The gaming world has a novel, delightfully odd contender: A Bumpy Ride, a Western-themed train-driving exploration game developed by Cosmoporium Games. It’s a premise that sounds… unusual, to say the least. Imagine Red Dead Redemption, but instead of Arthur Morgan, you’re a bear (or at least, something bear-like) at the controls of a locomotive. This isn’t a glitch in the matrix, but a deliberate design choice that’s capturing attention as the game nears its full release.
Cosmoporium Games, a three-person studio founded in 2024, is quickly gaining recognition for its whimsical approach to game development. Their previous title, A Short Trip, featured a cat driving a train and now they’re doubling down on the animal-locomotive genre. The current demo for A Bumpy Ride, available on Steam, offers a taste of the experience, complete with a tutorial and unlimited in-game days to explore the sprawling frontier.
The core gameplay loop involves picking up animal passengers and transporting them between stations. But it’s not just about reaching the destination. Passengers appreciate adherence to railway regulations – slowing down for speed limit signs and sounding the train whistle when prompted. This adds a layer of charmingly quirky challenge to the otherwise relaxed experience. The Steam page for A Bumpy Ride promises even more features in the full release, including additional areas, train cars, and a level-up system with new upgrades, staff, and cosmetic skins.
A 19th-Century West with a Whimsical Twist
The game’s aesthetic evokes the spirit of the 19th-century American West, rendered in a cartoonish style. Wooden towns dot the landscape, nestled among tumbleweeds and cacti, ranging from small outposts to more substantial settlements along rivers and cliffs. The environment is dynamic, with changing weather and a day-night cycle that transforms the sky into a breathtaking expanse of stars, reminiscent of the vast wilderness found in Red Dead Redemption. The developers at Cosmoporium Games have clearly drawn inspiration from the iconic open-world title, creating a sense of solitude and exploration.
While the demo is limited in scope, the core mechanics are surprisingly satisfying. Controlling the train is intuitive, utilizing a lever for acceleration, deceleration, stopping, and reversing. A pull-down tab activates the whistle, which, according to players, is simply fun to use. Switching tracks is handled through a pop-up interface, requiring players to carefully consult their map to ensure they’re heading in the right direction. Maintaining the train’s water supply adds another layer of management, requiring players to stop at designated towers to refill.
Earning Your Keep and Upgrading Your Ride
Satisfied passengers reward players with money, which can be used to upgrade the train. Options include purchasing new trains, adding more passenger seats, or installing a bar car to boost passenger morale. Early players have noted that keeping passengers happy requires careful navigation and timely arrivals. Taking scenic detours might be enjoyable for the player, but it won’t be appreciated by those eager to reach their destination. Though, once the map is learned, A Bumpy Ride transforms into a relaxing experience of following traffic laws and enjoying the scenery.
The demo also hints at future content. Blocked paths require TNT to clear, and a visit to a TNT depot suggests explosive possibilities for expanding the railway. Cosmoporium Games plans to release the full version of A Bumpy Ride later this year, and the Steam page details the planned additions of more areas, train cars, and a robust level-up system.
The Appeal of Animal-Driven Trains
The rise of the “animal drives a train” genre, as playfully noted by the developers, is a curious phenomenon. Perhaps it’s the inherent absurdity of the concept, or the charming juxtaposition of wild animals and industrial machinery. Whatever the reason, A Bumpy Ride taps into a unique niche, offering a relaxing and visually appealing gaming experience. The game’s chunky interface and satisfying mechanics contribute to its overall charm, making it a standout title in the indie gaming scene.
Cosmoporium Games is actively engaging with the community through their YouTube channel and Patreon page, providing updates on development and fostering a sense of community around their games. The studio’s dedication to creating unique and engaging experiences is evident in A Bumpy Ride, and it will be interesting to see how the game evolves as it approaches its full release.
As A Bumpy Ride chugs towards its full release, it’s clear that Cosmoporium Games is building something special. The game’s blend of Western aesthetics, charming animal characters, and satisfying gameplay mechanics offers a unique and relaxing experience. Keep an eye on this title – it might just be the next indie hit. What are your thoughts on the animal-drives-a-train genre? Share your opinions in the comments below!
