RollerCoaster Tycoon facts for kids

RollerCoaster Tycoon (or RCT) is a fun series of computer games where you get to create your very own theme park. In each game, you build and manage a park, trying to complete different goals. The best part? You can even design your own amazing roller coasters!

The first game was made by a small team: Chris Sawyer (who designed and programmed it), Simon Foster (the artist), and Alistar Brimble (the music composer). It was published by Hasbro Interactive. This game became super popular when it was released for PCs.

Games in the RollerCoaster Tycoon Series

Here are the main games and their expansion packs in the RollerCoaster Tycoon series:

RollerCoaster Tycoon (1999)

This is where it all began! The original RollerCoaster Tycoon game came out in 1999 for the PC. It has many different levels (called scenarios) for you to complete. You can also find and download famous real-life theme parks online to play in. The game includes lots of rides and shops to help you build your dream park.

Added Attractions Pack

This expansion pack, also known as 'Corkscrew Follies', was released in 1999. It adds more levels, rides, and shops to the game. You need to have the original RollerCoaster Tycoon game installed to play this pack.

Loopy Landscapes

Released in 2000, this expansion pack for the PC also includes everything from the 'Added Attractions Pack'. It brings even more levels and rides. Plus, it lets you play in recreations of three famous real-world theme parks: Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Alton Towers, and Heide Park.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 (2002)

Because the first game was such a big hit, a sequel called RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 was released in 2002. It looked similar to the first game but added some cool new tools:

• RollerCoaster Designer: Create custom roller coasters easily.
• Building Designer: Design your own park buildings.
• Scenario Maker: Make your own levels to play or share.

The game also let you build walls for ride entrances. It even featured famous Six Flags theme parks and their rides!

Expansion Packs for RCT2

Two expansion packs were released for RollerCoaster Tycoon 2:

• Wacky Worlds (2003)
• Time Twister (2003)

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 (2004)

RCT3 was a big step forward! Released in 2004, it was the first game in the series to use full 3D graphics. This meant you could finally ride your own roller coasters and attractions in a first-person view! New features included a night and day cycle, and the ability to create custom firework shows set to your own music.

RCT3 also introduced a sandbox mode. In this mode, you have unlimited money and access to all items, letting you build parks without limits. It's great for practicing your park-building skills before trying the 'Career Mode'. The game comes with many scenarios, each with three difficulty levels.

Soaked!

This was the first expansion pack for RCT3, released in 2005. It lets you build amazing water parks with different types of waterslides and swimming pools. It also added new water-themed rides and shops. The number of scenarios in the game doubled with this pack. Soaked! also upgraded the firework mode to include Laser and Water displays, allowing for longer shows with your music.

Wild!

Released in 2005, the Wild! expansion pack lets you add animals to your park! You can build animal-themed rides like the 'Insect House' and 'Elephant Ride'. The game also got new music, scenery, and shops. Many new scenarios were added, along with jungle-themed music. This pack even included an 'Extended Coaster' feature, letting you build roller coasters with more inversions and super steep drops.

Images for kids

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  The first two games used this isometric view. This picture shows X and Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain in RollerCoaster Tycoon 2.

See also

In Spanish: RollerCoaster Tycoon (serie) para niños