Trolley Problem

Today we wrapped up talking about utilitarianism by conducting a classic thought experiment called the Trolley Problem. The conundrum asks you to weigh the value of individuals given a life and death encounter with a runaway train. If the three scenarios we tackled in class weren't enough, this 8-bit rendition of the problem poses a few other possible scenarios.
Trolley Problem Game

In your opinion, does the Trolley Problem generate valuable ethical debate, or are the Trolley Problem and similar hypothetical scenarios just weak substitutes for real world problems?