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Educational: 4.5
Overall Design: 4.5
Ease of Use: 4.6
(4.0 = good, 4.5 = very
good, 5.0 = excellent)
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Program Description
Why We Selected This Program Computer Requirements
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Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, an enhanced version of the original, is an outstanding simulation in which you both construct and then control the day to day operations of a theme park. Assuming the roles of designer, owner, and manager of the theme park, you are responsible for every detail of the park’s operations. Your objective is to build the best theme park possible that will attract the visitors that will, in turn, allow you to operate and build a viable entertainment venue business.
The game begins with a selection of scenarios with specific goals (you must have a certain number of guests in your park with a certain park rating). You are making decisions about hiring the right people, providing the right food, building the right rides, crafting the right paths through the park and creating correct signage. You have to keep your customers happy. Successful completion of these goals allows you to move on to increasingly difficult scenarios as you develop your management skills.
This new version provides a large number of additional themes such as wild west, industrial, and castle themes to mention a few. There is also quite a bit of new scenery to go along with the themes, adding more life to your park. This version also allows you to design coasters and new scenarios off site so you don't have to commit to spending the money until you have tested your new design.
Roller Coaster Tycoon is highly engaging, with the early scenarios adequately challenging without being overly difficult. The game features a detailed user interface that allows you to control everything from marketing (get the opinions of your guests and arrange for advertising), building of rides (including designing custom roller coasters and many other rides) to managing the day to day finances of your park. Some of the most entertaining features of the simulation include the ability to find out what individual guests in your park are thinking at any moment in time, and good music and sound effects that almost makes you believe you really are at a theme park.
Roller Coaster Tycoon is a realistic business model that can help the user learn a variety of business concepts including investment decisions, park design and fiscal and human resource management. Players can even learn a thing or two about aesthetics and ride design. A word of caution, make sure to properly test your own ride designs or your guests may experience disastrous consequences!
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Click Images To Enlarge
Overview & Close Up of a Park Design
Coaster Design Area
View of some of the constructions tools
View of coaster and waterfront area
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Kids and adults who like building and design activity and who enjoy working the detail. The fascination of good simulation programs like Roller Coaster Tycoon is you can see what happens "in real life" with what you have designed. Because of the sophistication of this simulation model, the program is best suited for ages 12 and up.
Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, as an enhancement of the original, is very good value for the newcomer to this program. It includes the original program, the ensuing expansion packs, as well as the enhancements introduced in this new version. If you already have the original and were looking for a whole new "sequel' to the original, Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 will probably not offer enough that is new to give you what you are looking for. In this sense, it is an expansion pack, not a whole new program experience or sequel that may be implied by the "2" in the program's title.
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As a simulation experience there are two aspects to this program that really stand out - the designing of the roller coasters themselves and the realism around what would be involved in managing a theme park.
The design tools enable the experience of designing and building the roller coasters themselves to be a three dimensional design challenge. You can even design the coaster to run underground or go through hills. Lots of room for creativity. The web site also has a large choice of new scenarios you can easily download and add to your program.
As an example of realism in a simulation, we noticed that if the people can't see a specific ride from the entrance to the park, they will not go and use that ride. How's that for important detail in Marketing 101. This program is also a real feast for the eyes.
Roller Coaster Tycoon is a great looking, fun and educational simulation experience. One of the most engaging simulations available. Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 keeps you interested and you can learn a thing or two as well!
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Pricing and Online Ordering
(or call toll free -1-800-250-9229 )
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