Okay, never mind. I figured out what is going on with the workers. Duh! They are needed to build the track, too! I didn't realize it was the SAME workers building the track and working the mine.

I just wanted to add that having my browser window open to an affiliate link to Big Fish Games every time I quit the game is annoying, too.

I tried to leave feedback, but it didn't let me on firefox. They need to change this game so the player doesn't have to keep having to click on the mine...why are workers leaving? When they come back, why don't they go back to work? I want to be able to allocate workers once and then focus on building. Having a track piece chosen and then having to click on the mine to re-add a worker, then click back on the piece again to be able to build is annoying.

Also, there should be a reason to collect the gold (other than score...does it affect the score?). It doesn't carry over to the next level, and player can't add track after the train starts, so there's no point to collecting it other than the challenge of it.

where can i get the trial version of this game?

I got it working.

My suggestions:

1. A volume control to turn down the music.

2. A sound effect for the train.

3. Better sound effects for other events (more distinct, they all sound too similar).

4. Make it possible to go from mid-game to the options and back.

5. A "full screen" option. (Full screen is in quotes since it should preserve the aspect ratio.)

I got the missing dll file error message as well. Reading through the comments I saw the Readme note. I typically skip the Readme file because it usually is the standard thing over and over. It would be great if there was some way to distinguish between the standard info, which I already know, and a Readme with additional info, non-standard info. I would read those.

I have the same problem with the non-resizable window putting the controls behind my toolbar. Very annoying. I don't mind it playing in a window, I rather prefer it but not being able to see the most important parts is painful. I second the suggestion of moving that stuff to the side.

and Whiterabbit: thank you for your reply with the sound mixer suggestion. I didn't realize it had separate mixers for each program running. I don't think it used to and I haven't explored it in Win 8. That tidbit will save me a lot of grief since I turn my sound on and over many times a day.

This applilcation has failed to start because Open32.dll was not found. Reinstalling the application may fix the problem.

It did not.

I'm more of Aircraft person and more of a military aircraft person, but I have had a fascination with Trains since I was a boy when my grandfather was first a conductor then and engineer for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad (later to become Conrail); the only reason I downloaded this game. But, if a game will not load, for whatever reason, it's not much use to me and will be uninstalled. So this will be uninstalled.

But, since I do have a fascination with Trains, I've always been on the lookout for a Train Simulation; one where the player can either build or buy Engines and Freight Cars, I'd rather build em, and then actually get to operate them like an aircraft sim, by delivering freight to certain destinations. But, I've never seen anything like this.

If anyone knows about a program like this I'd be happy to know about it, but "RailroadsofAmerica" gets dumped and the big thumbs down from me, although I won't actually vote since I didn't get to play it. Just don't suggest Railworks; who has that kind of money to spend on a game?

I will add that any worthwhile sim will not only include trains from yester years, but all the way up through the current technological age. This has been my experience with the best aircraft sims.

I do remember playing a game similar to this that did not have the ability to play in Full Screen and I have to add that I did not find that enjoyable. I agree with everyone that asks for the ability to play in Full Screen.


..........................Moderator comment..........................

Thank you for your feedback. The next best thing to Railworks is Trainz. You get a load of rolling stock and engines with the base game and there's only several dlc, that are often on sale. The graphics are not quite up to Railworks standard, but not far off.

I have checked my drivers, they all seem to be up to date. I d/l and uninstalled this game 4 times and still missing a dll file. I give up. I will just keep playing last weeks game. Thanks anyway


..........................Moderator comment..........................

The .dll can be installed using the file found in the games main folder. Check the read me.

well after seeing and playing the game and enjoying the game for about an hour when I click exit to exit the game again I get thrown into my web browser with bigfish games... normally I don't mind an advertisement or 2 but every time I exited the game it went there, Should be an option to see if you've been offered once already don't go there. over all good game.

Just noticed Lynn's comment (#70). There's about 200 extra units of iron in the middle levels and up to 500 units in the final levels. One must click on the bandits the instant they appear to prevent them from stealing iron or removing tracks.

Also, I've found it's best to start with all but one or two workers on the mine. I usually put everyone to work in the mine while I analyze the new level's board layout...have fun!

..........................Moderator comment..........................

Thank you for your feedback.

Had no difficulty opening game after running oalinst.exe first (64bit Windows 7). I found it very annoying that clicking 'continue' closed the game and that exiting the game automatically opens big fish games in my browser. Novel concept, but quite easy to play--I successfully completed all levels in less than two hours.

Possible improvements:
1) Enable re-sizing of the game screen--in order to see the whole game screen, the toolbar had to be moved.
2) Directions were quite sparse. Finally figured out that repeatedly clicking on the intruders was the approved method of 'fighting'. Similarly, it took me sometime to figure out that collecting the gold was only possible by building train tracks over it, and that the tracks must enter from the left side of the screen and exit on the right side--not just end on the correct square.
3) Game ending could be more satisfactory. A congratulations screen for successfully traversing the United States possibly listing the travel time and number of bandits/Indigenes (hate, that word) fought might make more sense.
4) To increase game difficulty, the bandits could kill workers or loot gold in addition to looting iron and removing train tracks.
5) It'd be nice if the train moved faster...

Favorite features:
1) "restart level" option enables one to start over after analyzing the board.
2) clear buttons for turning off sound and music

Game-playing tip: As soon as all the workers are working on clearing the last of the debris or building the tracks, the train can be started--it's not necessary for the work to stop before the train is started.

Overall, a pleasant game, but not exciting/challenging enough to replay or keep on my computer. Hope this feedback was helpful.


..........................Moderator comment............................


Thank you for your excellent feedback gamer. :)

Tried installing 3 times on Win 7 64x. Said it installed and was activated, but it's not on my computer anywhere. I give up. Thumbs down.


...........................Moderator Comment.........................

Did you check the instal path mentioned in the read me?

i.e.

C:/games?Railroads across America

There's usually no shortcut installed with game giveaways. you have to create it yourself from the game sexe, which you'll find via the above path (slightly different to what i've posted). The actual install path is mentioned in my review above as well as the read me.

I'm halfway through the game and I really like it a lot (like I knew I would) - except for one thing...

Whenever an Indian attacks a section of the track or a bandit steals iron from the mine I end up short of having enough to finish laying the track. The last time I had to replace one section of track and bandits attacked the mine twice so I was short the materials for three sections of track.

And yes - I click on the Indians and the bandits like crazy to get rid of them and sometimes it works and I don't lose anything but most of the time it's like they're just ignoring me and I lose the iron in the mine or a track section that has to be replaced.

The mine should have enough extra iron to replace sections and make sure the track is finished. And instead of a strick limit on the iron supply - players could get bonus points if the extra iron wasn't used and a points penalty if the extra iron is used.

Please let me know if this feature gets included because I'll want the improved version. :)

Thamk you!

Lynn



............................Moderator Comment........................

Thank you for your excellewnt feedback Lynn. I'd contac tthe developer to see if he intends adding extra's. i agree w.r.t. the lack of extra iron. The game has a lot of potential. They could add hidden pockets of iron, and enable miners to mine the gold as well, which could be used to import iron from elsewhere. There's loads of ideas that could be incorporated including a level editor, especially as there's only 15 levels

Anyone else having a problem with missing desktop icons after exiting the game? When I played it and exited I found that My Computer, Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, and Freecell had been deleted.

.......................Moderator comment.........................

At least i community member has reported that icons are being moved. It's possible the icons are still there but not visible due to your screen resolution. You can check this by increasing the screen resolution. That will give you as larger desktop and may uncover those 'hidden' icons. Or click on the start menu then click on your account name (usually the first item in the right hand column of the start menu). Once opened select desktop and see if the icons are present; you can place them back onto the visible desktop by dragging them from the window you've opened. If they are missing, I can't explain why? The game doesn't affect my shortcuts in any way.

..................Moderator comment..................

I've only just got back from a very long day (in fact a very long weekend. I was surprised to find ovewr 60 un moderated comments just now; I tohught the othe rmoderator would have at least visited a couple of times. sorry you folks have had to wait so long for your comments to show. I've checked over most comments and added a few comments. For those having problems check the comments as there appears to be some fixes to some problems. w.r.t. not filling the screen. If you recuce the resolution of your monitor the window will increase in size. The game was originally created for phones then ported over to the iPad, which probably explains why the game only plays in a window.

I'll work through some of the comments in the morning when I get up. Sorry about this weekend. I've not done much with my children this summer vacation so far...... Needed to take them places. Next year we will be resuming our annual away vacations. This year the new house has taken priority. (The cost of the extension alone would pay for decent family vacations for 15 years, lol)

Könnte ein Wheemplay Spiel sein,keinen Spass ohne Spielfortschrits-speicher schlecht sehr schlecht.


..........................Moderator comment............................


Translated:


Could be a Wheemplay game, no fun without Spielfortschrits bad very bad memory.

This is a game that has a lot of promise, but by the fourth level was driving me insane.

I love time management games and building games.

However...

1. Each level has very little leeway. If you lose a piece of track to a bandit or bad placing, you've pretty much lost the level. The iron is extremely limited, and you can't really tell by how much until you've played the level all the way through, realize you don't have enough for THAT LAST PIECE, smash your head against the wall, and start the level over again.

2. It's very easy to misplace a piece of track while going after a bandit, because the cursor automatically carries the last track last placed. Click slightly off and instead of whacking a bandit, you've placed a piece of track, lost the track, plus the iron the bandit stole from wherever, and you've probably lost the level because (see #1)

3. It would be nice if you could study the level before the timer starts. Most time management games don't start until your first click. You lose valuable time while studying the layout.

4. It would also be nice if you could have a button to fastforward the train through.

The second two comments are just suggestions/wishful thinking. However, the first two are reasons why I was not having fun... and I really WANTED to have fun!

Just out of curiousity, is the game only those levels across the States? Because if so, the game is also really short.


...........................Moderator comment....................

Thank you for your feedback Cam. I agree about the limited resources. Also it would have been nice to see a level editor. Adding more levels would have given the game more replayability; especially if you could share them with friends.

I too have the same problem with it not filling the screen on my windows 7 screen and I do not see any way of changing it's screen resolution. Is there a way of telling the program to start in a different resolution?


......................Moderator comment.....................

I think the reason the game plays in a window is becasue it was originally designed for phones and later the iPad. You can increase the size of the window by adjusting you screen resolution. lower the resolution will increase the size of the window.

Cute little game but ended after only 15 stages (seen as points on the map) with a "To Be Continued" splash screen. Then proceeded to launch my web browser with bigfishgames.com website. I haven't seen crippleware at GOTD before.


......................Moderator comment.....................

It's not crippleware, the game only has 15 levels. Yes a very short game, but free nontheless. I think the splash screen saying 'to be continued' is implying more to follow later.

Further to my comment at 6:18pm on the error about openal32.dll missing:

Unfortunately it seems the OpenAL.org website is down today.

Having trouble installing with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and Kaspersky Internet Security.

When I try to run I get the message that it can't find openal32.dll

I checked the readme file and it says:
"If the program would not start because openal32.dll is missing, please run oalinst.exe first and then start the game again."

But I do not see the oalinst.exe file.

I might be able to solve this on my own, but the procedure needs to be clearer for those who know little about computers.


............................Moderator comment...................

If you open the games installed folder you should see the open al installation file. See the image below. It shows you what files and folders are found within the installed folder. You cqan clearly see the needed file

i.e. oalinst.exe

I had a thought, I read the readme, disregard previous post please.

When I run the program, I get the following System Error:

This program can't start because OpenAL32.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.

Have reinstalled twice with same error.

Please help.


..........................Moderator comment............................

See Keiths comment and my reply, plus image below

Had a small problem installing this game on Win 7. I was missing a dll file, but reading the Readme file solved the problem. The game opens as half screen with no way to expand the screen, but this was not a noticable problem after I started playing the game. Only played it a short while, but seems like an interesting game to play.

I found the problem and fixed it - now my problem is I can't get at the bottom of the game screen to choose tracks- *sigh*

Finished Railroads of America in one sitting - about 1 hour. Enjoyed playing this game, even though I finished it very quickly and it is a relatively easy game. Thank you!!!


..........................Moderator comment............................

:D

It need a levels editor or at least another 30 or so levels. Arcade games used to come with around 100 levels. Rarely see that these days.

I can't use game-it says it is missing: OpenAl32.dll

I have deleted and installed it 3 times- any fixes?


..........................Moderator comment............................

Yes Lynn, read the read me or check the reply to Keiths comment below (the one with the image) ;-)

BUG WARNING: At the end of the level, if I click "Menu", when I click "Continue" the level progress is not saved!! I have to redo the last level again.

Overall it's a pretty interesting game, and a unique idea.

Some suggestions:
- Instead of clicking the "TIME" label to start the train immediately, there should be a button that looks like a train or like a "Play" button with a triangle. The "TIME" label doesn't look clickable, and if you clicked through the tutorial too fast, it's easy to miss the notice about clicking on "TIME".
- There should be a button to the main menu from the map of the US.
- It should not open a link to Big Fish Games when you quit.
- Display the amount of iron remaining during the level


..........................Moderator comment............................

Thank you for your feedback Asher, much appreciated

I have Win8, 64Bit. The Railroad program downloaded fine, and had the usual ReadMe file. I installed per directions, but it would not start. It said in the ReadMe if it wouldn't start and says openal32.dll is missing, please run oalinst.exe first and then start the game again. Problem is - where the heck is oalinst.exe?


..........................Moderator comment............................

Hi Jim, Read my reply to Keiths comment below. I've posted an image to show you where it is in the installed games folder. ;-)

RVL games, please put an option for "untimed" or relaxed mode for us elderly. I'm over 60 and can't think as fast as I use to, but still would like to solve puzzles! Also the music gets old very fast. I know I can turn it off but a few western melodies would help. Also why do the men leave the mine? I need the iron Dudes stay there!

Interesting game, never played one like this,could use an untimed mode. Nice way to find out that sometimes I kinda do the dyslexes thing lol. Thank you giveaway and game developer.

I found the needed install program referenced in the readme.txt file in the game's folder -- C:\Games\RailroadsofAmerica_game. It installed openal32.dll just fine and the game then opened and ran OK. Just wish that the game's window could be maximized to occupy the whole screen instead of a fixed window size.

Whoops... sorry. Should have read the readme file first before posting. As Gilda Radner would say... 'never mind'.

Disabled Norton, downloaded and tried to install. Window opens that says "This program can't start because OpenAL32.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem."

I did reinstall and overwrote the old installation files. Then, I get the same window regarding the dll file.

Any suggestions? Thanks.


.............................Moderator comment.................................

Sorry, should work. Maybe make sure you're totally deleted the game, then reinstall, then click on the file mentioned in the read me.

Nice game, but only 15 Levels. Thumbs up for gameplay but it´s just fun for an hour....

I've installed the game. It would not open. I used the specified file. It still would not open.

Win7

I have played the last level.
I have made the track ok as far as I can see, and have more then 2 minutes left. When i click on time to start the train, I receive a message that the level has failed.
Tried it twice, Same result.

I installed to a family computer where a railroad nut plays games. I am not sure why, but when I close the game's window (instead of using the Quit Game icon), the browser opens and goes to Big Fish Games. BFG does not even have this game, at least not a downloadable version.
Verdict of how the game plays will have to be determined by another family member, as this is not my type of game.

Thank you Game GAOTD and RVL Games.

.............................Moderator comment.................................

Don't know why it's redirecting to BFG for some community members. It doesn't for me?

Missing OpenAL32.dll error. Game will not run without it.

I copied OpenAL32.dll from another game and it opened this one, but when clicking on continue the game closes.


.............................Moderator comment.................................

Reinstall, then read the read me. It mentions that you need to click on a specific file within the installed folder if you get a dll problem.

I download and install the game but when i try opening it, I got this message. The program can't start because OpenAL32.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the pogram to fix the problem.

I am using windows 7, home premium, 64 bit. I try reinstalling and still the same problem.

.............................Moderator comment.................................

Read the read me. That will tell you what to do.

I read the readme.txt file and saw the message "If the program would not start because openal32.dll is missing, please run oalinst.exe first and then start the game again." Sure enough, I got the error message when I attempted to run the game. I went back to the unzipped downloaded file, but there are only 3 files shown: readme.txt, Setup.exe and Setup.gcd. Where is this oalinst.exe file that is referenced in the readme.txt file? I use Bandizip as my file unzip/zip utility. Yes, I checked the FAQs and the game discussion forum first before posting here. Thanks.


.............................Moderator comment.................................

That's odd, I have 3 files and three folders withion the main game folder. Including the required file. Ah, just re read your comment. You are looking in the wrong place. The required file is within the installed games folder. Just follow the installation path, which shoulds be C:/Games/Railroads of America

It appears that this was a mobile game that has been converted to work on a PC. It certainly seems more like a mobile game. Review of the mobile version: www.theiphoneappreview.com/2013/07/railroads-of-america-iphone-app-review/

Starts simple, but does eventually get more difficult. Doesn't allow you to replay levels after you have completed them. Only has on/off switches for music and sound rather than ability to control volume level. Still not a bad little diversion. Unfortunately uses wild west stereotype of indigenes as the bad guys.


.............................Moderator comment.................................

Thanks for your feedback

Let me see if this works.

http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/4230/ldn8.jpg


.......................Moderator comment..........................

You have to add coding for the image to show.

If you click on one of my images you will be taken to the hoste site where you can see the various codes used. with this site you need to use the greater than and less than arrows (< >)

I would love to review this game but I'm getting new computer tomorrow and I don't think you can transfer these kind:(


........................Moderator comment...................

Try it; you've nothing to lose. some games do transfer over if free standing.

I love this game, it IS challenging, and fun, the only problem I've noticed is when I close the game, it automatically goes to the bigfish site, with a 70% discount for "first time" customers. I've never had this to happen from here before. Just thought you'd like to know. I took a screencapture of the page that opened, when I exited the game. I'm not sure how to post an image here. I may look around to see if I can figure out a way, either here or in the forum, and post it so you can see what I'm talking about.

Thanks again for the games and all your efforts. :-)


.........................Moderator comment.........................

Check the following link.

http://postimg.org/image/t2lyllypj/febe7263/

It takes you to a file sharing site. It's asimple matter to upload your images. To post in the comments section you need to select the Hotlink for Website to be able to see the image in these comments.

If you want to post an image in the giveaway forums you select the direct link then add the following to the beginning and end of the code- open square bracket then type img then close close square braket (no spaces) then at the end repeat with open square bracket then type /img then close square bracket - where square bracket is [ (open) or ] (close)

p.s. I've uploaded an image of the page you should see if you follow the link i've provided. I've marked the two areas that you need to use for posting here and in the forums. Just click on the buttons to the right to copy the link to the clipboard, or right click on the actual code to copy:

The game is essentially a really simple time management concept. Don't click on an indian or bandit quick enough or make too many mistakes planning out your track and you won't have enough iron to complete it. Take too long to build the track while clicking on the above mentioned enemies and you fail the level.

I'd rate the game 6/10. The graphics and sound are fine for this type of game play. I'd give it 7/10 or perhaps even a 8/10 if it auto detected the presence of the dll file you need to install or simply included a copy within the game directory and used the local copy.


............................Moderator Comment........................

Thank you for your feedback

Cute little game. Would also like to see full screen option, multiple profile options (so that several family members could be working through the levels independently)I realize this is a time management game,but an untimed mode would be a nice option as I can see my younger grandchildren enjoying playing this just to get the train to the other side without the time contstraint. Like the card game with the pipes.(Waterworks)I would also enjoy playing it that way as I don't like the stress of the time management games but do enjoy the problem solving element.

One complaint. Upon closing the game the Bigfish website opened. I'm a Bigfish subscriber for the time being, but just don't like websites opening upon closing a game.



............................Moderator Comment........................

Thank you for your feedback. Oddly it doesn't open up BFG for me. I cancelled my BFG sub when virtually every new game was a HOG. about three years ago. There's well over a thousand HOGs on their books now

Installed and created shortcut. Failed to open the program because 'OpenAl32.dll' not found.
Uninstalled, downloaded again, installed and created new shortcut but got the same error message again when I tried to open with the .exe file as well as the shortcut.
Anyone had the same problem?



............................Moderator Comment........................

Thank you for your feedback De4, you just need to read the read me for the solution

Says openAL32.dll is missing. Tried reinstalling, same thing. Windows 8.



............................Moderator Comment........................

Check the read me for the solution :)

game shoul have openAL.dll incorperated. Developper should know some OS is missing this dll.



............................Moderator Comment........................

Thank you for your feedback, check the read me. You'll find theirs an AL installer within the games installed folder ;)