This beginner-friendly train driving simulator is the most relaxing game I've tried on Meta Quest 3, although it's not for everyone.

In some days, players seek an action-packed and adrenaline-fueled virtual reality gaming experience, featuring intense fight scenes and a soundtrack that makes them feel as if they are inside a John Wick movie. However, there are moments when what one truly desires is to relax with the headset. In this sense, Train Sim World VR: New York might be the ideal option.

This simulator allows you to take on the role of an engineer on New York's Harlem line, where your task is to transport passengers using one of the two locomotives available to you: the MTA M3A and the M7A. It is important to note that this game does not replace professional training, so it's best to leave train driving to the experts.

During the journey, you'll have the chance to enjoy the scenery and sounds of New York's railway network. Additionally, you can get off the train at certain stations to explore and look for collectibles. However, you must keep your responsibilities in mind: you need to honk the horn to alert workers on the track or wave to fans watching you from bridges and platforms. It’s also crucial to maintain the appropriate speed, balancing the need to arrive on time with adhering to speed limits.

This delicate balance becomes the essence of the game and will be well received by those who appreciate this calm experience, although some players might find it repetitive. Despite every mission in career mode having nuances, they tend to blend together over the course of the game. Beyond the changes in control settings when switching between train types and some route alterations, there are not many significant differences between levels, which may disappoint those looking for a more thrilling experience.

What makes Train Sim World VR: New York appealing is its relaxing ambiance. Players can enjoy driving trains along the Harlem line, honking the horn when necessary, and even having leisure moments. For those who love the game, this simplicity becomes a source of happiness, especially for those wanting to dip their toes into the world of virtual reality simulators in an accessible way.

The interface offers a wide panel that makes it easy to observe speed and the degree of acceleration or deceleration. As you approach workers or stations, an indicator will remind you to sound the horn. With a simple control scheme and controlled movement, players can focus on enjoying the ride without worrying too much about the complexity of missions, contributing to a more relaxed experience.

While the game is designed to provide relaxation, not everything is perfect. There may be some deficiencies in graphics, as you might notice certain elements appearing and disappearing as you advance when looking out the train window. However, the game's commitment to reproducing the Harlem line at a 1:1 scale, which can be explored without loading times on Meta Quest 3, makes these graphical shortcomings more tolerable.

Train Sim World VR: New York may not be to everyone’s taste, but this is common in many virtual reality simulators. This title is aimed at a specific audience and successfully achieves its goal of being a charming train simulator, particularly accessible for beginners.