RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Review

Next to the campaign mode, you can now play in the Sandbox mode where you can build rollercoasters until your eyes bleed. This is a free-form where your funds are unlimited and all coasters and rides are at your disposal, so you can make a rollercoaster park of your dreams. There are no underground coasters anymore, though this can be simulated with the terrain editing tool - it takes a lot of work but, thanks to 3D graphics, you will be able to admire your masterpiece from all angles. Anyway, the RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 now features an easier building tool and a very nice fireworks editor. It allowed me to create some impressive fireworks in my park and enjoy the special effects they created.

Can you believe he failed to scorch them for the third time? Can't seem to find a decent winged demon these days...

First we'll soak them in rain and then we'll let loose the lightnings.

I won't praise the graphics any more, because quality 3D graphics are less of a luxury and more of a standard these days. Still, I like the way it catches your eye, makes the whole experience much more enjoyable, and still does not distract you from the game. As for the sound, it is of very good overall quality though not particularly varied, unfortunately. The ambient sounds are good but the game needed more of them. Positional sounds add to the atmosphere, making the settings much more realistic (you need to zoom in to hear specific sounds). Still, some music themes on certain rides tend to get a little boring after a while, but the solution to this is loading your own music.

Overall, playing RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 was a very pleasant experience, though I must admit it somehow lacks a bigger challenge. Nothing spectacular happens after the completion of a scenario even on all three difficulty settings, so I think they should've made an appropriate story to tie the scenarios together. Simply put, this game needs more excitement in any shape or form.

The game brings a great new mode and several new options, most of which are primarily of cosmetic nature (such as the ride cam - it's really awesome, but we could've lived without it). What RollerCoaster 3 lacks is some excitement that can't be artificially created with some clever scenarios. The biggest drawback of this game is the fact all scenarios tend to play the same no matter what the goals are, otherwise I'm convinced I would have enjoyed it even more. I don't mean to say this is not a good game - it is a good game. But let's face it; it does not bring anything revolutionary to the table. Still, I scared the hell out of some peeps and I love it for that. And yes, the demons are a joy to behold. Try them out.