Taking a Stroll

It's 3D

You didn't think Bullfrog would turn their back on such a successful franchise did you? Theme Park World is due out later this year, but what does it have to offer that's new? For starters it's a fully 3D game (hardware only) but you can see that it retains the vibrant, colorful graphics of its predecessors. As a result, parks will look more full and lush than they any similar game has looked before. Theme Park World will use Direct3D, so compatibility is assured on just about every 3D card. Since the game is fully 3D, you'll presumably have the ability to rotate the view around your park however you want. No more dealing with flat sprites or things getting hidden "behind" structures and foliage.

First person!

More of that jungle theme

Take a ride!

What's really cool is that Theme Park World will allow players to explore their park from a first person perspective! That's right, you'll be able to run around the park you design, Quake style (without the guns of course). Not only that, but you'll actually be able to board one of your rides and ride it from the first person! Imagine getting all the thrills of loops and dives without the nausea. How about the excitement of log flumes and water rapids without the soaked socks and drenched jeans? Sweet! It remains to be seen how detailed this will be (how about buying a drink and a burger first person? Heading to the bathroom?), but just the promise of getting on the rides you design is exciting enough!

Some kind of racetrack?

Rollercoaster fades into the distance

Sticking to roots

It would be easy to get too caught up in the 3D excitement and ignore all the other features. You'll still be able to design your own rollercoasters, log rides, go kart races, and more in Theme Park World. You'll also be responsible for a lot of micromanaging like park cleanup, staff, prices, visitor happiness, and of course, the requisite shops, kiosks, and shows you would find in any good amusement park. Don't forget to install plenty of bathrooms as well!