[08.14.14] New ‘RollerCoaster Tycoon’ title coming to PC early 2015

Yesterday, Aug 13, Atari announced the return of the beloved “RollerCoaster Tycoon” series as a PC title with a teaser for the upcoming “RollerCoaster Tycoon World” due out in early 2015. Atari promises this will be a full-fledged effort to bring the series back to its established roots featuring a combination of fan-favorite features and completely new gameplay elements. The game will include a more innovative track builder, more rides than ever before, and all-new cooperative multiplayer functions in addition to the classic single-player modes. Most importantly, developers Pipeworks – who are the minds behind games such as WSOP: Full House Pro for Xbox 360 and Zumba Fitness for PS3, Wii, and 360 – promise the release will be a full premium PC experience, meaning it will be completely micro-transaction free.

According to Atari CEO Fred Chesnais, “Many of the new features in ‘RollerCoaster Tycoon World’ were not possible a few years ago.” Thanks to advancements in technology, fans can now look forward to visiting other player-created parks, share blueprints of coasters, and chose from multiple landscapes to build upon. In addition to the classic single-player mode full of ride designing and deep simulation, players will be able to collaborate with up to four players to create one massive amusement park together.

This marks the sixth title overall in the “RollerCoaster Tycoon” series. After the original “Chris Sawyer” Trilogy and an eight-year hiatus, fans were thrilled to hear that Atari had plans to reboot the series with an all new version of the game for the Nintendo 3DS. Unfortunately, it fell a little short of fan expectations and received mainly negative reviews from the critics. In response, Atari decided to move the development to a mobile platform, releasing “RollerCoaster Tycoon 4” exclusively on iOS. This title was more successful, however its heavy use of micro-transactions were heavily criticized. This must be what ultimately led to the decision to return to PC, as the interest was clearly there, but hardcore fans of the series wanted the classic titles they know and love. Although much information really hasn’t been released, the train of through looks very promising for those looking for a trip down memory lane.

[09.07.11] 'RollerCoaster Tycoon' is back and coming to the Nintendo 3DS

Atari

Tycoon simulation games were huge in the early 2000’s. Everything from Prison Tycoon to Zoo Tycoon was available all with the same basic premise. Start with a small business and work your way up to the big time with a multi-million dollar franchise. None of these games did it better than Chris Sawyer’s RollerCoaster Tycoon series. In 2004, the Atari took the series for a drastic change when RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 was developed by Frontier Developments with Sawyer only acting as a consultant. Critic’s praised the overhaul, but many fans had mixed feelings and the design shift combined with a dying interest in the simulation genre proved to be too much for the series to hold on to. For years, the series lay dormant being supported only by a string of fan sites.

Rumors constantly shot up about a RollerCoaster Tycoon 4being in development and even the possibility of a screen adaptation. Neither projects ever gained any weight though, so lingering fans were left with a deep craving for some more theme park building action. Finally, they’re going to have a chance with the upcoming RollerCoaster Tycoon 3D. Although they’re still going to have to hold off for over a year to get their hands on it, at least they can do it knowing the latest tease is finally the real deal!

Twelve years after the release of the original RollerCoaster Tycoon, the series is making a full-on comeback, this time in eye-popping 3D. They’re promising the deep coaster construction system that made the series a hit with a deep and immersive management simulation. They will also be implementing a new ‘Coaster Story Mode’ which blends the tutorials and classic park challenges into one fluent and entertaining narrative. Just like a typical career mode, you’ll create your own character and set off on a journey to start your own theme park empire. Progressing successfully through each park will unlock more unique attractions and themes. If that’s not really your style though, you’ll also have the option to jump straight into ‘Park Sandbox’ mode and play it just like you used to turning an already up-and-running park into a laughter-filled, stomach-wrenching, fun-filled cash cow of a theme park! If you were one of the fans who clung to the many fan run websites to share your creations, things will be much easier this time around as RollerCoaster Tycoon 3D will take full advantage of the 3DS’ networking capabilities so you can post your creations for others to see.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3D is being developed by n-Space and published by Atari. It currently has a release date set for the fourth quarter of 2012.