Review of Roller Coaster Tycoon Classic

Ever had that game you adore playing, yet you know you’re not exactly a pro at it? For me, RollerCoaster Tycoon fits that bill perfectly. I’ve lost countless hours to the original and its iconic sequel. Admittedly, designing my own coasters and managing the park isn’t my forte, but watching those little virtual visitors roam around my chaotic creations is just too entertaining to resist. The first games earned a special place in the hearts of many, and unfortunately, the subsequent sequels never quite recaptured that magic. That’s why the surprise announcement and unexpected release of RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic, a faithful adaptation of the excellent mobile version, was such a delightful surprise. Although it takes some getting used to, it’s a superb way to revisit the heights of park management sims yet again.

RCT is a classic management sim that puts you in the shoes of a god-like park manager. Your mission? To conquer specific challenges within a set timeframe while constructing a park in various captivating locales. Whether it’s drawing in a certain number of guests by a deadline or hitting profit targets, the strategy is entirely up to your creative whim. There’s an impressive array of maps to tackle, each with its own quirks—from a desert landscape boasting a lone, pricey ride, to a lake where most attractions will need to float. Some scenarios even feature recognized parks, like Six Flags, and others are themed around unique obstacles. With a plethora of rides, many open to custom designs, the choices are endless. You will plan your tracks and dress them up, all while juggling budgets, keeping paths clean, and ensuring guest safety.

The core game loop of RCT is incredibly satisfying. I’m guilty of tinkering with my haphazard rollercoasters and attractions, observing guest reactions and tweaking every aspect of my park along the way. Although there are tutorials, new players might find the game’s deep mechanics a bit overwhelming at first. There’s a wealth to learn from testing your rides, gauging guest feedback, and exploring the myriad menus available. The customization options are expansive, with everything from land shaping to underground pathways and scenic designs. Every park becomes a reflection of your growing expertise, as your grasp of the mechanics translates into higher incomes and a booming number of guests. For those itching to experiment freely, there’s a designer mode for creating and saving fully-fledged rides with scenery. However, the absence of a sandbox-like scenario editor really feels like a missed opportunity, as it was the perfect playground for unrestricted creativity without financial constraints.

Graphically, the game beautifully mirrors the original PC version. The sound effects, music, and the sight of tiny guests bustling like ants are utterly charming. These visuals will likely captivate your attention for hours. However, I was a bit taken aback by the game’s occasional stutters when zooming out, especially since RCT Classic was crafted initially for smart devices. It highlights another point of irritation: the controls.

Originally tailored for mouse and keyboard, adapting RCT’s controls to a game controller couldn’t have been easy. Generally speaking, it works well for the most part. You can build rides or lay paths with the A button, change directions using the directional buttons, and navigate the park with the right stick, zooming and rotating with ZL and ZR. Though it takes some getting used to, it’s functional. The real snag is the cursor speed, which isn’t adjustable; moving it from park management features at the top to construction options at the bottom takes time. While shortcuts on the X and Y buttons help by jumping the cursor to certain menus, they don’t open them. Customizable controls, with specific shortcuts or a quick-access menu, would significantly improve the experience. Constructing bridges adds another layer of complexity, requiring numerous menu exits and entries. Playing predominantly in handheld mode, I was disappointed to find the game lacks touch controls, even though the mobile version was designed with touchscreens in mind.

Rollercoaster Tycoon Classic stands as one of the best tributes to the original classic. Despite hiccups with controls and performance, it remains one of the most comprehensive versions available. Hardcore fans might prefer sticking with Open RCT2 on PC, but for casual players eager for a nostalgia trip, the Switch version is a fantastic opportunity to relive those days. For newcomers, the ride may be a bit rough at first, but the design, numerous challenges, and creative freedom more than justify the entry ticket. Maybe this time, I’ll finally nail the art of coaster design and create one of those dream parks I’ve always fantasized about from the title screen.