Railroad Tycoon 3

 PC
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
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  1. Gamezilla!
    95
    A rich, immersive strategy title sure to please most dyed in the wool simulation and strategy fans. Highly Recommended to all, even those who may need more of a learning curve.
  2. Worth Playing
    90
    I'm a big believer in the theory a great game always has that "just one more game" feeling, and Railroad Tycoon 3 delivers that in spades.
  3. FiringSquad
    90
    The game is much more accessible and deeper at the same time, but doesn’t force too much simplicity or complexity on anyone. In those regards, it’s perfect.
  5. Computer Gaming World
    90
    The new economic system is marvelous, with more load types than in previous games. [Feb 2004, p.74]
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  6. IGN
    88
    Most of my negative comments center around the AI, or misguided attempts at realism: the inability to erect support structures inside stations, the removal of storage buildings and managers, the hard-to-identify industries.
  7. PC Gamer
    88
    True to the spirit of its pioneering predecessors, Railroad Tycoon 3 is a richly textured and hopelessly addictive strategy game that's almost certain to steam straight to the top of the sales charts. [Jan 2004, p.114]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. GameSpot
    87
    Never has there been a tycoon game this visually attractive or effectively designed to minimize micromanagement.
  9. GameSpy
    85
    PopTop steams onto the scene with a product that's nearly everything a strategy game needs to be: easy to pick up and play, but deep enough to engross players for hours and months on end.
  10. Armchair Empire
    85
    Deep, fun at long stretches, accessible and you just might learn something about economics – Railroad Tycoon 3 is a recommended title.
  11. Game Chronicles
    85
    An outstanding game that promises absorbing gameplay and a nice break from other strategy games that either focus purely on combat or economic simulators that are too complex to be enjoyed by anyone other than a select few.
  12. GameZone
    84
    Playing Railroad Tycoon 3 was a breath of fresh air compared to other simulation games. The easy to use interface, excellent graphics, quality music, and wonderful gameplay adds up to an impressive gaming package.
  13. Gamer's Hell
    81
    I can almost guarantee that you’ll like this game if you liked the previous Railroad Tycoon games, or if you’re in the market for a modern game of railroad management.
  14. GMR Magazine
    80
    Few business games currently on the market are as enjoyable as this one.
  15. GamerFeed
    80
    RRT3 provides a good time with no stress- drop away the menus and just follow a train, meandering through the plains, mountains or forests through day and night, and you'll see what I mean.
  16. G4 TV
    80
    This is a simple, laid-back game, but you'll be surprised at just how rewarding it is to create railroads and watch towns grow.
  17. Game Over Online
    77
    Maybe if PopTop could put "Railroad Tycoon 2’s" economic model into Railroad Tycoon 3’s engine, something great would emerge, but as it is now Railroad Tycoon 3 isn’t a game I’d recommend.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best PC Game of 2003
52
#52 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
10
#10 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 66
  3. Negative: 8 out of 66
  1. Orang46
    Jun 18, 2012
    10
    Despite its age, new maps and scenarios are still popping up on line. Most scenarios are easy, but some can be really challenging (accordingDespite its age, new maps and scenarios are still popping up on line. Most scenarios are easy, but some can be really challenging (according to my critics). I must admit, however, that I fell in love with RT 2 when the 1st train pulled out of the station in the Tutorial, while I hated RT 3 until I was in the 2nd Tutorial scenario and that it took the 1.05 patch to make the game a 10. If you try to play this game out of the box in Vista or higher, it might not work, but a patch is availble at http://hawkdawg.com/rrt/rrt3/rrt3.htm

    There's also new scenarios and help availble at that sitealong with a 1.06 user patch and lots of really neat railroad cars to replace the generic ones that come with the game.    … Full Review »
  2. L.Burgess
    Oct 26, 2003
    3
    Great graphics, awful gameplay i am really disappointed......the track laying routine blows, no signals!, no options to even do minor terrain Great graphics, awful gameplay i am really disappointed......the track laying routine blows, no signals!, no options to even do minor terrain leveling to smooth the bumps.....this is a major oversight and kills the game.… Full Review »
  3. Peradon
    Feb 11, 2011
    9
    Actually, this game isnt just for trainspotters. Well, not quite but the graphics are excellent even now to an extent and the managementActually, this game isnt just for trainspotters. Well, not quite but the graphics are excellent even now to an extent and the management abilities are incredible. I played this after being a big fan of rollercoaster tycoon games and although you cant spend hours killing guests, it maintains the economic side and has more missions than you would ever believe. Also, its actually possible to make money, a stunning achievement comparitively.… Full Review »
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