Editor’s Note
Atari has released RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic on mobile, offering a complete, one-time purchase experience that eschews freemium models. The game includes content from the first two classic titles, with optional expansion packs available.
Short news for fans of the RollerCoaster Tycoon series: Atari has finally released RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic for Android and iOS today, and it forgoes freemium elements. It is available immediately for Android and iOS and offers the features and scenarios from the classic RollerCoaster Tycoon 1 & 2.
Since it avoids the freemium model, a one-time purchase is necessary, costing €6.99 on Android and €5.99 on Apple. Via in-app purchases of €1.99 each, the expansions “Wacky World” and “Time Twister” are also available. For an additional €6.49, you can get the Toolkit, which includes a park scenario editor, a ride designer, and an import/export function for saved games from the PC. So, if you have your old parks saved somewhere, you can continue playing them directly on your smartphone.
At first glance, you are instantly transported back. The graphics are just as pixelated as back then, and the menus have only been changed as much as necessary so that it can now be operated well on a touch display. However, most menu items are quite small, which can make things fiddly on a smartphone.
In terms of gameplay, it’s still the good, old RollerCoaster Tycoon. You typically start with Forest Frontiers and complete the first tasks with ease—at least if you’ve played it before. The levels are divided into nine groups: Graphite, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Amethyst, Coral, Ivory, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. So you definitely get enough levels for your money. Each group naturally gets more difficult; in Graphite, Emerald, and Ruby, the first levels are directly available, while all others must be unlocked.
Apart from the initial difficulties, I haven’t found any major bugs yet. As is often the case, there are issues with umlauts in the game, so descriptions can sometimes be a bit difficult, but otherwise, it ran flawlessly for me.
The pricing model definitely seems fair to me; at first glance, you get many hours of gaming fun for your €7—and even more through the add-ons. Also interesting for families: The base game can be shared with up to 5 people via the Family Media Library. I’m definitely going to dig out my old parks now; they must be saved somewhere… 😉
