Planet Coaster - The Roller Coaster Tycoon’s Successor That Will Steal Your Social Life
Packed with creativity and simulation, Planet Coaster takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from supreme satisfaction to the brink of a creative meltdown.
last updated Jan 12, 2024
In the high-flying world of theme park sims, Planet Coaster reigns supreme.
Become the Master of Your Theme Park Universe
Planet Coaster catapults us into the golden age of theme park management with a rich and addicting gameplay that’s as smooth as the first drop on a freshly-oiled coaster. With a vast sandbox at your fingertips, creativity flows like a river after a storm. I mean, who needs a partner, kids, or a social life when you've got your own virtual empire to govern? The game balances a robust park management system with undertones of a meticulous architecture sim where every choice from placement, aesthetics, and economics impact your park’s success. It's the kind of game where you blink and it's suddenly tomorrow. Just beware - coaster design can be as tricky as convincing a toddler that broccoli is candy.
An Earful of Euphoria
Dive down a coaster and your eardrums are pampered with the roars of the crowd, the whoosh of nearby rides, and the ching of cash registers. The game's ambience is a symphony composed in the key of E for Excitement. Sure, some may whine about wishing for a broader selection of tunes to jam to, but let’s face it - that's what Spotify's for, folks. The audio detail serves as a gentle reminder that you're the puppeteer in this carnival of delight, and the game wouldn't have it any other way.
A Visual Feast for the Park Connoisseur
When it comes to the visuals, Planet Coaster is like that overly decorated cupcake that you can't wait to devour. The graphics are crisp, vibrant, and would put a rainbow to shame. But let's not gloss over the fact that this beauty comes at a cost - you'll need a beast of a machine to avoid a stuttering sideshow of a performance. For those playing on NASA-like rigs, the game can look photorealistic with settings cranked up, especially on an updated graphics card. However, when the crowds pack in and your park becomes the size of a small city, even the beefiest of computers might let out a whimper.
The Not-So-Glamorous Underbelly
Of course, it's not all sugar-coated cotton candy. The coaster-building might hook you in, but its arcane complexity could have you wishing for a simpler time. A handful of players report pesky bugs and glitches squirming through the cracks, which could very well snap you back to reality quicker than a ride on the 'Breakdance'. There's also a cheeky scheme going on with the DLCs, which has wallets screaming louder than the thrill-seekers in your parks. While the core experience remains unshakeable, keep an eye out for the rare rebel crashes and the odd pathfinding mishaps of in-game guests.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Frontier Developments, Aspyr (Mac)
Release Date
November 17, 2016
The Verdict
In the high-flying world of theme park sims, Planet Coaster reigns supreme. It's an incredible sandbox with the depth to keep would-be park moguls engaged for hours on end. Sure, DLC greediness might leave a slightly bitter aftertaste, and the complexity of coaster construction may occasionally grind gears. Yet, these are mere drops on the wild ride this game delivers. If your passion is crafting the perfect loop-the-loop or watching virtual visitors puke their guts out, it's time to buckle up and embrace the smorgasbord of creative possibilities. Planet Coaster is your one-way ticket to park-building bliss.