You know that feeling when your toddler or preschooler discovers a mobile game and suddenly it's the only thing they want to talk about for three weeks? That’s basically the deal with Thomas and Friends Go Go Thomas. It isn’t just some flash-in-the-pan app; it has been a staple in the app store since 2014. Honestly, most kids' games have the shelf life of a banana in July, but Budge Studios hit a weirdly perfect sweet spot with this racing title.
It’s simple. It’s colorful. And let's be real—it's loud. But it works.
If you’ve spent any time on the Island of Sodor lately, you know that the "All Engines Go" reboot changed the look of everything. Thomas and Friends Go Go Thomas followed suit with a massive 2023 update that overhauled the classic 3D look into the cartoony, expressive style of the new series. Some parents hated it. The kids? They didn't care. They just wanted to see Bruno the brake car—who was added alongside Beresford—zoom past Percy.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Lara Tomb Raider Game Formula Still Works After Thirty Years
What Actually Happens in Thomas and Friends Go Go Thomas?
The gameplay loop is basically "Tap-to-Win," but for a four-year-old, it feels like the Monaco Grand Prix. You pick an engine, you pick a track, and then you mash a big green button as fast as humanly possible.
There are four main tracks that come with the standard experience, though many are locked behind those notorious in-app purchases. You've got Funnel Tunnel, which is your basic countryside vibe. Then there’s Daring Docks, which lets you jump off a giant ship (totally safe for a train, obviously). Frantic Fortress takes the engines through a castle, and Roaring Falls is basically a massive waterslide.
The Engine Roster and "Evolution"
The game makes you feel like you're building a collection. You start with Thomas, but the list of playable characters is actually pretty deep:
- The OGs: Percy, James, Emily, and Toby.
- The New Crew: Nia, Rebecca, and Kana.
- The International Stars: Yong Bao, Ashima, and Shane.
Here is the thing that keeps kids hooked: the golden cogwheels. As you win races, you earn these cogs. Once you fill a wheel, your engine "evolves." They go from a standard engine to a Silver Racer, and eventually a Gold Racer. It doesn’t just change the color; it actually boosts their speed and acceleration stats. It’s a very basic RPG mechanic that works surprisingly well on a younger audience.
The Strategy (Yes, There is Some)
You might think it’s just mindless tapping. It isn't. To actually beat the harder AI engines or win in the two-player mode, you have to time the special abilities. Each engine has a unique "move" that recharges during the race.
Thomas uses a standard Speed Boost. Percy has a Track Jump, which is great for bypassing certain obstacles. Toby has a "Lightning Burst" which, let’s be honest, is easily the coolest looking one. If you trigger these at the wrong time—like right before a sharp curve or a jump—you lose momentum.
Also, don't sleep on the stunts. There is a stunt button that lets you do barrel rolls and flips in mid-air. It feels very "Fast and Furious" but with steam engines. Doing these correctly gives you a tiny extra burst when you land.
The Budget Reality: Pay-to-Play?
We need to talk about the elephant in the room: the cost. Thomas and Friends Go Go Thomas is "free to start," but it’s definitely not "free to finish."
The base game gives you Thomas and the Countryside track. If you want James, Emily, or the Frantic Fortress, you’re looking at in-app purchases. Budge Studios offers bundles (like the Ultimate Bundle or the 4-Pack), but they can add up. Some parents find the subscription model annoying, while others prefer the one-time "buy everything" packs.
Interestingly, the 2023 update added a lot of "All Engines Go" content, including Bruno the brake car. Bruno is a fan favorite because he’s the first neurodivergent character in the franchise. Seeing him as a playable racer was a huge win for representation, even if his model in the game is technically a reskin of Thomas that "puffs" steam (which brake cars don't actually do, but hey, it's a game).
Why This Game Ranks So High for Parents
From a technical standpoint, the game is "KidSafe" certified. This is a big deal. It means you don't have to worry about weird third-party ads or your kid accidentally clicking a link to a shady website.
The two-player mode is also a lifesaver. If you have two kids and one iPad, they can sit on opposite sides of the device and race against each other. It turns a solitary screen-time moment into something social. Just make sure the iPad is on a flat surface, or it will fly off the table when the tapping gets intense.
Technical Glitches and Quirks
Because the game has been updated so many times over the last decade, there are some funny "glitches" that the hardcore Thomas fans (yes, they exist) love to point out:
- Sound Mismatches: Sometimes a diesel engine will make a "chuffing" steam sound.
- Missing Details: In some updates, James has been missing his tender on his racing card.
- Wheel Issues: Just like the older Budge games, the wheels don’t actually rotate; the engines just sort of glide.
How to Get the Most Out of the Game
If you're just starting out, don't feel the need to buy every engine immediately. Stick with Thomas and Percy (who is often available for a lower price or through simple play).
Focus on completing the golden cogwheels for one engine first. A "Gold" Thomas is significantly better than a "Standard" Gordon. If you're playing in 2-Player mode, try to use Gordon or Spencer for the trial runs, as they have high base speed even without upgrades.
Thomas and Friends Go Go Thomas might not be a complex sim like Train Simulator Classic, but for its target demographic, it’s a masterpiece of engagement. It’s fast, it’s loud, and it lets kids feel like they’re truly the "Number One Engine."
To keep the game running smoothly, ensure your device is updated to at least iOS 13 or the equivalent Android version. If the game starts lagging during high-speed races, clearing the app cache or restarting the device usually fixes the frame rate drops. For parents concerned about spending, you can disable in-app purchases in your device settings to prevent any accidental "Ultimate Bundle" surprises on your credit card bill.