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More of the same....fun, engaging, but sometimes complex

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 93 / 101
Date: October 16, 2002
Author: Amazon User

After many of the 'Tycoon' style games that have been popular over the last few years, the reigning king was a simple family style game called Roller Coaster Tycoon. After two successful expansion packs, developer Chris Sawyer waited well over a year to launch Rollercoaster Tycoon 2. The sequel is based on a no brainer..."Build it and they will come". Seeing that the first game and its expansions still sell well, Infogrames already has a large base of built in fans looking for more of the same, but will these fans love '2', and will this attract new fans? Time will tell.

Overall, the look and feel of the game remains relatively the same. A 3D isometric overhead view allows players to build a theme park from scratch and carry it through pre-defined scenarios. These scenarios have conditions such as have a park rating of X by year Y or have X guests by year Y or build N coasters of type T with an excitement factor of X.

The game ships with about 25 scenarios that are grouped in categories of difficulty: easy, advanced, expert, and Real Parks. The website RollercoasterTyccon2.com promises to have future downloadable scenarios, and one major enhancement over the original game is the inclusion of a scenario editor. Players can now create their own parks/games and trade among friends. You can control all variables from size of park, weather, rides available for research and more.

The 'Real Parks' are actual Six Flag parks from around the world that are pretty close to real world counterparts. You can choose to just manage them or alter them at will.

Game enhancements:
1) Park sizes can be double that of the original game and it supports a much higher screen resolution rate.
2) Scenery: All the original scenery from the RCT and its expansions are present as well as new ones including: Pirate, Scary, Medieval, Gears, Wild West, Giant Gardens and more. There are also more fences, water themes, roofs and walls and the ability to stack scenery makes it much easier to create buildings.
3) New rides: Well obviously there are more coasters but also other attractions as well on top of all the originals.
4) Coaster and ride options: There seems to be much more customizations available for coasters including new car types, special banks, queue line options, supports, signs & banners, special track types and more.
5) New shops and stalls: Again, all the originals and more including sun glass hut, ATM's, First Aid station, more food choices.
6) More music options. Many more styles of music can accompany your rides.
7) Coaster construction: Tool here has been revamped and now you can make/test/save/see coasters better than ever.

Now not everything is perfect in this game:
1) Graphics: Even though the screen resolution and park size has increased, the view is still the same as is the graphics engine. While there is more 'eye-candy' per-se, the overall look is still cartoony and has some 'jaggy' issues. Not to mention that hills, waters, mountains still look slightly un-natural as it did in the original.
2) Lack of scenarios that ship. There are only 3 easy scenarios, a handful of advanced, and more expert. This may prove complex for players who never had the first. Hopefully new ones will be available from the official website soon.
3) No major innovations in game play. I'd like to see new objectives, or disasters to overcome, or new behaviors of park guests, mechanics, handymen, mascots...still the same.

The largest adjustment fans of the original will have to make is getting use to the new construction and customization tools. While they have been expanded (a large plus), they have also taken on new 'handling' characteristics which is proving somewhat confusing for me. For old players, it's retraining how to this new interface and sub-menus...lacking in the 1st game. While this new interface does seem to be much more rich and deep, I truly found it wasn't as intuitive as the RCT 1. I was looking for information that seemed to be present in the 1st game easily, now I have to dig to sub-menus I'm not familiar with.

These were some of the reasons I chose o give it 4 stars instead of 5. Something's are just better off simple, not overly complex.

Great game, but with some disappointments

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 30 / 32
Date: October 25, 2002
Author: Amazon User

For at least a year, I was addicted to the first Roller Coaster Tycoon and its expansion packs, though I'm more into the "building a fun park" aspect of the game than the "building a great roller coaster" aspect. It always seemed that you could win most scenarios using the designed rides provided, and I never saw much point in spending the money to design new ones.

To that end, RCT2 has two great features - the coaster designer and the scenario editor. I used the scenario editor last night, and I found it fun, though it did require me to refer to the instruction manual for guidance more than once. I could wish for a more intuitive design. I haven't used the coaster designer yet, but I am looking forward to streching my design wings this weekend.

Two other pluses are the amount of new rides and shops and the fact that all of the scenarios are immediately avaiable for play. Because of the aforementioned aversion to designing my own coasters, I had been shut out of many of the scenarios in the older version of the game because I hadn't finished the ride design scenarios. I'mm glad that won't happen here.

Positives aside, I do have a few gripes. First, it looks like many of the old coaster types are here, but, inexplicably, with different names. Users are left to try to figure out what their old standbys are now called. I'm still looking for the steel roller coaster (for the much-beloved shuttle-loop ride). It would have been nice if they had retained more consistency with the older version.

Also, the new scenery themes are underwhelming. I was excited about "giant garden," because I was picturing new and different, well, gardens. Instead there are giant bugs and carrots. Woo hoo. Other themes also seem rather perfunctory (the sports theme, which had great potential, is pretty lame).

Last, there seem to be fairly few scenarios, and even fewer that allow you to start a park from scratch. The Six Flags parks are interesting, but I don't enjoy finishing what someone else has started as much as making my own park.

Overall, a fun game, but first-time users might enjoy the original more.

Insane! Inforgrames' Best EVER!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 22 / 23
Date: November 23, 2002
Author: Amazon User

This is by far the BEST game Infogrames (and almost all other computer entertainment companies) has ever brought to the stores.
I have played the original game for a year now, and I never dreamed Cris Sawyer could think of this much more. But RCT 2 has it all. There are tons of new roller coasters-they have the LIM powered coaster, the Spiral rollercoaster, etc. You can also build other new rides that aren't roller coasters, like the submarines ride.
And there are tons of new shops, including Star Fruit drink stalls, first-aid stalls, and ATMs.
Guests are smarter, too. They don't get lost and just walk around in circles on large sections of pavement, and they like to watch rides being built, and they say that they're running out of cash.
Tons of new scenery options are available, including queue-line TVs, different bench/trash can styles, and many more sinage options. New themes include pirates, giant garden, and wild west. New music styles are also available, like Rock style 3, Moderne Style and Mechanical Style. You also have the option to build buildings with the scenery - roofs can now be placed atop walls, etc.
Did I mention that the gameplay is also easier, and the different features are much better organized? I suppose not. The best examples are the ride windows, where you have seperate tabs for the music, repairs, etc. Now, you can go to the repairs tab and adjust how often the ride is inspected, and view breakdown specifics, AND locate the nearest mechanic. There are also different entertainer styles--bandits, pirates, etc. are now available for you to clothe your entertainers with.

I'd better stop now if I don't want to be writing the next volume of Encyclopedia Brittanica, but overall, this is the BEST game I've played yet. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Disappointing Sequel

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 25 / 29
Date: November 13, 2002
Author: Amazon User

You've heard it before and you're going to hear it again. While there have been additions to this game, the designer, in a curious move has also taken away some key features. Rather than yammering endlessly about the nuances of the game, here is the breakdown:

PROS

More rides
More themes
More shops/stalls
Ability to save rides with scenery
Six Flags parks

CONS

Scant amount of theming objects for each theme
Fewer pathway and railing selections
Land smoothing tool omitted from regular gaming
Poor representation of Six Flags parks
LIMITED scenario editor

A 5-star game primed for several expansion packs...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 17 / 18
Date: October 25, 2002
Author: Amazon User

In a nutshell, this game is great. The game looks and plays almost exactly like the original, which involves creating amusment parks and every little detail involved in that process from designing and building the roller coasters, to deciding how much a hot dog should cost.

The major new feature is a scenario editor which allows you to create scenarios from the ground up including the land type and size, the amount of money available to you, and the features available as you play. This is a great addition as it provides the opportunity to create the park of your dreams with no limits, or simply see how well you can re-create your favorite theme park from scratch.

Other new features include a coaster designer, some pre-designed Six Flags parks, and a few new rides/themes/shops. No, there aren't a ton of new rides/themes/shops like many had originally hoped - not yet anyway. The game has been built on a very large platform, but has not been fully utilized in an obvious effort to release many future expansion packs. The original Roller Coaster Tycoon had two expansion packs; no doubt the sequel hopes to provide even more.

Overall, this is still the most addictive game ever created. It provides literally hours upon hours of non-stop enjoyment. A MUST for anyone with a love for theme parks and/or roller coasters.

The Review of all reviews

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 15
Date: November 02, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Okay let's get started...

This game ROCKS!!

Here's a list of what it has (make sure to read it all too):

More coasters including the awesome Giga Coaster (Think of the Millennium Force).

More Thrill and Gentle rides

More scenery

The ability to stack scenery

A park/scenario maker

A roller coaster designer

Swooping banks on coasters

Changing the lift hill speed

More MUSIC

More land

Steep drops on some coasters (not just vertical)

*PARK RECREATIONS OF SOME SIX FLAGS PARKS*

Double paths to make your park look real

New water colors

Loops on Wooden coasters

New coaster SCREAMS!! and sounds (chain lift sounds and coasters rolling on the track sounds)

New look to menu stuff

Ability to change loan interest

New shops and stalls

New park enterances

That's all I can think of, but for anyone who hasn't played the first Roller Coaster Tycoon game should plan on buying this one instead.

Sawyer fine tunes the game.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 17 / 19
Date: October 27, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Essentially this is like another add-on to the previous game in that much of what was in the first RCT is still here plus more. A few of the controls have changed, but Sawyer didn't mess too much with a lot of the graphics. However, the tracks and saved games are not compatible with version one. The improvements read like the wish lists from coaster and gamer sites. Significant is the inclusion of a scenario designer. This makes trading games on-line a reality. Also, a sandbox is included which allows the creation of coasters without having to consider the game aspect. Lastly, an improvement to the track options has been included. Most who have played RCT may have noticed the lack of banking on curved drops. RCT2 allows the banked drops on many of its coasters now.
In terms of expertise, RCT assumes a greater level here in that even the beginner parks ask for what I'd call "tycoon strategy".
This game is sure to keep those whose theme parks are closed for the season happy. Enjoy.

Fun to run your own amusement park

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 13 / 14
Date: February 09, 2003
Author: Amazon User

As simulations go, building and managing an amusement park is tons of fun. RT2 has a lot of interesting detail in the construction of rides, the actions and thoughts of park guests, and the selection of park concessions. The graphics rendering is very detailed, although the zoom function sometimes seems a bit limited to fairly awkward angles. Also, the zoom doesn't really go in close enough for me (working at a high resolution). The geometry of the game is based on a grid layout, which means that construction (especially of walkways) is a little too angular. Didn't see any walkway curves, although with enough artistic talent, you can make somewhat ragged ones yourself.

Two quibbles with the game. The business model is not very realistic. You can view a small spreadsheet where you can see your financial performance, borrow money from the bank etc., but it falls short of feeling like a real business. (It's oh so close).

Secondly, the interface controls are completely non-standard. Selecting objects to modify is a pain. The building tools, the undo (bulldozer tool), and the walkway tools require mysterious series of clicks to delete or select. I'm never sure what I should be doing with the mouse.

I only tried the rollercoaster builder a couple of times. The object selection is particularly hinky. Backing up with the bulldozer icon sometimes leaves gaps in the construction, and it's not clear how to reconnect sections. Also, sometimes entrances and exits don't appear to mate properly with walkways that bring guests into the ride. This seems to be a problem with elevations, as it's not always clear that a building is constructed at a different elevation than the ground level.

Lastly, I was a little disappointed that there is no first person perspective on the rides. After building all these wonderful creations, I'd like to experience them from the inside. When I bought this, I was hoping to "ride" my rollercoasters as well as build them.

Overall, this is an impressive and delightful game, which could be better.

Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, a coaster building fan-fare

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 18 / 23
Date: July 21, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 is the next genaration in coasters and fun. I think Most People can agree that Chris Sawer has done it again. You can choose from different Six Flags parks. You can see how good you are verses the rides, wich include stuff like the Viper, Goliath, and DeJa Vu. The objectives also have new twists as well. This is Chris' best work yet. Starting in the year of 98'. You'd think it would be a masterpiece. They've also raised the ceiling 'abit so that the coastere are about twice as high.
The graphics are also a thing 'a beauty. That's only if you look at them pretty dang close.
I know I'm going to love this game and I know you will to! 5 stars. 100% satifaction and coolness.

Bitter and Sweet!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 14 / 16
Date: November 15, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I really really enjoyed playing the first RCT and all of the expansion packs. I enjoyed building roller coasters and the usual stuff. This new "sequal" pack the same punch as the original with a few additional feature.

Bitter: well on the downside the new game runs on almost exactly the same engine as the first. there are very little graphic improvements. One of the features that i always thought was missing from the original was the ability to ride your coasters. Sad to say, it's missing from this one too. The ability to play the game in a window, build mountains and to mute the sound have been removed from this game as well.

Sweet: You can stack scenery. At first I didn't understand how this would make much of a difference but after playing i completeley understand. It's awesome. Other pluses: Roller coaster editor, scenario creator, new scenery, and Lots of new roller coasters.

Though it's not the perfect package, this game is by far THE BEST game in the roller coastr/theme park genre of gaming. This game is a must-buy for any RCT1 addict! You will not regret it.

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