Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor News

[p]Rolling onto the tracks of Episode 4, and very fitting for Sodor's Number 4 engine, is Gordon. Gordon is one of Sodor’s most iconic engines. He’s a strong, powerful and proud engine, in charge of hauling the Express line for Sodor. In Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor, players get to experience his power, his pace, and yes… his personality, all from right inside the cab.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Gordon makes an appearance in multiple scenarios, alongside the recreations of some stories which you’ll no doubt remember, such as Thomas & Gordon.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]One of the core features of Wonders of Sodor is Explore Mode. In Explore mode, you’re able to team up with Gordon, or any of the other classic engine, to drive without any timetable or story to worry about. Starting wherever you like, choose your train, create your own run and explore at your own pace.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Gordon also loves to be admired, and Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor gives you the tools to make him look splendid. In Photo Mode, you can freeze the action, adjust camera angles, experiment with lighting and capture your favourite moments. Whether you’re climbing Gordon’s Hill or charging past one of many infamous landmarks, Photo Mode gives players the ability to save those memories.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Our character spotlight series continues soon - and next up, a certain little green engine who’s always eager to help. Stay tuned as Percy rolls into the spotlight![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Want more Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor news, as soon as it’s available? Join our Discord server. Here, we’ll share all the information about the new game, and you’ll be able to chat to other enthusiasts (including our wonderful team!) about all-things Thomas & Friends™ and Wonders of Sodor. Come and join us![/p][p]Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor will be playable soon on Steam. You can wishlist now using the link below![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Episode 3 shines a light on one of Sodor’s most kind, helpful and intelligent engines – Emily. She’s North Western Railway’s number 12 engine, acting as a sisterly figure to the other engines. She is sensitive to the feelings of others and will stand up for other engines if they are being teased or treated unfairly, even to authority figures![/p][p][/p][p]Emily’s story in Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor introduces players to a heartfelt moment of growth and bravery. Emily is put in charge of the Express line when she runs into some trouble along the way. Though, we aren’t going to reveal much more of her story at this stage![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Beyond her featured story, Emily also plays a key role in Timetable Mode - a free-roam experience where players take charge of running authentic services across Sodor’s famous lines. She’s not the only playable character though. In Timetable Mode, you’ll be able to choose your engine and set off on your journey, delivering passengers to iconic locations across the Island of Sodor.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The series continues with one of the key classic engines. Keep a look out in the following days for the video on one of Sodor’s proudest blue engines, Gordon![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Want more Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor news, as soon as it’s available? Join our Discord server. Here, we’ll share all the information about the new game, and you’ll be able to chat to other enthusiasts (including our wonderful team!) about all-things Thomas & Friends™ and Wonders of Sodor. Come and join us![/p][p]Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor will be playable soon on Steam. You can wishlist now using the links below![/p][p][/p][p]Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor on Steam[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Next in our character spotlight series, we’re heading into the yard tracks of Sodor with one of the railway’s most mischievous engines – Diesel![/p][p][/p][p]In Wonders of Sodor, Diesel plays a key role in the Shunting Challenge. Here you’ll have to think fast and battle it out against Diesel. You’ll be sorting lines of Troublesome Trucks and ensuring the yard flows smoothly, battling it out on who can get the highest score in the Shunting Showdown. Diesel’s strength and precision make him ideal for the role… at least, according to Diesel![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Diesel’s journey doesn’t stop in the yards. One of the brand-new scenarios sees him stepping onto Thomas’ branch line for a very special passenger duty. A rare moment that pushes him out of his comfort zone, giving him a chance to shine in a whole new way.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We’ll continue to reveal more about the classic engines in the days ahead. Stay tuned for more updates coming soon. Next up is your favourite emerald green engine, Emily![/p][p][/p][p]Want more Thomas & Friends™ Wonders of Sodor news, as soon as it’s available? Join our Discord server. Here, we’ll share all the information about the new game, and you’ll be able to chat to other enthusiasts (including our wonderful team!) about all-things Thomas & Friends™ and Wonders of Sodor. Come and join us![/p][p][/p][p]Wonders of Sodor will be playable soon on PC (Steam & Epic), PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S | X and Nintendo Switch (Switch 2 via backward compatibility).[/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Today, we’re kicking off our episode features with the one who started it all - Thomas the Tank Engine! In Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor, Thomas takes centre stage as players explore his branch line, meet his closest friends, and relive some of his most iconic adventures.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Thomas is the No.1 blue engine on the North Western Railway - cheeky, eager, and always ready to help. In Wonders of Sodor, players can hop straight into his cab to experience the railway exactly as Thomas does: from bustling mornings at Knapford Station to peaceful runs toward Ffarquhar. With Annie & Clarabel faithfully behind him, you’ll carry passengers along the classic routes fans know and love.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Experience some of the cherished stories brought to life in an all-new way. From Thomas & Gordon to the famous race with Bertie the Bus, you’ll experience existing and brand-new adventures inspired by the originals. All scenarios are fully narrated by Mark Moraghan, so every moment feels just as you remember it.[/p][p][/p][p]Join us in the run up to the Launch, as we’ll be showing off all the characters you can experience within Wonders of Sodor. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming days! Next up on our list, mischievous Diesel![/p][p][/p][p]Want more Wonders of Sodor news, as soon as it’s available? Join our Discord server. Here, we’ll share all the information about the new game, and you’ll be able to chat to other enthusiasts (including our wonderful team!) about all-things Thomas & Friends™ and Wonders of Sodor. Come and join us![/p][p]Wonders of Sodor will be playable soon on Steam![/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]What is Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor?[/p][p]Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor is an all-new game developed by the Dovetail Games team in collaboration with Mattel. It features your favourite characters from Thomas & Friends™ and allows you to explore the Island of Sodor like never before. You will be able to walk around all the famous locations you know and love. Be part of the stories and help Thomas and his friends complete jobs around the island.[/p][p][/p][p]When will Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor be released?[/p][p]Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor is Coming Soon to Steam[/p][p]You can Wishlist on Steam Now![/p][p][/p][h2]Content[/h2][p][/p][p]What content is included with Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor?[/p][p]There are 8 Stories to play along in Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor, as well as 3 other Game Modes: Timetable Mode, Explore Mode, and a Shunting Challenge.[/p]

• [p]Story Mode – This is where you play along with some of your favourite Thomas & Friends™ characters through a story, doing tasks along the way.[/p]
• [p]Timetable Mode – This is where you select a character and drive a day in the life of that character on the Island of Sodor. You can select a service at certain times of the day you would like to drive.[/p]
• [p]Explore Mode – This is a mode where you can walk, ride and drive trains around the island at your freedom. [/p]
• [p]Shunting Challenge – This is where you get a challenge to shunt Troublesome Trucks into a certain order in as few moves as possible to try and beat your personal best.[/p]

[p]In addition to these modes, players will be able to take screenshots of their experiences with Photo Mode, allowing them lots of options to capture their favourite moments of Thomas & Friends™.[/p][p][/p][p]What additional content is included with the Deluxe Edition?[/p][p]The Deluxe Edition includes James and 4 new stories.[/p][p][/p][p]Which characters are in the game?[/p][p]You will see plenty of characters in the Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor game as you travel across the island, including:[/p]

• [p]Thomas the Tank Engine[/p]
• [p]Percy [/p]
• [p]Gordon[/p]
• [p]Emily[/p]
• [p]Diesel[/p]
• [p]Annie and Clarabel[/p]
• [p]Troublesome Trucks[/p]
• [p]Bertie[/p]
• [p]Sir Topham Hatt[/p]
• [p]James (included with the Deluxe Edition or available as a separate purchase)[/p][p][/p]

[p]Why did you choose these characters and locations?[/p][p]We chose the characters and locations to give players a varied gameplay experience across the Island of Sodor, bringing the places and faces you know to life like never before.[/p][p][/p][p]Where did the inspiration for these stories come from?[/p][p]We have a mix of original Stories, including Thomas & Gordon, with some stories written by passionate Thomas & Friends™ fans in our Dovetail Games team, as well as input from the team at Mattel.  [/p][p][/p][p]What future content can we expect from Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor? [/p][p]We will support Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor, taking on board any feedback from the community following launch and ensuring the best experience possible. We are excited to share this brand-new journey with you all, and following the release, we will be back to talk more about any future developments we have in mind.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Gameplay[/h2][p][/p][p]Can I take photos in the game?[/p][p]Yes, a comprehensive photo mode will be available from the pause menu.[/p][p][/p][p]Can I change the character’s facial expressions?[/p][p]In Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor, characters have reactive faces and expressions which you can see during the stories and other game modes.[/p][p]Coming as a post-release update, you will be able to freely change the expression of your character using the in-game menu.[/p][p][/p][p]Can I create my own scenes and place characters along the route?[/p][p]Yes, in Explore mode, you will be able to freely place characters along the route.[/p][p][/p][p]Can I drive the characters using the cab controls?[/p][p]Yes, you will be able to control Thomas and his friends in the cab, but there will also be simpler controls available when you start the game.[/p][p]All the engines will have their Regulator/Throttle, Reverser to select Forwards and Backwards and Brake operable from the driver's seat. The physics of the engines won’t change, but will give you a more realistic experience of a train driver on the Island of Sodor.  This will be under ‘realistic controls’ in the Settings menu.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Technical[/h2][p][/p][p]What are the PC system requirements?[/p][p]Minimum (720P, 30fps average):[/p]

• [p]OS: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11[/p]
• [p]Processor: Intel Core i5-4690 @ 3.5 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X @ 3.7 GHz[/p]
• [p]Memory: 8 GB RAM[/p]
• [p]Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 460 with 2 GB VRAM or more[/p]
• [p]DirectX: Version 10 or higher[/p]
• [p]Storage: 10 GB available space[/p]
• [p]Sound Card: DirectX Compatible[/p]
• [p]Additional Notes: Requires mouse and keyboard or Xbox Controller[/p]

[p]Recommended (1080P, 60fps average):[/p]

• [p]OS: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11[/p]
• [p]Processor: Intel Core i5-9600K @ 3.7 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 @ 3.6 GHz[/p]
• [p]Memory: 16 GB RAM[/p]
• [p]Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB or AMD Radeon RX 5700 with 8 GB VRAM or more[/p]
• [p]DirectX: Version 10[/p]
• [p]Network: Broadband Internet connection[/p]
• [p]Storage: 10 GB available space[/p]
• [p]Sound Card: DirectX Compatible[/p]
• [p]Additional Notes: Requires mouse and keyboard or Xbox Controller[/p]

[p][/p][p]How have you re-created the Island of Sodor? [/p][p]The team looked at locations throughout all eras of the brand, from publishing to content, to build the best version of Sodor. Examples include: Elsbridge Station, Tidmouth Station, and Vicarstown Station, which are variants from the publishing and content series.[/p][p]Some locations have had to be modified to make them fit and work with how the game works, but we have recreated these locations as faithfully as possible to the original.  [/p][p]We have also used an original 3D map made by P.R. Wickham in 1950 for the Rev Wilbert Awdry, based on his sketches and design. Awdry used this map when introducing new railways and branch lines into the books, finding places that made sense in the topology and where they would fit. The map was 3D scanned for Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor to get the topology of the Island of Sodor. The Relief Map currently hangs on the wall in the recreation of Rev. Awdry's Study in the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at the Talyllyn Railway.[/p][p]The Island of Sodor has been slightly scaled down to allow for all audiences to play. However, we have made sure all your favourite locations are in the routes, and you get the same timeless feeling of what the books and TV series showed.    [/p][p]One of the main location differences is Knapford Station, which has had its platforms on the middle roads changed to through platforms. This is to allow it to work with the Timetable Mode and the flow of the station.  [/p][p]Also, in some locations, the platforms and stations will seem larger and longer than in the book and TV series; this is to allow for stopping locations and to fit larger trains.  [/p][p][/p][p]How have we worked with Mattel on the production of the game? [/p][p]We have been working closely with Mattel for all-important source material from the book and TV series, creating the nostalgic stories, and making the Island of Sodor feel as immersive as possible.[/p][p][/p][p]What characteristics do the characters in Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor have?[/p][p]To provide an authentic railway experience, we've made some adjustments to the characters to reflect their real-life locomotive designs (for example, Emily being a GNR Stirling Single, and Gordon being an LNER Pacific locomotive).[/p][p]The sounds of each of the engines have come from the Thomas & Friends™ TV series, alongside our vast library of real-life railway sounds, to provide true immersion and railway ambience.[/p][p]For those who have played Thomas & Friends™ Visit the West Somerset Railway on Train Sim World, we've made some changes to the characters featured in that Add-on, including:  [/p]

• [p]All-new changeable facial expressions - when in Explore and Timetable Modes. These will be different depending on the character, and can be chosen by the player using a selectable wheel when inside the character Note: Selectable facial expressions will be available as a post-release update[/p]
• [p]Rivets – Resizing and changing to fit closer to the real loco basis   [/p]
• [p]Cabs – Adding real-life loco-based cabs to the characters and making controls usable[/p]
• [p]Weathering – Adding coal dust to the back of bunkers and around the top of tenders[/p]
• [p]Handrails – Repainted and redesigned to match the real-life locomotives [/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Social[/h2][p]Where can I find updates about Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor?[/p][p]You can learn more about Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor through our website and social channels. Join the conversation and talk about all things Thomas & Friends™ on our official Discord channel.[/p]

• [p]Website[/p]
• [p]Discord[/p]
• [p]YouTube[/p]
• [p]TikTok[/p]
• [p]Instagram[/p]
• [p]X[/p]
• [p]Facebook[/p]
• [p]Forums[/p]

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