The player takes on the role of a transport company owner in Transport Tycoon , starting in 1930 during The Great Depression. The goal is to build an empire of trains, ships, lorries, planes, and helicopters, with technological advancements allowing for better vehicles to be used.
The game can be played alone or with computer-controlled rivals. A large terrain is generated at the start, showing hills, rivers, lakes, bridges, industrial facilities, and small towns in an isometric projection. The player must decide how to begin building their transport empire.
Transport connections involve linking towns and factories, constructing vehicle depots, and purchasing vehicles. Players can connect two towns with a road, build a depot next to the road, and set up bus stops. They then purchase buses, set schedules, and order them to start operating, earning money as they transport passengers.
Building train networks requires individual locomotives and wagons, which are assigned to each train. Businesses offer specific cargo that needs transporting, with some offering payment for other types of cargo. Landscaping tools can be used to clear terrain or create canals for ships.
A live feed of the vehicle's activity is shown when clicking on a vehicle, along with its status. Important events during gameplay are displayed as newspaper headlines at the bottom of the screen.
Transport Tycoon has undergone various versions and releases, including a notable PlayStation port that utilized 3D graphics. The game also spawned the World Editor and was re-released in enhanced form as Transport Tycoon Deluxe .  (En,Fr,De,Es,It).png)
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