Graphics and Sound

Visuals

The graphics in Rollercoaster Tycoon are quite very detailed and colorful. The refinement is not quite on a par with SimCity 3000, but the level of detail in the RCT's animations is to be commended. The motion of the coasters is quite realistic, and the movement and walking animations of your park patrons are fluid and natural looking. The developers include a lot of cool little touches - the train leaves puffs of white smoke as it chugs around the park, and your costumed entertainers dance around just so. All the characters are drawn comic style, and it all adds up to a very charming, cartoony touch. In a word, Rollercoaster Tycoon looks cute, and it's without a doubt something the gals out there will enjoy.

The train leaves a charming, cartoonish, smoke trail

It's your park. Paint your coasters hot pink if you want!

Audio Treats

The sound in Rollercoaster Tycoon is another strength of the game. While the sound effects didn't appear to be in 3D, they were definitely in stereo, so you'll hear coasters whizz by from right to left or left to right. You'll also be treated to all the fun filled noises associated with an amusement park. Everything from the clickety clack of the rollercoasters' chain lifts, to the melodies played from the merry go round will immerse you in the playful world of your amusement park. The train whistle was pretty nifty, and you'll also hear the music from your attractions go out of tune when the ride breaks. The best part was how the designers of RCT integrated people noises into the game. Not only do you hear laughing and the din of conversation, but the coaster passengers' screams are synchronized with the rollercoasters' drops and speed increases.