Derail Valley

Derail Valley is a first-person open-world train simulation game developed and published by Altfuture, an independent game studio based in Belgrade, Serbia. The game initially entered Early Access in January 2019 and later received a major update called "Derail Valley: Simulator" in July 2023. This update significantly overhauled the game's mechanics, including improvements to locomotives, physics, and gameplay systems, making the experience more immersive and realistic. It is available on PC and supports both virtual reality and standard play modes, catering to a wide audience.

Players in Derail Valley take on the role of a train engineer tasked with driving massive trains across an expansive railway network. The gameplay involves transporting various cargo between industries, managing train schedules, and ensuring deliveries are made on time. The game features a dynamic economy, allowing players to earn money, obtain licenses, and progress in their careers. The open-world setting includes natural landscapes that add to the challenge and immersion, while the "Simulator" update deepened the gameplay by refining locomotives and adding new systems.

The soundtrack, titled "Dev Support OST," was composed by Slobodan Stevic, the founder and lead designer of Altfuture. Released in 2020, the album includes nine tracks created during the game's development, featuring music used in trailers and additional pieces that complement the game’s atmosphere. The music contributes significantly to the immersive experience by reflecting the game's themes and enhancing the mood throughout gameplay.

Upon release, Derail Valley was met with positive feedback from both players and critics who appreciated its realistic and immersive approach to train simulation. The 2023 "Simulator" update was especially praised for its improvements and added depth. The developers actively engaged with the community through social media and regular updates, fostering a passionate player base. As the game continues to evolve, it remains a promising and unique title within the train simulation genre.