This Japanese tram simulation is almost unknown in Germany – why TRAMCITY HAKODATE is a real hidden gem for tram fans!

Honestly: this is exactly why I love this scene. Sometimes you come across titles that hardly anyone talks about here, and you immediately wonder why. TRAMCITY HAKODATE is exactly one of those cases. While many people immediately think of well-known European tram simulators, this game deliberately goes in a completely different direction – and that is exactly what makes it so exciting.

The simulator is set in Hakodate, a real city in northern Japan on Hokkaido. What stands out immediately is this feeling of “real city + real tram.” It strongly reminds you of those niche simulations that do not aim for mass appeal, but instead focus on atmosphere and recognizability.

And honestly: Japan always works. Especially for German readers and tram fans, this instantly feels fresh. Left-hand traffic, Japanese signals, different vehicle designs, and a completely different urban backdrop – that alone creates enormous appeal.

What makes it especially interesting is that the game was officially developed with the approval of the Hakodate City Tram. According to the available information, vehicle data, dimensions, external appearance, speed limits, and even driving behavior were directly implemented based on the real tram system. This is not some loosely inspired fantasy project – it is clearly grounded in reality.

A real highlight here is the sound design. Apparently, a great deal of value was placed on authenticity. The sounds come directly from real trams in Hakodate. Even sounds from areas close to the bogies were reportedly recorded under supervision – precisely the places you would normally never have access to during regular operations.

What I really like about it is this genuine city feeling. The game does not simply throw in some random fictional backdrop, but clearly bases itself on the real Hakodate tram system. You can tell that a lot of attention was paid to authenticity. The sounds in particular are a real highlight. The noises come from real vehicles – and you can hear that. When the tram starts moving, it does not sound like a tin can on rails, but actually like a real tram. It is a bit like the difference between a cheap speaker and a proper sound system – suddenly the whole thing comes alive.

But openly and fairly, one thing currently does not impress me as much, and that is the graphics. Unfortunately, this is the point that stands out relatively quickly. While the sound and the core concept are genuinely convincing, the visuals in some areas feel a bit like someone built a beautiful shop window but forgot to clean the glass. Buildings, textures, and the general lighting are simply not particularly attractive in places and do pull the overall impression down a little.

There is also another criticism that needs to be addressed constructively: there are reports that signals sometimes take a very long time to change or even seem to “get stuck.” And honestly – that is about as relaxing as standing at a red traffic light that has stayed red for five minutes while there is not a single car in sight. At some point you just think: “Well then, I’ll just go.”

Even so, my overall impression remains positive, especially when you look at the price. At €14.79, the whole package is really very comfortably priced. And honestly: these days that is almost less than a trip to the cinema with a drink and popcorn. For a simulator with a real city, real vehicles, impressive sound, and a completely new setting, I personally consider that a very fair entry price.

That is exactly why I see this as a genuine hidden gem for tram fans. Not perfect, no question – but for this price, you get something that feels pleasantly different from many of the well-known titles. A bit like a small, charmingly chaotic tram trip through Japan, where not every corner is polished, but which has character precisely because of that.

Link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2614000/TR…ODATE/?l=german

Would you pick up TRAMCITY HAKODATE for €14.79? Would Japan as a setting interest you? Should I present more hidden gems like this?