What are the differences between the game modes?

The below findings are based on personal gameplay of the Beta 15 version on Steam.

In Normal (previously Commuter) Mode:

  • The scoring timer in the top-right will measure total passengers served

  • You recieve a budget increase (i.e. an upgrade) at the end of every Sunday, irrespective of how many passengers were served

  • If a station becomes overcrowded, you lose the game

  • The aim is to keep your system running for as long as possible before the inevitable overcrowding occurs

In Endless (previously Scenic) Mode:

  • The scoring timer in the top-right will measure passengers served per day (it has a timer, so you need to maintain the rate for a whole day)

  • You receive a budget increase when you achieve efficiency milestones, i.e. you are maintaining a certain number of passengers served per day

  • If a station becomes overcrowded you do not lose the game - this means you can play indefinitely

  • The aim is to maximise efficiency, however, there is no loss condition so this is effectively a sandbox design mode

In Extreme (previously Rush Hour Mode):

  • Scoring and budget increases are as per Commuter Mode

  • Line placements are permanent; you can extend a line from its end, but you can't "un-hook" from an existing station or delete the line. This means that any closed-loop track is completely permanent.

  • Line upgrades are also permanent; if you attach an additional train or carriage to a line, you can't then move it to another line (cReddit where credit's due)

  • Before a new station appears you'll see a faded 'ghost' of where it's going to pop up

  • The aim is the same as commuter mode, but with the added challenge of being unable to rethink your design once it's laid