Opening

Developer: Bullfrog
Publisher: Electronic Arts
SimCoaster official page: http://www.simcoaster.com

Sim There, Done That

If it ain't broke, slap some new graphics on it and call it a sequel. I think that's how the saying goes. In any case, that's what SimCoaster is - the follow up to Bullfrog's SimThemePark. SimCoaster is actually the third in the series. Bullfrog released ThemePark '95, the granddaddy of amusement park simulators. SimThemePark was a hit, but it has been overshadowed by Roller Coaster Tycoon lately. The teacher didn't want to be surpassed by the pupil, so Bullfrog sticks to its guns in SimCoaster, the latest game in the amusement park simulator wars (now that's something I never thought I'd say).

Your theme park

Cruise the Nile

Oh yeah, there's a story

SimCoaster is more than building a park and watching it run. Mr. Maybury is the CEO and majority shareholder in the company, and he's looking to retire soon. He doesn't trust any of the board members to take control of the company, so he's looking to groom a new CEO. You're the young executive that hasn't been tainted by years of exposure to the business world - the perfect candidate for Mr. Maybury's plans.

The Snake Charmer

Ride my rocket

A series of objectives and challenges are set forth to see if you're up for the job. When you complete a task successfully you're rewarded with stock, money, and golden tickets (you need golden tickets to unlock special rides). Fail a challenge and you'll lose stock. You'll bounce between themes while working on goals, eventually earning 51% of the company's stock and becoming the new CEO. Everybody wants to be a player.

Riding a coaster

The Dizzy Droid