One of the very few Maxis games that didn't become a smash hit, A-Train a great conversion of Railroad Empire, Japan's classic game of railroad empire building.

Although similar in concept to Railroad Tycoon, the difference here is that this is a much more business-oriented sim: financial success demands that you undertake property development, invest in the stock market, etc. -- hence the steep learning curve. Graphical presentation of passing time is a nice touch, as is the easter eggs-- watch the sky on Christmas eve!

Highly recommended for anyone who loves business simulations, but railroad fans who prefer route designs over the financial side of the business would do well to stick to Sid Meier's classic Railroad Tycoon.