Recently it was announced that Atari and game creator Chris Sawyer launched Roller Coaster Tycoon Classic on Steam for only $19.99. The title includes the best features from both Roller Coaster Tycoon and Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, as well as the add-on packs Wacky Worlds, Time Twister, and Scenario Editor Toolkit.
The original Roller Coaster Tycoon released as a physical disc for PC in March of 1999, and I am pleased to say that I have been playing the series since. I spent a lot of my computer time growing up playing the Tycoon games, but Roller Coaster Tycoon was my first. I would spend hours free building and creating surprisingly extravagant parks for an 8-year-old, and proudly show my parents and best friend.
As an adult I enjoy the scenarios more than free building because I like the challenge, but it is just as fun to play regardless of which mode. There are tons of scenarios with increasing difficulties, and the two add-on expansions add even more to the game. Creating scenarios is the perfect way for me to pass an evening, and I have been wanting to have my spouse create something for me to play soon. Whether you play scenarios or just spend your time building as you please, Roller Coaster Tycoon Classic is just as good for endless hours of fun as it was growing up.
Being such an old title, it can take some time to get used to the limited turning when you are trying to see different angles so that you can build or check on your guests. It is limited to four specific turns, but it is so nostalgic that you get over it and find the best ways to place entrances and pathways in view.
The tiny people wandering your park are still fun to sit and watch, especially when you don’t hire maintenance to clean up after them and make the ride as fast as possible. A roller coaster that throws its passengers off into the void is still worth a good laugh, too.
Overall, Roller Coaster Tycoon Classic is a great re-release that any fan can get a lot of joy out of. Perhaps it will lead to other developers making classic games available on Steam or Origin, such as Zoo Tycoon or The Sims. At $19.99 on Steam, it is well worth the download.
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Silver Soul Gaming 