Introduction

Developer: Chris Sawyer
Publisher: Hasbro Interactive
Release Date: March 1999

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Weeeeeeeeee!!

How many times have you gone to a theme park like Disneyland or Magic Mountain and told yourself "I can run this place better than they can!" Or, "they should have put that drink stand over there." Perhaps maybe, "this ride would be PERFECT with just one more loop." Well now's your chance to make those tough decisions and a whole lot more, with Hasbro/Microprose's Rollercoaster Tycoon. You'll build your park from the ground up, and hire staff members, set prices, build and design rides, and arrange concession stands all around you park.

From this zoom level you can see large expanses

See how rollercoasters can intertwine with one another?

It sounds like a really unique idea but Bullfrog actually pioneered the amusement park simulation with "Theme Park." I was hopelessly addicted to Theme Park, because it had many of the same basic principles as Rollercoaster Tycoon. You had to micromanage almost every little detail of your park. If people became hungry, build more stands. Pricing for food and park admission were the source of your income, while your money was drained away on staff salaries, park expenses, etc. Rollercoaster Tycoon takes this premise to the next level, with even more features, micromanagement possibilities, and of course, better looking graphics!