RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe Reviews

Just as fun as I remember. Also, a lot harder once you take it seriously.

This is a classic game I played as a child. It's got plenty of challenges and game scenarios to select from.

A classic that I come back and play every few years. Reminds me of my childhood

Run as administrator from the game folder the first time, and if you need to tab out, right click another page before left clicking to get your mouse to work correctly again. Besides that its a fantastic gem of the past worth anyone's time and money.

Buggy. Can't click on things outside of the game very well after the game opens/closes, its something to do with the weird resolution the game gets spawned in. Its annoying to try and tab out to another window; the resolution will be bugged out and clicks aren't landing when i try to click stuff. Triggered the game to drop me once now as well. Even after the game closes I'm still experiencing issues it stirred up.

it's a fun game but whoever is buying these theme parks needs to stop taking massive loans and dumping the responsibility of everything on me

Not much I dislike about this game. Sure, it's age with format and design is showing, but it's still an awesome day-killing experience, and always will be.

Chris Sawyer didn’t just design RollerCoaster Tycoon—he engineered it, largely in raw assembly code, crafting one of the most technically impressive and creatively liberating simulation games of all time. What he accomplished alone (with only a bit of help for audio and visuals) is nothing short of legendary. This game isn’t just a management sim—it’s a love letter to system efficiency, gameplay clarity, and player freedom. RCT gave players unprecedented control over park layout and coaster design, wrapped in a deceptively deep economic model. Every guest has needs, every ride has maintenance cycles, and every dollar spent matters. Yet none of it feels overwhelming—because Sawyer’s genius was in balance: letting creativity thrive without sacrificing challenge. The Deluxe Edition bundles all this brilliance with its expansions, preserving the original charm while offering endless hours of strategy, design, and nostalgia. Simply put, RollerCoaster Tycoon is the pinnacle of one man's vision brought flawlessly to life.

Roller Coaster Tycoon and it's successor Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 are the definitive games of the genre. I grew up playing these games and they're very hard to beat. It may be a bit daunting getting into the games, though it does have a "tutorial". The first scenario is pretty simple and a nice introduction. You can also find the game manual in the Steam install folder. Such a great game, but needs a little help to run well on modern computers. Just make sure to look up Open Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 and install it along with both of the classic Roller Coaster Tycoon games (Roller Coaster Tycoon 1 + 2). Then, if you want to track steam hours. Set you launch option to: "C:\Program Files\OpenRCT2\openrct2.exe" %command% And/or change the Path to where you installed OpenRCT2 at. I figure I'll launch Roller Coaster Tycoon: Deluxe when I'm playing the RCT1 scenarios (for tracking RCT1 hours). Then Roller Coaster Tycoon 2: Triple Thrill Pack when I'm playing the RCT2 scenarios (for tracking RCT2 hours). Just set the launch option to the same thing as mentioned above for both games.

RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe is a classic simulation game that transports players into the vibrant and often chaotic world of theme park management. Originally released many years ago, this version remains a beloved title for fans of the genre, offering a nostalgic yet still engaging experience that combines creativity, strategic planning, and a keen sense of fun. The game’s interface is straightforward, allowing both newcomers and seasoned players to jump right into designing and managing their dream amusement parks. The core gameplay revolves around constructing roller coasters, rides, and attractions, while balancing the needs of park visitors, maintaining financial stability, and ensuring safety standards. The colorful graphics, cheerful sound effects, and whimsical music create a lively atmosphere that captures the joyous spirit of a bustling theme park, making it easy to become immersed in the process of building and managing. One of the most compelling aspects of RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe is the extensive customization and creative freedom it offers. Players can design roller coasters from scratch, experimenting with different layouts, heights, drops, and twists to craft thrilling rides that excite visitors and increase their park’s popularity. The game provides a variety of pre-made rides and scenery that can be placed strategically to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the park. Managing the park’s finances is equally important; players must set ticket prices, manage staff, and handle maintenance costs to keep the park profitable while providing a high-quality experience for visitors. The challenge lies in balancing these elements, as overpricing can deter visitors, but neglecting maintenance or safety can lead to accidents and negative repercussions. The simulation depth of RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe extends beyond just building rides. Visitors’ behaviors and preferences play a crucial role in shaping the success of your park. Their happiness levels are influenced by factors such as ride wait times, cleanliness, availability of amenities, and overall atmosphere. Managing these variables requires thoughtful planning and resource allocation, making the game a satisfying blend of creative design and operational strategy. The game also introduces various scenarios and goals, encouraging players to approach park management with different objectives, whether it’s maximizing profit, achieving a certain visitor count, or creating the most exciting roller coaster. This variety ensures that gameplay remains fresh and engaging across multiple playthroughs. The game’s longevity is bolstered by the inclusion of numerous tools and options for experimentation. Players can tweak every aspect of their park, from the placement of trees and benches to the lighting and music, creating a unique environment that reflects their personal style. The sandbox mode allows for unrestricted creativity, free from financial or time constraints, perfect for those who want to focus solely on designing elaborate coasters and thematic areas. Despite its age, the game’s mechanics hold up well, and its charming visual style continues to appeal. The music and sound effects add to the immersive experience, and the interface remains intuitive, making it easy to navigate complex park layouts. While RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe may lack some of the more modern features found in newer simulation titles, it compensates with a timeless gameplay loop that emphasizes creativity, management, and fun. Its accessible yet deep mechanics make it suitable for players of all skill levels, and its nostalgic charm ensures it remains a beloved classic. For those who enjoy the process of building, optimizing, and witnessing their amusement park come to life, this game delivers hours of entertainment. It’s a delightful reminder of the simple joys of designing rides and managing a thriving park, all wrapped in a colorful, cheerful package that continues to delight generations of players. Rating: 9/10