A port from the Dreamcast released by Taito in 1998, based on the arcade game.
As the subtitle shows many of the 13 trains in this game are rapid and limited
express trains. Make no mistake, whilst the Densha De Go series simulates many
aspects of train locomotion, this is a true arcade experience. Meaning that
there is a lot of fun to be had with this series, even if you are not an anorak,
or Rail Fan as they say in Japan. Famitsu gave the game 32 out of 40. The
British publication, N64 magazine was one of the only western magazines to
review the game that I know of.
The game was sold with a fantastic controller. This resembles the controls of an
actual Japanese train, and was on sale for 5,800 yen before tax. The center of
the controller has a space for a stop watch. Train operators in Japan still use
stopwatches to time the distance and speed between station in order that they
arrive exactly on time. They also have on board computers and briefcases
containing transmitter equipment, but the humble stopwatch is still relied upon!
A special edition stop watch was produced for the game, and it is now an
extremely rare piece of N64 memorabilia.
The Voice Recognition System used in Hey You, Pikachu! can also be used to
confirm the signs and signals. Making these two games the only ones that ended
up actually using the VRS. Verabl signal confirmation is something that actual
train drivers do in Japan for safety reasons. Official strategy guides were also
produced for some of the games, and I recommend them if you can read Japanese.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The Densha De Go controller must be plugged into controller port 3. Else it will
not function. Plug a normal controller into port 1 to control the menus. The VRU
is plugged into port 4. You must plug controllers in before you turn the game
on, as it only checks the ports when it boots up.
Whilst playing I recommend pointing at signals and signs, and saying them out
loud as they appear on screen. This is what real train drivers do in Japan to
ensure they drive correctly, and that their co-driver knows they have seen the
signal. For maximum realism put on your train drivers cap and white gloves.
On April 1st 2017, Zoinkity and Mikeryan completed a translation patch for the
game. You can find it over at romhacking dot net. This translation was a
herculean effort. Not only did they translate all of the GUI, by editing the
original images and then replacing them in game. They also hacked the VRS unit
using Hey! Pikachu, created new recordings so that the game now understands
English instructions. Astonishingly they went to the trouble of making the VRS
work with American AND British English using the Cambridge English Dictionary
website. You can switch between the two by starting the game in PAL or NTSC
modes. They additionally included some Easter eggs in the game. For example if
you load the arcade mode with the transfer pak attached, and with the Game Boy
Colour version of Desha De Go 2 inserted, all of the lines will be unlocked. If
you have the 64DD attached a new title screen will be displayed. It cannot be
understated how much work went into this translation patch, all for a game that
very people know about, and even less people may actually want to play. It’s a
testament to Zoinkity’s hacking prowess and Mikeryan’s translation ability. Hats
off to both of them!
I also own some of the Playstation 1 and Playstation 2 games in the series, and
for my money, the N64 version is more fun to play. The graphics, draw distance
and sound quality are clearly inferior to the Playstation. However, the load
times are much faster, and when you have repeated game-overs, this really makes
a difference to the experience of the game. I even prefer this game to the more
realistic Train Simulator series. Those games are constructed using real FMV
which was recorded from the front of the trains. However, they lack the charm of
the 90s graphics of the Densha De Go series. When the train is stopped, or
slowing down the FMV also has to slow down and stop. This results in weird
images of pedestrians and cars frozen mid movement. This game also have a good
selection of lines including the famous Tokyo Yamanote Loop line and the Akita
Shinkansen. Believe me, if you were a train loving child in Japan, those are two
of the lines would most like to experience driving.
The Densha De Go games are also fundamental meant to be enjoyed in the arcade,
where they can still be seen to this day in Japan. For this reason they are far
more enjoyable to the average gamer. They are still popular to this day, however
new titles do not come out that often. This has meant that prices in the used
game market are quite high. I paid 10,000 yen (100 dollars?) for my PS2
controller with its box. The PS2 games I found, had also kept their value at
5000 yen.
I was lucky with the N64 game; I came across the controller and the cartridges
without the box for 3000 yen. I have seen a full boxed copy on sale for 10,000
yen (100 dollars).
If you are new to this series and want to use your money in the most effective
way, you probably want to buy the Mascon 2 that was released for the PS2. This
the controller that is compatible for the most games, both on PS1 and PS2. The
N64 only has one title in the series, so it is harder to recommended, but it
still is my favorite.
If you are playing the game for the first time, I recommend you play Zoinkity
and Mikeryans patch and play the tutorial. There are many rules that you need to
learn to order to play the game properly. If that is not an option, please read
all of this guide, the manual is actually very short and contains a lot of vital
information. After the manual translation are more tips on how to play
effectively! This is a very strict game and you may lose an entire run by making
one small error in judgment. In most cases it is because you did not start to
slow down in the right place. This can be really frustrating, but it also
provides the real joy of the game because when you know how to operate the train
correctly, you really feel like a driver! Like most STG/shooting games, you will
enter a zen state when you start to play it well!
2 Manual Translation
Pg 4 Line Introductions
((There are 16 missions built around 7 main lines.))
東北秋田新幹線The Touhoku Akita Shinkansen Line
ほくほく線The Hokuhoku Line
京浜東北線The Keihin-Touhoku Line
奥羽本線The Ou Main Line
田沢湖線The Tazawako Line
山手線The Yamanote Line
都会ド線The Tokaido Main Line
秋田新幹線 The Akita Shinkansen
The Akita Shinkansen runs on a reconstructed line made from the Ou Main line
(from Akita to Omagari) and the Tazawako Line (From Omagari to Morioka).
Originally it was small Shinkansen built for standard line use, its top speed is
130km per hour (80 mph). The Shinkansen that travels between Morioka and Tokyo
is known as the Tohoku Akita Shinkansen and is called Yamahiko Komachi, it’s top
speed is 275km per hour (170 mph).
Train series – E3 and 200
Lines – Akita to Omagari, Omagari to Morioka, Morioka to Shin-Hanamaki
If you stratify the following condition you can drive the Tohoku Shinkansen from
Morioka to Shin-Hanamaki. Complete the Akita Shinkansen line from Akita to
Omagari without continuing and stopping at 0 meters at Omagari Station.
ほくほく線The Hokuhoku Line
A short line that connects the Jouetsu Shinkansen to trains bound for Hokuriku.
It is constructed between Sagata Station on the Etsu main line and Muika Machi
on the Jouetsu line. Most trains link up with Naoetsu station on the Shinetsu
Main Line and Echigo Yuyuzawa station on the Jouetsu line. The Hokuhoku line has
no train crossings, and its express trains run at 150km per hour (93 mph). The
HK 100 runs both the normal and high-speed trains.
Trains – HK100 type, 485 series, 485 series 3000 machine, 681 series 2000
machine.
Lines – Naoetsu to Uragawara, Naoetsu to Muika Machi.
京浜東北線The Keihin-Touhoku Line
A light blue train which travels long distances and passes through many stations
without stopping. It runs between Omiya, Tokyo and Yokama. It also runs on the
Touhoku Main Line, the Toukaido Main Line and the Negishi Line. The train that
cross Tokyo and runs north is called the Omiya bound train, the train which
crosses Tokyo and runs south is called the Ofuna bound train. Currently the 209
series has replaced the 103 series of trains.
Trains – The 209 series.
Lines – Shinagawa to Ueno, Yokohama to Shinagawa.
奥羽本線The Ou Main Line
The Ou Main line runs from Fukushima to Aomori, and pass through Yamagata and
Akita. In this game you can drive the section that runs parallel to the Akita
Shinkansen, the track between Akita to Omagari. Essential it is the same track,
that was built at a width for Shinkansen, conventional trains run on a single
track. The local train, are normally a 701 series.
Trains – The 701 series
Lines - From Akita to Omagari
田沢湖線The Tazawako Line
The Tazawako Line is a mountainous single track line between Morioka and
Omagari. Originally it was a slow non electric line, but the line was
electrified with the opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen at Morioka. During the
construction of the Akita Shinkansen, the track was widened to Shinkansen width.
Because of this, it became impossible for other conventional trains to connect
directly. The only non Shinkansen, local trains which could run on the Tazawako
Line is the 701 series 5000 machine.
Train – The 701 series 5000 machine.
Lines – From Tazawawako to Morioka
山手線The Yamanote Line
The Yamanote line is a loop line between Shinagawa and Tabata, but also joins
the Touhoku Main Line and the Toukaidou Main Line. Its about 62 minutes to
complete a loop. It is run by the private railway company Japan Railways (JR).
It bears the responsibility of serving each station on both the underground and
over ground lines that are connected to lines bound for the heart of the city.
Train – The 205 series
Line – From Tokyo to Shinjuku
都会ド線The Tokaido Main Line
The important line between Osaka and Kobe. It runs limited express, express and
normal trains, and includes the JR Kobe Line (the main line between Osaka. Sanyo
and Hiemji). Trains on the JR Tozai line also use it from Amagasaki.
Additionally, it is also used by Limited Express and night trains bound for
Sanin. It received great damage from the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. The
restoration of the line was accomplished at an astonishing speed.
Trains – The 223 series 1000 machine
Lines – From Osaka to Kobe
Pg 6 Controls
These are the standard controls (シーハンド形)
Mascon refers to the lever which is used to control the engine speed of the
train.
A button – Decrease the braking strength
B button – Increase the braking strength
C Up – Activate the emergency brake
C Down/Left/Right – Sound the horn
Start button – Pause
R Trigger – Release the brake
L Trigger – Turn off the engine (切)
D Pad Up – increase speed (Mascon down)
D Pad Down – decrease speed (Mascon up)
How to use the Mascon
When you push the D Pad Up the train increases in speed in set levels. The
number next to the blue triangle is the current speed level. In the opposite
way, pushing the D Pad Down decreases the speed in levels.
How to Brake
If you press the B button, the breaking level increases in set amounts. The
current braking level is displayed as a number next to the yellow triangle. If
you press the A Button, the braking level reduces. The bigger the brake number,
the stronger the braking power.
How to use the other equipment
If you press C Up, the emergency brake is activated. If you use it when you have
not been instructed to, you will lose points.
The other C buttons sound the train horn.
Sometimes it is necessary to sound the horn whilst operating the train. In this
case sound it promptly by press C Down, Left or Right. The sign indicating you
should sound the horn is an X on a yellow square.
Pg 7 ワンマンドル型 (One man type – A one man conductor-less train)
C Up – Activate the emergency brake
C Down/Left/Right – Sound the horn
Start button – Pause
R Trigger – Turn off the engine (切)
L Trigger – Turn off the engine (切)
D Pad Up – decrease speed and increase the brake
D Pad Down – increase speed and decrease the brake
You can select this control type on the options screen. See page 16.
Menu Controls
Start Button – Start the game, skip the demo
D Pad – Move the cursor
A Button – Confirm your selection
B Button – Cancel your selection, go back one menu.
Pause Menu
If you pause the game, the following options will be displayed. Please confirm
your choice by pressing the Start button.
Resume play
Stop driving – return to the title screen
Return to the departure station
Pg 8 The Densha De Go Controller
When the power switch on the Nintendo 64 is in the off position, please plug
this controller into port 3. This controller is intended for シーハンド control
scheme.
Lever on the left – The Mascon. If you pull the handle towards you the speed
will increase from Off 切 to speed level 5.
Lever on the right – The Brake. It has 10 levels. Off解除, brake levels 1-8 and
Emergency Brake 非常. Turn the level to the left to release the brake. If you turn
it to the right, the braking power will increase. If you go pass level 8, the
emergency brake will be activated.
C Buttons – Sound the horn
Start Button – Pauses the game
Select Button
Menu Controls
Mascon – Move the cursor
A / C button – Confirm your selection
B button – Cancel a selection, go back one menu
Start button – Start the game, skip the demo
About connecting the controller
If you wish to use the Densha De Go controller, please connect it when the power
is switched off. When the game is turned on, the controller select screen will
be displayed, please choose the Densha De Go controller on that screen.
Pg 9 How to understand the gauges
1 The time at the top left. The scheduled time the train is expected to arrive
at the next station according to the time table.
2 Under that, is the current time.
3 The time in the middle of the screen. How much time you currently have. If it
runs out the game will end.
4 In the bottom right is the speedometer.
5 In the bottom right is the distance meter. It shows the distance from your
current location to the next station where you must stop.
6 In the top left corner is the mason meter. It shows the current engine speed
level, from off 切 to level 5.
7 At the top right of the screen is the brake meter. If shows the current
braking level from off 解除 to level 8
You can choose to turn off the speedometer and distance meters in the game
options menu. (This makes the game very hard!)
About Professional Mode
If you are using the Nintendo 64 Controller and you press the Z trigger during
play, the distance meter will be hidden, and you can enjoy playing the game at a
much higher difficulty level! If you press the Z Trigger again, the distance
meter will be displayed again. If you are using the Densha De Go Controller,
you can also hide the distance meter during play if you press the Select button.
Pg 10 How to drive
出発進行 Departure
Wait for the signal light in the train to come on (the small yellow light at the
upper left). Release the brake. Quickly turn the Mascon to 5, and the train will
depart. It is prohibited to depart until the signal light in the train has come
on.
加速 Increase speed
Increase speed to an appropriate amount, then turn the Mascon to off (切) coast
the train forward using the speed you have built up. If the train has too much
speed, make adjustments using the brake. Obeying any conditions, signals and
signs, please adjust the speed according to the instructions.
制動 Braking
When you get near to the next stop, start reducing speed using the brake. Be
careful not to brake suddenly, or overrun the station, and stop at the
stipulated line. If you are late to the station according to the time table, you
will begin to lose time until you arrive at the station.
運転評価 Driving Evaluation
When you stop at the station, your driving up until that point will be
evaluated. If you do not drive according to stipulations you will lose time. If
your remaining time runs out the game will end.
Even if you game over, it is possible to continue. Depending on the type of
train you are using the time you will be given when you continue will change.
How to understand the signals.
A yellow light speed limit signal will be enlarged and displayed at the right
side of the screen. Start reducing speed. Sudden braking will result in losing
points. Make sure you have slowed down to the indicated speed before you pass
the signal (the signal on the screen will disappear). The indicated speed limit
will then apply until you see a green light signal. If you increase speed while
the signal applies you will lose points. If another signal or sign requires you
reduce speed again whilst you are waiting for a green light signal, please obey
the lowest speed limit and slow down. After you pass the green light signal you
may speed up to any speed you wish.
Pg 11 Driving rules
About the Time Table
Some trains will have to pass through stations at scheduled times without
stopping, the following things are important.
If you pass through at moderate speed nothing will happen.
If you pass through the station one second early of the scheduled time you will
gain bonus time.
If you late pass through the station you will begin to lose time until you pass
through the station.
About time penalties from violations.
In this game, if you cannot stop the train well, do not obey signs and so on,
you will received a fixed time penalty in the following cases:
If you exceed the speed limit after a signal the Automatic Train Supervision
emergency braking system will be activated.
If you ignore a speed limit sign
If you activate the emergency brake whilst driving
If you accelerate at a station
It is possible to lose a lot of time from the above violations so please drive
carefully.
About bonus points
In this game there are certain conditions, if you respond appropriately towards
them you will gain bonus points. For example
If you stop the train perfectly at the station.
(Without using the emergency brake or accelerator)
Sounding the whistle at certain locations (see below)
If you coast the train through a section of track with certain conditions. (p12)
If you are successful in the bonus game. (Coupling a carriage correctly)
Pg 12 Signals and Signs
Signals
The meaning of the signals that will be displayed during driving are written
below. Also, depending on how you drive the signals will change.
Warning Signal
Looks like a traffic light signal with the yellow light on. When you need to
reduce the speed of the train, this signal will be displayed. Until the signal
disappears from the screen, please slow down the train to the indicated speed.
If you do not, you will lose points. When you are given the signal to advance
(green) you may begin to increase speed.
Relay Signal
Looks a light circle with seven light bulbs. These signals are installed on
lines where signals are hard to see, this signal relays the condition of a
signal further up the line. Please obey the displayed speed limit.
Signs
The meaning of the signs that will be displayed during driving are written
below.
Speed Limit
A number in a white square. Ignoring this sign will result in losing points, so
please promptly slow down to the indicated speed. It is necessary to maintain
that speed until you have moved through the area that the speed limit applies
to.
Incline Sign
A white arrow board pointing up with two black and white boards attached to the
side. It indicates that the line has an incline. On a downwards incline the
black board will be on top, and vice versa on an upwards incline. On a downward
incline the train will gain speed, and on an upward incline the train will lose
speed, depending on the situation please adjust the speed.
Section signs
If you see a sign that indicates a condition, until the sign indicating that the
condition has passed appears, please turn the Mascon to off (切). Although this
may require strenuous effort, it will not result in losing points, but if the
train stops
before the condition has ended you will lose points. This signs will not be
enlarged when they appear. (Coast the train through them).
Advanced notice – a yellow rectangle with two diagonal black lines. Tells you
that a condition has occurred on the line.
Condition – A grey rectangle with a red diagonal line.
The condition has ended – A black circle.
Pg 13 Game modes
On the title screen, if you press the Start button the main menu will be
displayed. Please choose a mode you would like to play with the D Pad and press
the A Button to confirm your choice.
The modes are listed as follows
Arcade Mode
Beginner Mode
Game Settings
Rankings
Arcade mode アーケードモード
The main mode from Densha de GO! 2 3000 series has been ported to the N64.
After choosing arcade mode, please choose a line and train that you would like
to drive. If you press the B Button you will go back a step. Whilst following
the rules, please drive the train. If you run out of time, the game will end. If
you get a high score, you will be able to register your name in the rankings.
About the train selection screen
The following information is displayed.
The train’s series number and name.
How long the section of track between the departure station and the destination
station is.
The difficulty of the line, shown by red dots, the higher the number of dots,
the higher the difficulty.
The conditions needed to clear that line. A bronze star means the line was
cleared with 4 continues or more, a silver star means the line was cleared with
3 continues or less, a gold star means it was cleared without continues.
Pg 14
VRS system
On the game settings screen, if you set the VRS settings to アーケードモード (arcade
mode), you can enjoy using the VRS. With your own voice please drive whilst call
out 出発進行“This train will now depart” 解除“Releasing the break” 進行“Advancing” etc.
The speech are officially designated, please say the words at the right time
when Te-chan displays them for you. If you say them at the correct time, you
will receive bonus points. Additionally, there are no penalties for saying them
incorrectly. First, play the normal mode and remember what the train driver is
saying.
How to use the VRS unit.
To use the VRS unit, please connect it to controller port 4.
1 Please ensure the power switch on the Nintendo 64 is turned off.
2 Connect a controller to port one and the VRS unit to port 4.
3 Refer to the VRS manual and please wear the microphone in a position you like.
Beginner Training 入門モード
In this mode you can learn the fundamentals of train driving. We recommend this
mode to first time players of the game.
学習コース Learners Course
Te-chan (literally Iron-chan) will instruct you on the necessary driving
operations.
When you start the learners course, Te-chan will instruct you about each of the
operation methods, please drive whilst obeying them.
Until you obey Te-chan’s instructions (press the right button), the game will
pause. Once you complete her instruction, the training will continue.
If you follow Te-chan’s instructions, you will be able to stop the train at the
next station. When the training is finished, you will return to the title
screen.
The Learners Course is held on the Hokuhoku line, from Naoetsu station, through
Kuroi station, and ending at Saigata station. If you press the A button you can
skip through Te-chan’s explanation.
練習コース Practice Course
You have 999 seconds in this course. You can get ample practice.
After choosing this mode, choose a train you would like to drive. Press the B
button to go back to the previous screen. Please drive the train whilst obeying
the rules. If you run out of time the game will end. When you finish, the game
will return to the title screen. You cannot enter your name into the rankings on
this mode.
Pg 16 Game Settings ゲーム設定
The controls, difficulty, and playing environment can be changed here. You can
also change the settings for the VRS here too.
Using up and down on the D Pad, select a setting you wish to change. If you
press the B button you will go back to the previous step.
Controller
You can change the button functions on the Nintendo 64 controller or the Densha
De Go controller. You can also change between using a Nintendo controller and
the Densha De Go controller.
Sound
You change the sound volume and choose between Stereo and Mono.
Difficulty
You can choose between four levels. The default setting is normal.ノーマル
Speed Meter
You can choose from three display types. Normal, digital, and off (which makes
the game very difficult!)
Distance Meter
You can choose from three display types. Meters, cm, and off (which makes the
game very difficult!)
VRS
There are three options. VRS on and display the words, VRS on but no words, and
off.
View the Rankings ランキングを見る
You can view the best records from Arcade mode here. Press the A Button to
change the line ranking. Press the B button to return to the main menu.
Pg 17
While the game is saving do not turn the power switch off or unplug the VRS.
How to delete your save data
If you wish to start the game from the beginning, on the title screen press the
following button combinations and the Delete Data Screen will be displayed. If
you select はい your save data will be deleted.
On the Nintendo 64 Controller
Whilst holding the Z Trigger and B Button, press Start
On the Den Sha De Go Controller.
Whilst holding the Select and B Buttons, press Start
About the Nintendo 64 VRS
Make sure the power is turned off, and plug the VRS into the 4th port on the
Nintendo 64. (For detailed instructions please refer to the VRS manual.)
Here ends the manual translation.
3 Operational Advice
First play through the tutorial. It will teach you all the basics and what the
signals and signs mean.
Read this manual. There is a lot of information in there.
Avoid penalties at all costs. You barely have enough time.
Sound the horn when you are about to cross a bridge, enter a tunnel, and see
workmen or animals on the line to get additional points.
Travel at the exact right speed. Discovering exactly what the right speed to
travel on each section of the track is the heart of this game. If you go to slow
you will lose time obviously, but inversely, if you go to fast you will catch up
with the train ahead and the signals will start to slow you down anyway. It is
better and easier to arrive right on time than early basically.
Travel at speed at which it is easy to slow down for speed restrictions.
Build up speed and then turn the engine off and coast.
Prepare to slow down long before you see the station, at about 400 meters.
Start braking at level 5-6 at 250 – 200 meters left to the line.
Coast through the station at speed that is easy to stop at but also keeps you
going till the line.
At about 15 meters to go, you want to be doing about 10km/hr.
Use brake level 2-3 to stop the train at the line gently.
Rain will affect the braking distance, as will inclines. Bare this in mind.
You might occasionally see car stuck at railway crossings on the high
difficulties. At such time feel free to use the emergency brake and sound the
horn.
If the ATS emergency braking system activates, you are basically screwed because
not only do you lose a lot of time, but your passengers will be incredibly
pissed off as well.
To beat the bonus train coupling mini-game, release the brake and accelerate to
at most 5km per hour. When you get near to the other train, drop the speed to 3
km per hour to safely couple the trains.
After to finish a line or get a game over, remember to put the brakes back on if
you are using the Densha De Go controller, otherwise you might get confused when
you start the departure procedure again.
4 Unlockables
There are rewards for clearing all the 16 initial routes.
All Bronze or higher
Unlocks the Hakutaka Line limited express (Naoetsu to Rokukamachi)
All Silver or higher
Unlocks the Akita Shinkansen (Akita to Morioka) and the Tohoku Shinkansen
All Gold
Unlocks the Tohoku Shinkansen train as a hidden vehicle
All Gold including the hidden routes (21 in total)
Tetsu-chan will shout “Excellent!” on the title screen.
5 VRU prompts
Here is a full list of instructions which the VRS recognizes. Obviously this
only applies to the patched game.
"Go by train!" Is now available for the 64!
Compatible with NINTENDO VRS (speech recognition system). You can imitate the
verbal confirmations of the driver! Now, you also say "This train will now
depart" with the microphone!
This "Densha de Go! 64" is a special version of "Densha de Go! 2 High Speed
Edition" based on the commercial arcade game, with the addition of the "Densha
de Go! 2 High Speed Edition 3000 Series" routes! There are more than 10 types of
routes that can be played with this 64 edition, it’s astonishing!
Moreover, the screen depicts the scenery very beautifully, as shown on the
right. This is because it is possible to draw each building in detail by making
full use of the functions of NINTENDO64.
By the way, there is another specification that makes use of the functions
unique to NINTENDO64.
It is compatible with the NINTENDO VRS / voice recognition system!
As shown on the right, when Tetsu-chan appears on the screen, if you speak the
driver's lines (departure progress, restrictions, etc.) into the microphone,
bonus points will be given if you are correct.
By doing this, even people who are not good at "Densha De Go!" can earn points
just by imitating the driver, so they can play longer than usual. If you use
this, you may be able to easily clear difficult routes!!
"Densha de Go! 64" full of new elements will be released in the summer.
It's about to be released, so stay tuned!
Corresponding hardware: NINTENDO64
Genre: train driving game
Release date: Scheduled to be released in the summer
Price: undecided
