Artdink has announced that its A-Ressha franchise is on its way to the PS2. The first game, A-Ressha de Ikou 2001, is scheduled for a March 2001 release in Japan, and it will also be compatible with the PS2 hard drive and the popegg printer.
The company has also announced two sequels, but did not announce a specific platform for them. The second game, which is tentatively titled A-Ressha de Ikou 2002, will be online only, and it will be compatible with ADSL and cable modems. Users can download maps online and develop their own cities competitively or cooperatively. The third game, A-Ressha de Ikou 2003, will expand upon the concept of 2002, adding access to the stock market and banking, the ability to buy and sell land and train tracks, and the ability to operate businesses.
A-Ressha de Ikou 2001 for the PS2 is slated for a March 8, 2001, release with a suggested retail price of 6,800 yen in Japan. An add-on disc is scheduled for an April release with a suggested retail price of 2,800 yen.