Get in on the good old days of cigar-chomping, market-cornering capitalism with Railroad Tycoon 2. The rich realism of this simulation will absorb you in the worlds of transportation and communication from 1804 to 2020--the early days of steam to tomorrow's bullet trains. Play any of 40 different chairmen at different times and places, hire managers with different skills and abilities, pay attention to the economy and stock market, and bully the competition into the history books as you keep the trains running on time. The graphics are splendid, and the details you must keep up with are realistic and challenging, creating an engaging game system that keeps you entertained for hours at a time. Simple to learn, the game can be started moments after installation. The manual is designed to provide just the information you need, when you need it, though you'd be well advised to master the game on your own before taking on networked opponents from the next cubicle or over the Net. Enhancements over the first Railroad Tycoon include full-motion video and more engine and cargo types, campaigns, and "sandbox mode." Be warned: you will always spend more time than you thought you would playing Railroad Tycoon 2; time takes on a whole new meaning when you're building an empire. --Rob Lightner Pros: Complete, realistic business model Fascinating historical simulation Plethora of cars, engines, and towns Great use of visuals and sounds Cons: Track laying is needlessly tricky Manual is weak in some areas