Games That Matter ~ PC ~ Rollercoaster Tycoon 2: Wacky Worlds Expansion Pack

Rollercoaster Tycoon 2: Wacky Worlds Expansion Pack

Wacky Worlds Expansion Pack for Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 was released in early May 2010. This game's intent was to better the theming and simulation experience of the game. What coaster fans like myself expected was a revamp of the rides in the game and possible new coaster types such as the Intamin rocket coaster (Top Thrill Dragster and Xcellerator). Instead, Infogrames decided to instead of release new rides, retheme the rides that allready existed. So in place of the reverse whoa belly coaster, you would get a koala coaster that featured a car that was shaped like a koala with the supports looking like trees. This change has given the game more impressive visuals, but still the same rides. For the more techincal fans of the game, this expansion lacks new stuff. What is given is a variety of new theming objects that represent different parts of the world. The theming is nice, but is nothing special as it is possible to download a scenery editor and make your own custom objects. THe strong point of the game are the 17 new scenarios that will keep you playing for hours as the theming possibilities are endless.

Gameplay - The gameplay has not changed a bit since RCT2 was released. The game is addictive and fun. With the ability to make your own scenery and add your own music (does not come w/ game), the game does not get boring easily. RCT2 added a new mode called the scenario editor in which you can create your own park with whatever rides you want in it, free of financial restrictions. The game is the best in the market to recreate the functions of an actual themepark. The addictive gameplay and accuracy of the game is the strongpoint of the expansion. The new trees and scenery objects allow for you to make your rides look more interesting. Also, theming helps boost your coaster's excitement rating which is always a good thing.

Graphics - The game is still in 2-D, unfortunantely. RCT fans will have to at least wait for RCT3 for a graphics revamp. The game is still using a similar engine as it had when the whole tycoon bandwagon strated. By getting this expansion, you will not notice any increase in graphics. The only thing new in this category are the 6 new theming object sets, each for one of the world's continents (Australia and asia are combined). With the European objects, you can make a very surprisingly realistic replication of Red Square. The addition of a Limousine Coaster allows for a reproduction of Rockin' Rollercoaster in Disney World and Disneyland Paris. This is the only new ride type that corresponds with a real ride.

Sound - The sound effects of this game are excellent and this is coming from a coaster fan. All of the sounds are very realistic to the real coasters they represent. From the clatter of the wooden coasters to the roar of the steel twisters, the sound is excellent. Unfortunantely, no new sound was added to the game. It would have been nice to see some European or Oriental music in the game.

Replay value - The game is addictive. The new scenarios will encourage tycoon addicts to keep playing the game over and over again. With new possibilities in theming, theme park reproductions in the game are becoming more and more popular. Search for RCT2 parks in google to see a slew of sites with downloads at your disposal. You will be amazed when you see your favorite park come to life on your computer screen. If you get tired of building your own stuff, download parks and rides made by 'professionals.' You will be surprised by the vastness of this game.

In conclusion, this game is certaintly not the best RCT expansion, but it is a viable one. If you were not impressed by the original game, I would not yet go out and buy this game. Wait it out for RCT3. I recommend this game only to those people who are truly into this game. It is not worth its $30.00 MSRP. The RCT bandwagon will continue rolling and we will still see great things from Infrogrames/Atari in the future.