Park Beyond review (PS5)

Park Beyond, developed by Limbic Entertainment and published by Bandai Namco, is a surprising new take on the theme park-building simulation genre that brings the magic of amusement parks to life in a novel way. The game allows players to unleash their creativity and take on the role of a Visioneer, responsible for creating, managing, and designing successful amusement parks. We checked out the PlayStation 5 version.

The premise of Park Beyond revolves around creating the parks of your dreams – literally, as the constraints of reality are rarely an issue here. You have the freedom to let your imagination run wild by building unique roller coasters, thrilling rides, and charming attractions to cater to different types of guests. The game introduces the concept of “Impossification,” where you can transform ordinary elements into fantastical and extraordinary creations, adding a touch of magic to your park. This feature sets Park Beyond apart from other theme park sims and contributes to its appeal, making it feel different from the Rollercoaster Tycoons and Planet Coasters of this world.

One of the interesting aspects of Park Beyond is its engaging narrative and cast of characters. The game introduces you to lively and charismatic personalities, such as Blaize Ultra, Phil, Izzy, and Sofia. These characters provide a refreshing break from the building aspects of the game and add depth and personality to the overall experience. The campaign mode allows you to embark on a journey alongside these characters, fixing previous mistakes and bringing their park-building dreams to life.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, Park Beyond follows some familiar tropes of the park-building genre. If you’ve played games like Theme Park or Planet Coaster, you’ll find certain similarities. However, Park Beyond manages to stand out with its accessible controls and user-friendly interface, especially on the PlayStation 5 version. Because while the precision of a mouse and keyboard setup may be missing, the DualSense controller is well-utilized, and navigating menus and building parks feels intuitive.

The centerpiece of Park Beyond is, of course, the roller coasters and rides you can build. The game allows you to design and manage these thrilling attractions, setting goals known as “Hooks” to determine their ratings and visitor satisfaction. Whether you prefer creating thrilling rides or family-friendly experiences, the game provides both customization options and pre-built designs to suit your preferences. You can create something new from scratch, but if you’re less creatively inclined you don’t have to have that hold you back either.

To ensure your park’s success, you’ll need to manage various aspects, including ride placement, prices, and guest satisfaction. Park Beyond introduces useful heatmap tools that allow you to identify areas of improvement and make precise adjustments to enhance visitor enjoyment. This feature adds depth to the gameplay and allows you to fine-tune the park to maximize its appeal – though fans of Frontier’s brand of sim titles might find this overly familiar.

Visually, Park Beyond shines with its vibrant and colorful aesthetics. The game offers visually appealing environments, detailed models, and a wide range of themed assets and decorations. The graphics hold up even when zooming in or experiencing the park from a visitor’s perspective. The attention to detail and the ability to customize objects and scenery contribute to the overall visual appeal of the game, and the fantastical ride designs are all the better for it.

While Park Beyond excels in many aspects, there are a few downsides to consider. The game’s building mechanics and systems may feel overly familiar to players who have previously explored the genre and a few others like it. Compared to games like Planet Coaster, Park Beyond may lack some depth and intricate details. Additionally, there are a few minor technical issues and graphical glitches at launch on the PlayStation 5 version, such as occasional invisibility of pathways and crashes. However, these issues are expected to be addressed in future updates.

Overall, Park Beyond is a highly enjoyable park builder that captures the essence of creativity, accessibility, and personality. Its imaginative approach, compelling narrative, and accessible controls make it a lot of fun to play. While it may not reinvent the genre, it offers a fresh take on theme park simulation and provides a delightful experience for both newcomers and seasoned players who’ve seen everything there is to see in Planet Coaster and want to try something new. With its vibrant visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and the option to let your imagination run wild, Park Beyond offers a memorable theme park experience that you won’t soon forget.

Score: 7.8/10