Review: RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic is a mobile port of the old amusement park simulation game released on PC back in 1999. The original had an undeniable charm, despite dated graphics and some gameplay restrictions. Does Classic manage to capture the same experience of the original, or does translation to mobile leave something to be desired?
Story - ?/10
There isn’t any story to a simulation game. You own a theme park. You need to make it profitable and satisfy some scenario criteria. That’s all we needed before, and it’s all we need now in my opinion.
For me, RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic nails that balance. From what I’ve read, it pulls a little bit of influence from RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, but it’s still close enough to the original for me. The scenario list works a little differently: you unlock new scenarios in categories, instead of just a linear sequence. In the original, you could charge for both park entry and individual rides for every scenario. In Classic, you can only charge for park entry OR rides, and that depends on the original. While it was a little disorienting at first, that mechanic makes each scenario play a little differently, and I have to confess that I enjoy it now that I’ve figured out how to work around the limitation.
Ride and path construction plays very similarly to the original. Menus and interfaces are very familiar. If you played RollerCoaster Tycoon, you’ll feel right at home with Classic. One addition that I think is absolutely incredible is the fast forward functionality. The game normally plays at the same speed, but you can ramp it up to 2x, 3x, or 4x speed from the pause menu. At the fastest speed, individual game days only take probably a second or two. This is absolutely critical for those last few months of a long scenario. Instead of waiting around for the deadline of a scenario when you’ve met the requirements by miles, you can just fast forward up to 4x and ride it on out in no time. Plus, you still get game alerts, so you can react if anything critical happens. No more leaving the game up while you go watch TV, just to let time pass.
Story - ?/10
There isn’t any story to a simulation game. You own a theme park. You need to make it profitable and satisfy some scenario criteria. That’s all we needed before, and it’s all we need now in my opinion.
General Gameplay - 9/10
Gameplay is the core element here. The problem is that the quality or goal for a port is different depending on who you ask. Some people want the exact same experience on a new platform. Others want more of a remake, keeping the spirit of the original, but revamping and updating where possible. Personally, I like something in between that. If there are obvious opportunities for quality of life improvements, take it. Don’t go nuts with unnecessary changes, though.
Gameplay is the core element here. The problem is that the quality or goal for a port is different depending on who you ask. Some people want the exact same experience on a new platform. Others want more of a remake, keeping the spirit of the original, but revamping and updating where possible. Personally, I like something in between that. If there are obvious opportunities for quality of life improvements, take it. Don’t go nuts with unnecessary changes, though.
For me, RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic nails that balance. From what I’ve read, it pulls a little bit of influence from RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, but it’s still close enough to the original for me. The scenario list works a little differently: you unlock new scenarios in categories, instead of just a linear sequence. In the original, you could charge for both park entry and individual rides for every scenario. In Classic, you can only charge for park entry OR rides, and that depends on the original. While it was a little disorienting at first, that mechanic makes each scenario play a little differently, and I have to confess that I enjoy it now that I’ve figured out how to work around the limitation.
Ride and path construction plays very similarly to the original. Menus and interfaces are very familiar. If you played RollerCoaster Tycoon, you’ll feel right at home with Classic. One addition that I think is absolutely incredible is the fast forward functionality. The game normally plays at the same speed, but you can ramp it up to 2x, 3x, or 4x speed from the pause menu. At the fastest speed, individual game days only take probably a second or two. This is absolutely critical for those last few months of a long scenario. Instead of waiting around for the deadline of a scenario when you’ve met the requirements by miles, you can just fast forward up to 4x and ride it on out in no time. Plus, you still get game alerts, so you can react if anything critical happens. No more leaving the game up while you go watch TV, just to let time pass.
Difficulty - 4/10
Where the difficulty of the original was probably 2 or 3, Classic is marginally higher. The restriction for some scenarios to only make money from park entry adds a level of complexity. In the original, every scenario allowed every form of income (as best I remember). Taking away that method of generating money does make those scenarios slightly more difficult.
Most scenarios are still very straightforward, and I usually manage to meet the requirements on the first try. Sometimes, I hit the mark a little closer than others. In any case, it isn’t a very punishing game, but I don’t think that it should be. RollerCoaster Tycoon should be accessible to anyone.
Where the difficulty of the original was probably 2 or 3, Classic is marginally higher. The restriction for some scenarios to only make money from park entry adds a level of complexity. In the original, every scenario allowed every form of income (as best I remember). Taking away that method of generating money does make those scenarios slightly more difficult.
Most scenarios are still very straightforward, and I usually manage to meet the requirements on the first try. Sometimes, I hit the mark a little closer than others. In any case, it isn’t a very punishing game, but I don’t think that it should be. RollerCoaster Tycoon should be accessible to anyone.
Graphics - 5/10
Classic looks just like the original, for what that’s worth. These are 1999 graphics. Some people would prefer a more modern skin, I personally like the aesthetic of the original. Again, it boils down to preference.
Classic looks just like the original, for what that’s worth. These are 1999 graphics. Some people would prefer a more modern skin, I personally like the aesthetic of the original. Again, it boils down to preference.
Music - 5/10
Much like the graphics, the music is just like the original. I downloaded the mp3 soundtrack to scratch that nostalgia itch, and it really doesn’t satisfy the way I expected it would. Don’t get me wrong, hearing the opening melody of the merry go round music always takes me back. This isn’t a soundtrack that I listen to just because the music is good, though.
Much like the graphics, the music is just like the original. I downloaded the mp3 soundtrack to scratch that nostalgia itch, and it really doesn’t satisfy the way I expected it would. Don’t get me wrong, hearing the opening melody of the merry go round music always takes me back. This isn’t a soundtrack that I listen to just because the music is good, though.
My Take
The Good
There are a few quality of life improvements that significantly improve the experience.
There are a few quality of life improvements that significantly improve the experience.
The Bad
Touch controls are a little more difficult to get perfect without a mouse. There were several times that I mispressed a button, usually to minimal effect, but still annoying.
Touch controls are a little more difficult to get perfect without a mouse. There were several times that I mispressed a button, usually to minimal effect, but still annoying.
The Ugly
Classic is definitely a port, and not a remake or remaster of any kind.
Classic is definitely a port, and not a remake or remaster of any kind.
Overall - 7/10
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic is an extremely accessible port of a very fun game. If you grew up playing the original, you will absolutely love Classic. If you’re new to the series, you may or may not. It scratches a nostalgia itch for me, and availability on Android is way more convenient for me than the steam release. It’s great for playing in short sittings, when you’re waiting for your food in a restaurant or sitting around with just a few minutes to kill.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic is an extremely accessible port of a very fun game. If you grew up playing the original, you will absolutely love Classic. If you’re new to the series, you may or may not. It scratches a nostalgia itch for me, and availability on Android is way more convenient for me than the steam release. It’s great for playing in short sittings, when you’re waiting for your food in a restaurant or sitting around with just a few minutes to kill.
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