[2] Afterburn is a Polish indie developer which previously released puzzle games Golf Peaks and inbento.

[3] According to studio founder Luke Spierewka, Railbound's gameplay was inspired by Mini Metro and Cosmic Express.

Its art style was developed from concepts from studio Vile Monarch, and further influenced by French graphic novels.

[11] The visual, audio, and interaction design of the game drew praise from reviewers, with most finding that these elements contributed to a cosy, laid-back ambiance.

Reviewers cited its comic book-inspired, cel shaded style and warm pastel color palette, describing the art as "cosy", "cute", and "striking".

[2][14][13] Kotaku generally described the soundtrack as "laid-back", Touch Arcade liked "the little sounds of everything clacking together", and PC Gamer said that "when the piano kicked in in world four I was jazzed".

[1] Railbound won the 2023 Apple Design Awards for interaction,[16] based on the simplicity of its tap-and-drag system for placing rails.