Interface

Pop up windows that are actually cool

The interface in Roller Coaster Tycoon is simple, intuitive, and easy to use, which is surprising, given the vast amount of control you have over even the tiniest details. Along the top you have your usual buttons to take care of rotating the screen, change game options, hire new staff, place new buildings/rides/ research, and money. All the sub screens on those buttons are self explanatory and easy to understand.

Dual Coasters

Click anything

What's really cool is that you can click on just about anything in the screen and get info on it. Click on a ride's entrance and get info about the ride. Click on a food stand and find out about that. Click on one of your employees and you'll get vital stats on that particular staff member. You can even click on any of the guests and get info on them. Every time you do so, a window will open up in your view screen, with a live mini camera showing that particular person and what they're doing, or a view of the structure, if you're getting info on a ride or store. Within each of these windows you'll find tabs, much like the ones you'll see in Windows utilities. Each of these tabs is labeled with an intuitive icon. A paintbrush to change colors on your rides, a coin for money related issues, and a thought bubble for the thoughts of your guests.

Now the reverse angle

Stats, numbers galore

You'll be treated to tons of graphs and statistics that you never knew you'd need. Your rides will give the maximum G ratings, (1 G equals 1 times the force of gravity. A coaster pulling 3.4 Gs is giving its riders a peak downward force that is 3.4 times the force of gravity), maximum speeds, average speeds etc. You'll also see graphs and charts that show how much money each ride is producing per hour, and total. The window popping is critical for managing staff too. From these little windows, you'll be able to find and grab your staff members in order to move them to problem areas. If a ride's about to break down, don't wait for a mechanic to find it on his own, move him over quickly. Thankfully, the ride breaking problem isn't quite as annoying as it was in theme park, where certain rides like the snake slide would always explode and injure guests. It can happen in RCT too, so be careful.