Is Dovetail serious? Thomas & Friends as a new “simulation” raises eyebrows!

Players take control of Thomas, Percy, Gordon, Emily and Diesel, explore iconic locations like Tidmouth Sheds and Knapford Station, complete eight story-driven scenarios, tackle shunting challenges, follow a simplified timetable mode and collect hidden items across the island. Technically powered by Unreal Engine and Simugraph, the focus is clearly on accessibility and narrative rather than operational depth.

And this is where opinions will likely split. From my personal point of view, this has very little to do with realistic railway simulation. There are no complex systems, no operational rules to master, no attempt to mirror real-world railway practice. Instead, it feels like a deliberate move toward a younger and broader audience, one that may never have touched Train Sim World or similar titles before.

What surprised me most is that this comes after the existing Thomas & Friends DLC for Train Sim World. I honestly did not expect Dovetail to push this franchise even further with a fully standalone game. It signals a clear strategic decision: expanding into new markets rather than doubling down on hardcore simulation.

That does not automatically make it wrong. But it does mean that long-time simulation fans may feel left behind or simply not addressed by this release. Wonder of Sodor does not pretend to be a serious sim, and it should be judged for what it is: an interactive, story-focused experience built around a globally known brand.

Whether this approach succeeds will depend on the audience it reaches. What is certain, however, is that Dovetail has chosen a path that will spark discussion – and probably quite a bit of controversy.

What was your first reaction to Wonder of Sodor? Would you have preferred a different Dovetail project? Is targeting new audiences worth sacrificing realism?