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There's no rhyme or reason for why some games are free on Steam, but many have a deliberate strategy involved. Sometimes it's a prologue to hook you, or a promotional game for another project.
In this case, this free Steam release is a freeware game that still holds up today. The positive Steam user reviews can attest to that.
MaSynza Has Come To Steam, And It's Free
It's A Long Time Coming To The Station
MaSzyna has the perfect description that sums up everything that it's about: "a simulator, which will allow you to become a train driver of the most popular locomotives and multiple units used on the Polish railways." This is a monumental freeware release that's been in development for over two decades, and you can download it now for free on Steam.
Originally scheduled for the 2000s, the game kept getting delayed, with numerous rounds of testing by a dedicated community. It's now available to everyone on multiple platforms, including Steam and Epic Games. Currently, it's sitting at "positive" reviews on Steam, so despite the aged visuals, it's still catching on.
There are over 40 different types of diesel-fueled and electric locomotives to command, with liveries based on real photos (nearly everything in the game is based on real references). You'll drive them across 15 different railway routes, and experience randomized events to keep things spicy. You'll also need to do this while adhering to transportation and safety laws.
The game even comes with a warning on its product page: "Don't give up early! - Accurate brake systems, electric traction simulation and realistic signalling: all of that makes MaSzyna one of the most realistic train simulators available. Before performing the missions you should learn the rules used on the Polish railways (Ie-1), and consult the simulator manual on starting and driving of specific vehicle type."
It's Been Around For 25 Years Now
Quite The Legacy
Given that it's roughly a 20-year-old engine, pretty much any machine can run MaSynza without any issues. The only thing to keep in mind is that the installation size is roughly 100GB, and a lot of that is due to an excess of painstakingly created textures.The visual style has been described as "nostalgic" for its replication of the feel of the Polish railway system in the '90s.According to one user, it requires a "complete understanding of Polish signaling and traffic rules," and the game provides little in the way of tutorials. In that sense, it's incredibly rewarding for simulation fans looking for a new challenge to conquer.
The next time you boot up Steam, consider picking up MaSzyna. If you claim it now, you could prep for a nice rainy day activity.
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