This is one of the games I picked up during the last Nintendo e-shop sale, because it was almost free. For a limited time, this game cost exactly 0.01€ with the full price being 20€. By now, I am so happy that I bought it and would even pay the full 20€!
Cheap look, quality content
To be honest, I did not expect much from this game. It has this low polygon look that I associate with cheap and crappy games, and it's about trains. Meh. The only real reason to buy this game was its low price and the "Multiplayer"-tag. You can either play it alone or with a partner. So I sat down with my girlfriend and started playing.
Conduct Together: Confusing at first, but super fun. Copyright: Maniac.de
The idea behind the game is very simple: You have to transport a certain number of passengers in a given time between coloured train stations. You can only start/stop your trains and navigate them using railroad switches. Every switch is controlled by a button on the left Joy-Con, and every train can be stopped/started via buttons on the right Joy-Con. This way, one player can do all the switching, while the other puts trains on hold.
The principle is very easy to understand, but hard to master. And because you have to be in sync with your partner, it is super fun! We even played this game with our parents, whose last video game might have been Wii Sports Bowling. The game is challenging but always fair, and because it is so much fun you get super motivated trying to beat a level.
Hard, harder, conductor
When I first tried to beat a level playing alone, it took me about half an hour, and this was one of the easier ones. This was mostly because I did not have the right strategy in mind. Now, when starting a new level, I stop all the trains first and figure things out, then I try to beat the level. It still takes some time to get "into" the level. There are some additional additional obstacles like cars or freight trains you can not influence. You just need a certain combination of strategy, skill and rhythm to be successful. Sometimes I got frustrated playing alone, but I always wanted to play again the very next day. It feels like some kind of deep learning process is happening in your brain. As a reward you will unlock new tracks to play plus some purely cosmetic trains. And I'll tell you what: You will definitely be excited about the trains!
Accidentally blown up a city? No worries, just try again! Copyright: Weltenraum.at
Conclusion: Unique and simple but challenging game
Conduct Together served my need to accomplish something really difficult, just like any Dark Souls-like game. The game might look "cheap" and simple, but it allows for the same great gaming experience like any full price title. Getting in the flow of controlling trains in the right rhythm just feels so rewarding. Of course there could be more tracks, or more trains, but these are just the words of an addict. Personally, I hope for a second part that includes a map creator.Wait till the game is on sale again, but don't think twice about spending a few bucks on it!
Rating: 8/10