Just because a game can be played with a gamepad doesn’t mean you should. That’s the key lesson I learned from Train Valley.
As for why I tried doing that, I was out and about with my Steam Deck and Train Valley was “playable”. Yes, it’s playable with a Steam Deck, but don’t do it with the default gamepad. Try to use typical keyboard and mouse controls if you can do it.
But again, because I’m stubborn, I decided to soldier on with the gamepad controls. The first problem I encountered is that, though the screen displays gamepad buttons, the tutorial assumes keyboard and mouse. As a result, there’s a lot of trial and error.
And the gamepad controls are not intuitive whatsoever. For example, the D-pad does not select a tile. Instead it selects mode. No, to select a tile, you must use the left analog joystick. And selecting a train isn’t a matter of pressing one button. No, you must select two buttons at the same time, specifically right trigger and “A”.
If that sounds convoluted to you, that’s because it is!
I could have bypassed all this tomfoolery by just using the Steam Deck’s built-in touch screen. And I tried this too. It works so much better than the gamepad.
Nevertheless, my point is that sometimes you should just let a PC game be a PC game – especially with these puzzle-strategy train simulators.
Yes, I realize that PC games have often been ported to console. Sim City for SNES is an example. But let’s be honest, do you like playing these ports on console? Really, does anyone?
I have a hard enough time playing an FPS on console. It’s doable, sure. Yet, keyboard and mouse give me such an advantage, I only use a gamepad when that’s the only option. I’ve been so spoiled by the Steam Deck’s built-in trackpad that I really don’t want to go back to an Xbox or PlayStation gamepad – both which lack one.
Now you’re probably wondering if Train Valley 2 is good. Yes it is. It’s a nice cozy and relaxing game that let’s you putter about with cute trains.
Look at those screenshots. Is there anything more charming? The soundtrack is pleasing.
And oh yes, it has Mac and Linux ports.
But because I spent more than an hour being frustrated by trying to make this work with a gamepad, I’m warning you that not everything is meant for a gamepad.
Listen, PC gaming can be wondrous if you embrace the keyboard and mouse. It’s preferable if get up, close, and personal with a monitor so you can see all those fine details. Let those tiles work their magic.
For this reason, I actually do recommend Train Valley 2 under the right conditions.
