CO this is the first DLC that I will NOT be buying.

1+

 

[C40LFR]

Argh, for such an elevated track oriented DLC, I thought we would have at least seen the addition of supports when going over other highways. That, coupled with big concrete slab underneath just kills this for me. Monorails should be just supports and track. If I'm going to just build a big ugly concrete slab underneath I might as well build Metro. Honestly, I think the concrete slab is just to hide the fact CO is too lazy to add supports over roads. I want to see more bug fixes. The amount of bug fixes we saw when the game first launched was amazing, it completely turned the game around. Now it seems to just be DLC after DLC with no. Bug fixes. I hate to sound harsh, but it's the truth.

 

[ggjono]

Argh, for such an elevated track oriented DLC, I thought we would have at least seen the addition of supports when going over other highways. That, coupled with big concrete slab underneath just kills this for me. Monorails should be just supports and track. If I'm going to just build a big ugly concrete slab underneath I might as well build Metro. Honestly, I think the concrete slab is just to hide the fact CO is too lazy to add supports over roads. I want to see more bug fixes. The amount of bug fixes we saw when the game first launched was amazing, it completely turned the game around. Now it seems to just be DLC after DLC with no. Bug fixes. I hate to sound harsh, but it's the truth.

1+ its been 4 months. The last one was on the 12th of august.
let that sink in for a moment

4 F*****G MONTHS SINCE A PATCH WHILE WE HAVE BEEN PUTTING UP WITH BUGS SINCE THE LAUNCH!

i havn''t played this seriously for more than 25 minuets for over 3 months becuase there are so many annoying things that have been in the game since launch and that have still not be solved. I know its been said that its not possible but i would have rather they used that 4 months to develop the correct system for path finding. Now even though that wouldn't be a dlc as a new monorail i would be willing to pay for that than pointless buses after buses and this new shitty metro style monorail ... sorry but i really do feel let down. I look back at cim1 and i think wow it was such a good game. Yes this has timetables yes it looks all fancy and such and you can build your own roads but seriously i felt like that game was so much more superior to this one even at this stage.

tldr? monorail is just another version of the metro i got annoyed and ranted on about how shit the updates have been
cim 1 is better

sorry i lost it a bit there i just feel so let down by CO :/

Edited: The forum is and must stay a friendly place. Do not use large letters, people can understand you when you write normally.

 

[unmerged(283422)]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this but oh well... Let me just say first thanks to the small team of devs for putting effort into this very niche game. I am very thankful that a mass transit simulation GAME even exists because to most people the idea of this game sounds absolutely stupid and absurd but for those of us that are into this type of thing its awesome. Now to everyone else who can do nothing but complain about everything concerning CIM2 and how its worse than the original was and there aren't any supports under the rails, bugs and so on... Yes there are things that we all would like to see improved upon but the devs did take most of the things we wanted in the original and put it in CIM2 while sacrificing a few things we loved. This is simulation but its a GAME! It was not advertised as an ultra realistic simulation of exactly how transit systems and related infrastructure work in real life tool for transit planners. Also we have to remember that the devs are GAME DEVELOPERS not transit planners, urban planners, or transportation industry officials. They are limited in number and funds I'm sure and we should be thankful for what we DO have verses what we DON'T! We could all complain and out right say that this new DLC is terrible and ugly but how does that make the people that develop the game feel? If I were them I would not want to continue working on a project where everybody just complains about what you work hard on to try and please the community and give them what they want. Yes everyone should be able to give feed back about the game but the way some of you do it is just disrespectful. Perhaps some of you should try a different approach saying how you feel about the game if you actually expect something to improve and to get a response from the devs. Once again thanks devs for your hard work. Hopefully more fun things and content is in the works.

 

[stmprn35]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this but oh well... Let me just say first thanks to the small team of devs for putting effort into this very niche game. I am very thankful that a mass transit simulation GAME even exists because to most people the idea of this game sounds absolutely stupid and absurd but for those of us that are into this type of thing its awesome. Now to everyone else who can do nothing but complain about everything concerning CIM2 and how its worse than the original was and there aren't any supports under the rails, bugs and so on... Yes there are things that we all would like to see improved upon but the devs did take most of the things we wanted in the original and put it in CIM2 while sacrificing a few things we loved. This is simulation but its a GAME! It was not advertised as an ultra realistic simulation of exactly how transit systems and related infrastructure work in real life tool for transit planners. Also we have to remember that the devs are GAME DEVELOPERS not transit planners, urban planners, or transportation industry officials. They are limited in number and funds I'm sure and we should be thankful for what we DO have verses what we DON'T! We could all complain and out right say that this new DLC is terrible and ugly but how does that make the people that develop the game feel? If I were them I would not want to continue working on a project where everybody just complains about what you work hard on to try and please the community and give them what they want. Yes everyone should be able to give feed back about the game but the way some of you do it is just disrespectful. Perhaps some of you should try a different approach saying how you feel about the game if you actually expect something to improve and to get a response from the devs. Once again thanks devs for your hard work. Hopefully more fun things and content is in the works.

+1 well said
YES there are problems with the game but u are being real drama queens guys...

 

[aj1304]

I honestly dont think that Monorails are the only thing that is being worked on, My money is on a European theme expansion given stuff in the forums from ages ago... As for the bugs, currently I am fortunate in having relatively smooth gameplay. Design wise, I suspect that some of the design choices, particularly with the design of the gridless road/track building system makes some of the things that we really want like support pillars over roads rather difficult and time consuming to implement.

As for the above comments, I agree that the Devs have done great work and I do appreciate what they have made, especially in that they have on many things been listening and making changes for us. i.e. Underground Depots, Monorails + a range of other changes and likewise I have for the most part also continued to support CiM2 in buying most of the DLC. Likewise I agree that the tone of some comments in the forum are disheartening. But that doesnt mean that we shouldnt be allowed to have constructive discussion on our view of things. I think it is completely fair to have a constructive discussion about the aesthetics of the monorail system or the nature of AI Pathfinding.

 

[bikers_son]

it will be a nice addon to the game i love cim2 and if others want to act like kids who lost there dummies well i could say why dont they try developing a game with no bugs and so realistic that you feel like its real life in all respect the devs have been working really hard to fix the known bugs add dlcs and other projects i want to say a massive thanks to the co for a real established game where some of us apprieciate all of your hard work that goes into the game thanks again

 

[Alex_brunius]

It still serves a different enough role to the Metro. Way cheaper (unless you waste money pouring an unneeded concrete slab underneath )

...

I know certain monorail systems like in Japan are rather clunky looking and concrete heavy but they certainly dont have to be. The old Von Roller systems were super minimalistic in design. Track girder + support girders. That and it isnt that depressin concrete grey. It give the city a bit more colour...

Real Transportation systems however (as opposed to small, slow and short tourist attractions) actually have to be built heavier like a metro since they need to carry the same weight at the same speeds (cars and passengers).
Japan uses monorails as real transport systems thus the look more like the monorail tracks shown here:

Kitakyushu:

Linimo:

Transrapid:

Bombardier:

Tokyo Monorail:

 

[unmerged(334932)]

Yeah i was a bit turned off with the pics showing no pillars over roads, but I've worked around it by not building tracks over the roads for too long. Yeah there are a lot of problems with the game design. I hate the back end of the metros, i don't like the path finding at times, i wish we could have actual train stations with stairs, and transport hubs like CIM1. This game could be so awesome but until someone else creates a better game I'll still stick to CIM2 for now. Even though its buggy i still some how enjoy hours of game play, and i think that's what counts.

 

[timfrombriz]

Heres the big point everyone has missed thus far

Everyone has missed the key point: This monorail is a re-themed metro... why?

This monorail appears to support single directional track by looking at the screenshots, unlike CIM1's monrail, where a single track could merge to a siding/turnover (that is a 1-2-1 track piece), allowing bi-directional flow on a single track.

If this is the case, then this is purely a rethemed metro which the modding community could of wacked together had the developers exposed some of the internals like CIM1.

I feel like were getting milked for cosmetic DLC, I'd be happy to part with my money if the content was worthy of being something new to add to the game, but this after 4 months is, well, really a let down.

If Colossol Order are struggling for cash, maybe just explain to the community that we need to release this half baked DLC as we need funds to keep working on other projects, but offering this style of DLC expecting us to not see through how little work has been done (5x rethemed vehicles, 1x new track graphic style,1x new station style) is insulting to the fanbase who are on these forums daily and worse, considering abandoning buying DLC to support the developer because of what I've said above.

 

[mediziner]

Sadly but true

 

[ggjono]

Everyone has missed the key point: This monorail is a re-themed metro... why?

This monorail appears to support single directional track by looking at the screenshots, unlike CIM1's monrail, where a single track could merge to a siding/turnover (that is a 1-2-1 track piece), allowing bi-directional flow on a single track.

If this is the case, then this is purely a rethemed metro which the modding community could of wacked together had the developers exposed some of the internals like CIM1.

I feel like were getting milked for cosmetic DLC, I'd be happy to part with my money if the content was worthy of being something new to add to the game, but this after 4 months is, well, really a let down.

If Colossol Order are struggling for cash, maybe just explain to the community that we need to release this half baked DLC as we need funds to keep working on other projects, but offering this style of DLC expecting us to not see through how little work has been done (5x rethemed vehicles, 1x new track graphic style,1x new station style) is insulting to the fanbase who are on these forums daily and worse, considering abandoning buying DLC to support the developer because of what I've said above.

1+

 

[Norfolk_Chris]

Ugly Monorails

Real Transportation systems however (as opposed to small, slow and short tourist attractions) actually have to be built heavier like a metro since they need to carry the same weight at the same speeds (cars and passengers).
Japan uses monorails as real transport systems thus the look more like the monorail tracks shown here:
Kitakyushu:

Linimo:

Transrapid:

Bombardier:

Tokyo Monorail:

These pictures just reinforce my point; they are pig ugly, I would not want any of these monstrosities in any of my cities, even with proper support columns!
I've never been able to see the point of monorails, they do not support any function that could not be better and more economically achieved with a well designed conventional rail system. They were a popular feature in Si-fi comics from the early 20th century onwards, perhaps inspiring some misguided city fathers that they would make their crappy city look modern; they don't they just look different. They also have a killing disadvantage: points (or switches in the US) are very difficult and expensive! (Looks like CO have ducked this issue by simply not providing them at all!)
Edit:
I've just noticed that one of the 'monorails' illustrated is the infamous German 'Transrapid' this is not an urban monorail at all but is the prototype Maglev (magnetic levitation vehicle) built for a proposed ultra high speed intercity network in Germany. This was cancelled due to the enormous cost of the specialised network that it would require; conventional high speed rail is relatively cheap in comparison!
Yes! I hate monorails and would not have any of them in my cities however good CO makes them! Sorry CO this is not personal.

 

[unmerged(276373)]

Everyone has missed the key point: This monorail is a re-themed metro... why?

What's the problem with that if that's the case? A monorail aren't that different from a regular metro IRL either, and surely not in CiM. It's mostly aesthetics.

 

[aj1304]

Real Transportation systems however (as opposed to small, slow and short tourist attractions) actually have to be built heavier like a metro since they need to carry the same weight at the same speeds (cars and passengers).
Japan uses monorails as real transport systems thus the look more like the monorail tracks shown here:

But your bombardier example proves my point. You dont need massive slabs of concrete under your track. You can have tracks which are lower profile and less instrusive. I can counter with pictures from other 'real' systems but surely that should suffice. Given a choice between these intrusive grey drab concrete slabs and something like the Bombardier one which at least looks better and slightly more colourful, I know what Id prefer for the game.

 

[unmerged(482071)]

First of all, yeah, the atmosphere here is really negative all things considered. This isn't some big dev team with enormous budget. Yes, I'd love to see pillars too, but I don't think that this is really so game breaking that the devs should use their little resources to develop something that is purely aesthetic, especially since we can only really see it when we zoom in close. Of course negative opinions too are valid, but they should be expressed in a constructive and adult manner instead of screaming how shitty and pointless everything is. Unless of course your goal is to make sure that devs (of any game) don't get too motivated.

As for this DLC, I can see use for monorails. Judging from the screenshots it seems like these are quite similar to trams capacity wise. Trams are good feeders in dense areas, but just like busses and trolleys, they are not so great on longer routes within cities because they have to deal with all the traffic and traffic lights. Monorails however seem to have the same capacity as trams and they are elevated, so they can cover longer distances faster than the networks on the ground. Of course you could use metros for that too and if you like to build very complex metro networks that cover most of the city, then you probably won't have much use for monorails. I however like to be a bit more conservative with metros and only build them as main arteries for very long distances with lots of people, which I think is more realistic anyway. Therefore monorails can fill the need for medium distance routes and places where you don't have so many people that capacity of metros is really necessary but using trams, buses or trolleys would result in very long travel times. And of course if I'm correct and it's specs are more similar to trams than metros, then it's obviously going to cost much less to build and maintain than metros. That feature should make them especially good for early game. As a smaller network they might also be more flexible to build, but we'll see.

tl;dr: Good for medium distance routes inside cities with average amount of people, where metros are overkill and trams are too slow. I think it's a good addition which lessens the need for metro spaghetti.

 

[Alex_brunius]

Edit:
I've just noticed that one of the 'monorails' illustrated is the infamous German 'Transrapid' this is not an urban monorail at all but is the prototype Maglev (magnetic levitation vehicle) built for a proposed ultra high speed intercity network in Germany. This was cancelled due to the enormous cost of the specialised network that it would require; conventional high speed rail is relatively cheap in comparison!
Yes!

A few points about the Transrapid system.

* It's not prototype, it's been in commercial operation for 10 years now.
* It's only operational use so far is a fast commute from Shanghai to Pudong Airport, which is a short 30km route any commuter train or metro could also have been used in (but of-course at a slower speed). Airport connectors are something that was present in at least CiM1 (and has been much requested in CiM2).
* Transrapid is cheaper then conventional high speed rail. Especially if you look at the total lifecycle costs since there is no friction/wear and tear which normally make up a big part of the huge maintenance total costs in a normal HSR system.

The reason few traditional Rail companies are interested in promoting the Transrapid or other Maglev systems is that their revenue model is based on getting a solid income from maintenance of their systems. Trains themself rarley cost more then 5-10% of the total project budget, but maintenance costs can rack up to as high as 100% of the total project budget over the course of a train sets 30 years lifetime. If a traditional rail company would sell a Maglev system with no friction/wear they would be removing their main revenue source!


The source of my claim that Transrapid is cheaper: http://www.500kmh.com/

 

[unmerged(276373)]

Also the Linimo is not a monorail either. It's only one of those pictures that I would classify as a "proper" mass transportation system, the Tokyo monorail.

 

[Norfolk_Chris]

A few points about the Transrapid system.

Transrapid is cheaper then conventional high speed rail. Especially if you look at the total lifecycle costs since there is no friction/wear and tear which normally make up a big part of the huge maintenance total costs in a normal HSR system.

The reason few traditional Rail companies are interested in promoting the Transrapid or other Maglev systems is that their revenue model is based on getting a solid income from maintenance of their systems. Trains themself rarley cost more then 5-10% of the total project budget, but maintenance costs can rack up to as high as 100% of the total project budget over the course of a train sets 30 years lifetime. If a traditional rail company would sell a Maglev system with no friction/wear they would be removing their main revenue source!

This would be contested by most people UK railway business. They are private companies who would be interested in anything that they though would turn a profit!