RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe, the latest release in the long-running franchise, recently made its way to PlayStation. The game, originally released on the Nintendo Switch a few years ago, arrives on the PS5 with additional rides and features that come with the Deluxe version. And as fan of the original RollerCoaster Tycoon games on PC, the prospect of diving back into the world of theme park simulation on a new console was an exciting one – here’s our review.
The premise of RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe is a bit different from the original formula but remains true to its roots, offering players the chance to craft their dream theme park, complete with an array of coasters and other attractions. The user-friendly editing tools make coaster creation hassle-free as well, with automatic installation of elements like rails, simplifying the process – you can almost imagine doing this on a touch interface on a mobile device. The revamped UI for gamepad controls enhances the overall experience, providing a clear and straightforward interface for managing your park.
However, the game takes a hit in the gameplay department, with a departure from the depth and complexity of its predecessors in how involved the management and simulation parts are. The streamlined approach we see here may limit the game’s appeal to a more casual audience due to the absence of certain features. Examples of these are a queuing system for rides and the ability to manage individual staff members, with much of the micromanagement now completely automated and/or a non-factor in the gameplay. The overall difficulty level is quite low, with the absence of financial challenges and real consequences for certain decisions, potentially diminishing the sense of accomplishment for more experienced players as the management experience is less engaging here.
Graphically, RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe opts for a technically improved yet basic style, lacking the intricate details and visual oomph found in similar games like Planet Coaster and Park Beyond. The absence of background variety and rather plain terrain and decoration options may leave players wanting more in terms of visual and park diversity as well.
Despite these drawbacks, the game does shine in its accessibility and control scheme on the PlayStation console. The menus are clear and navigation is straightforward, contributing to a positive experience. RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe offers three play modes: Adventure, Sandbox, and Career. While Adventure mode presents missions tied to a thin storyline, the lack of goal-oriented challenges and the ability to unlock everything from the start might affect the game’s long-term engagement – but it’s a solid experience for newcomers to the genre and players wanting less of a challenge.
In conclusion, RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe stands as a mixed bag. For younger gamers or those new to the genre, it provides an enjoyable park simulation experience. However, for seasoned RollerCoaster Tycoon enthusiasts, the game falls short of delivering the depth and challenge found in other titles, including previous Rollercoaster Tycoon games. As such, RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe, feels like a less engaging version of the beloved series it originated from, even though it’s still a decent entry-level park simulator.
Score: 6.5/10
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