Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 Platinum Review

Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 Platinum Review

Review by Dylan

The original RollerCoaster Tycoon which came out in 1999 was received as one of the best games, let alone simulation games, of the decade. Naturally with that hype, sequels of the original are much anticipated and have huge expectations.

One of the Best

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum (RCT 3) will not let you down. This sequel is action packed and much improved. The graphics are phenomenal, the tutorial is more helpful, the water park feature will win you over, and the overall gameplay and quality is much better. RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 lives up to the hype and is one of the best simulation games on the market.

Several Ways to Play

You begin the game by choosing between several game modes and game playing options. You can choose either the “sandbox” mode, which will allow you to create any kind of park you want, the “career” mode, which is a series of challenges, or you can elect to build custom coasters and buildings. In sandbox mode money is no option so you can build and design whatever you want regardless of price. This allows you to create parks even the game developers could not fathom.

The next mode, career, is a scenario mode that requires you to turn down-and-out parks into successful enterprises. This is similar to other simulation objective modes in that you are given a certain amount of money and a list of tasks. It becomes your job to use the money wisely and build a park, accomplishing each scenario's objectives.

The third mode allows you to build custom coasters, fireworks shows, and buildings that can later be imported into each scenario or free play park. This mode gives you the time and opportunity to make coasters without feeling rushed or under the gun, like in the career option.

The Same Rollercoaster Tycoon But Better

This game stays true to its roots when it comes to gameplay and game mechanics. As a park owner you are in complete control. You can set your parks prices, build rides, hire your own staff, and advertise your park. Like its predecessor you have control of every aspect of the park, however, the controls are easier to use and the graphics and overall enjoyment is much greater. New features of this game that are not in the previous versions are the addition of the water park element as well as the addition of the fireworks show. The fireworks show is especially cool because in it you are able to create vivid light shows accompanied by music of your liking, which can be imported from your computer. This allows you to create shows to your favorite songs or mixes.

Amazing Graphics

The graphics are superb and much improved in this sequel. The colors are vivid and the level of detail is impressive. An example of this can be seen with the pools or water in your parks. If you are to click on the water you will see ripples and contrasting shadows. This detail is lifelike and the graphics of this game are some of the best you will come across. The inclusion of the two expansion packs, “soaked” and “wild” is another great perk of this game. These will add to your enjoyment and provide you with hours and hours of added excitement.

Custom Rides Can Be Tricky to Create

The only obvious drawback of this game was with adding rides. If ride building is not your specialty, adding coasters to your park can be difficult because there are less “stock” coasters. This requires you to build rides, and though the coaster building is much improved from previous versions, it can still be difficult. If more stock options were available this game would be more playable for a larger group of people.

Conclusion - Excellent Modern Version of Rollercoaster Tycoon

Overall, this game is simply great. RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 is easy to play and the graphics are phenomenal. The new features like the fireworks show builder as well as the water parks are perfect additions to the original version—not departing too far from what makes the game great. Also, the expansion pack additions of “soaked” and “wild” make your investment in this game worth a lot more. The benefits of RCT 3 outweigh the slight difficulty you might face when trying to add pre-built roller coasters.

This is one of, if not the best business simulation game on the market and it comes highly recommended. No matter your age or interest in simulation games you will find something about this game that you love.