WHAT IS ROLLERCOASTER TYCOON?
Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 is the follow on to Rollercoaster Tycoon, in the game you are given various scenarios in which you have to build a theme park, or improve an existing theme park, meeting certain criteria to pass the level. You are able to select a level to play from different categories and do not need to complete one to unlock the others which is good if you want to select a short game.

GAME INFORMATION
This game was first released in 2002 by Infrogame for PC. There are a couple of versions available for different systems, the most common systems the game is available for are Vista, XP, Windows 95, 98, 2000 and Me.

The game is now available on Amazon from £2.49.

The age guide on this game is 3+, I think many levels are too difficult for young children to understand and think it would be better for those a bit older who understand what you need to do to increase profits etc.

SCENARIOS
There are different difficulty levels and types of scenarios to choose from. A tutorial is available to learn how to play and get the hang of things. There are beginners parks, challenging parks, expert parks, real parks and other parks. The real parks are already built up and running theme parks which you have to run and improve to meet the goals. The other parks are the same layouts as the real parks but you are to build your own. The basic layout, scenery and footpaths are in place and you need to build your own rides.

A scenario editor is available where you can change scenario options such as how much cash you start with and if there are time restraints on the scenario but I prefer to try the scenarios as they are to start with.

BUILDING YOUR PARK
There are lots of options when it comes to building your park, you can place decorations, litter bins, seating and trees as well as the rides and shops. Other features include TV's for your queue lines which stop your guests getting impatient whilst queuing. Entertainers can be hired who also improve your guests happiness.

There are lots of shops and facilities to choose from. Some are available straight away and others you need to wait for them to be researched before you can build them, this also goes for the games. You can place food and drink stalls, souvenir shops, a first aid room (near the big nauseating rides), toilets and cash machines. You can change the amount you charge in each of these to increase your profits.

There are plenty of ride options to choose from including transport rides, water rides, gentle rides, thrill rides and rollercoasters. Many of the rides you can design the layout yourself or select a design already created. You will need to hire maintenance to test your rides and repair them when they break down. On some scenarios you can change the price of ride tickets, on others you charge an entry fee to the park and the rides are free so remember to adjust the entry fee as you build more rides.

GOALS
Some of the levels require you to reach a certain park value. You increase park value by building rides and some of these levels can take quite some time whilst you wait for enough cash to build new rides.
Other levels require you to attract a certain number of guests by a set date. You can attract guests by using advertising campaigns, guests will leave if they run out of money or it's too crowded so a building a cash machine and placing plenty of seating is helpful for these levels.
On most of the levels you must have a certain park rating as well as other criteria to complete the level. You need plenty of handymen around to clean up litter and vomit as any mess will bring your park rating down.


OVERALL GAME EXPERIENCE
I've had this game for a few years now and find myself going back to play it now and again. It's an enjoyable game but I found a lot of the levels are just too long. Some of them could take days to complete, others I still haven't managed to complete and I think this game would be much better if you could speed it up as I often find myself waiting a long time for new rides to be researched or just waiting for the target dates to come around. It can get a bit repetitive as well but I really enjoy it and think it's one that all the family could enjoy. If you can pick it up for a few quid, it'sdefinitely worth it as it is a lengthy game and you can get weeks of gameplay out of it.

MORE GAMES
A third Rollercoaster Tycoon was released in 2004, which I am yet to try. For Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 there are some add-on/expansion packs available called Wacky Worlds and Time Twister. Also players can share their own scenarios and custom rides on the internet for others to download and play with.