DESCRIPTION

All aboard! Step into the role of model train conductor in Sierra's 3-D Ultra TrainTown Deluxe. Budding engineers can try their hand at delivering goods (animals, people and food) to different locations or just hop aboard to ride the rails. The game also offers several train-related jobs reminiscent of childhood diversions like Memory and Hangman, while other challenges include sorting and math skills, providing an educational aspect.

Five "job bins" range in difficulty from beginning Caboose Washer chores to elite Whistle Blower challenges. The bins, including a tutorial, have 14 jobs each for a total of 84 puzzles. Jobs can be played in any order, allowing players of any age or skill level to find an appropriate challenge. Finishing all jobs in a bin unlocks a special task, featuring a special animation reward when complete.

Lionel aficionados will recognize the 22 cars and engines available as they hook up a Covered Hopper car to move animal food or use a Gondola car to ship statues. Engines, spanning ages from steam through diesel to the sleek, space age Phantom, power the trains. Every vehicle rendered is from Lionel's own line of miniature locomotives.

3-D Ultra TrainTown Deluxe includes a Layout Editor and access to every locale in the game such as the backyard, kitchen, basement, miniature animated town and even the surface of the moon. The full complement of track pieces features curves, crisscrosses and intersecting slants. A Smart Track option helps speed up the process by showing all pieces that can possibly be coupled with previously laid track, using a separate menu.

Once track layouts are designed, trees, buildings, loading areas, working Bascule bridges, a rotating dumper and more can be added, providing functionality and fashion to the work area and, if desired, player-made objectives can be added. Finished masterpieces can be played or posted on the Internet for other fans to download.

The original 3-D Ultra TrainTown was voted "2000 Family Game of the Year" by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences. Keep your eyes on the track, your mind on the objective at hand and don't forget to blow that whistle! ~ Christopher Allen, All Game Guide