RollerCoaster Tycoon World is the brand new theme park title from Nvizzio Creations and Atari. After running a test group since the start of the year, the developers have decided to let the rest of the community in on the coaster action. One thing that must be remembered is that this is earliest we have ever seen a RollerCoaster Tycoon title. The game is also in Early Access; so plenty can change from now until the game is officially, and for the sake of those who already own it let us hope that it improves.
A variety of theme park maps are already available, and since the recent patch are now all playable; with bugs previously stopping some scenarios from launching. The themes are reminiscent of the RollerCoaster Tycoon games of old and offer a slice of nostalgia alongside a noticeable revamped, modern feel. Hopefully Atari will come back to the graphics after adding in more content. At this time, the visual presentation is lacking in quality; especially when compared to rival title Planet Coaster.
With 12 years having passed since RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 was released it wouldn’t be unusual for players to assume decent jump in quality had been made. Yet, RollerCoaster Tycoon World graphically seems only a few steps above the previous installment. This is not only extended but is emphasized by the stuttering and screen lag, which makes the screen hard to view for extended periods of time.
User generated content, or UGC for short, is clearly a big push for the developers, including Steam Workshop support from the get go. According to Atari any 3D editing program that works with Unity will natively work with RollerCoaster Tycoon World, making it simpler for players to get content into the game. Over 1,000 items and coasters are already available to download from the Steam Workshop making the available content have almost endless potential.
Little things that could massively improve the game include a path placer, reverting to the old placement style of buildings and an area selection bulldozer feature. One way to describe the annoyance of the current bulldozer feature is that items have diabolical hitboxes. When you click to remove a tree, shrub or building you expect the game to realize what you are clicking but this isn’t the case. You have to find the sweet spot on an object before it will let you remove it. This not only gets frustrating but adds to the time players are detracting from their park, instead of enjoying creating their ultimate park.
Seriously, I wish they would stop with the 3D RCT. It looks terrible, and has never come close to capturing the magic of the originals. What they need to do is make a 2/3D isometric remake of the originals. Basically a reboot with the basics of RCT 1&2 but with modern graphical flares. That would be amazing.