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Review of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 on Nintendo Switch

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Sep 2020
Cover image of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 24 Sep 2020
Genre: Construction and management simulation
Developer: Frontier Developments
Publisher: Atari

Introduction

Imagine a world where you can build the wildest roller coasters, manage a theme park with the grace of a circus ringmaster, and somehow still end up being micro-managed by your imaginary friends, the peeps. Welcome to *RollerCoaster Tycoon 3* on the Nintendo Switch, a re-released nostalgia trip that promises to send you hurtling into the past while simultaneously making you question your life choices as you watch your park guests get sick on poorly designed rides. In this review, we'll dive into the rich character development of *RCT3*, focusing not just on the rides, but on the peeps themselves, the tiny denizens fueling your amusement park escapades.

Gameplay

Diving into *RollerCoaster Tycoon 3* is like stepping into a soda-laden carnival, where every pixel is polished and every experience thrillingly chaotic. The game throws you into two main modes: Career and Sandbox. The Career mode is your ticket to becoming the Tycoon of your wildest dreams, as you navigate through various scenarios ranging from impressing a celebrity to getting more park visitors than you can handle. Each task feels like a reality TV show challenge, testing your ability to balance expectations and imaginative construction. Meanwhile, Sandbox mode is where the real chaos reigns-unlimited funds make you the Bill Gates of roller coasters. Want a flaming dragon coaster? Boom! You can throw that together like it's your next TikTok viral move, even if it ultimately results in an unholy abomination that terrifies your entire visitor base. The game's controls are as smooth as that first bite of a cotton candy, and anyone can jump in and start building. You construct rides, manage staff, and are responsible for everything from the price of soda to the intricate placement of trash cans (because nothing ruins a good park like unexpected piles of trash). The addition of the CoasterCam feature is a game-changer, letting you ride your rides from a first-person perspective. Just make sure to hold onto your lunch-you never know when a sharp turn might send you flying! Furthermore, each guest (or bleary-eyed 'peep', as they're charmingly called) has distinct personalities, so your design decisions affect their happiness, and by extension, your park's success. If you've ever wanted to directly observe the anguish on someone's face as they plunge down a thrilling coaster, this is your moment to shine.

Graphics

Graphically, *RollerCoaster Tycoon 3* on the Switch hits a sweet spot. It leverages 3D graphics reminiscent of the early 2000s, making us nostalgic for the time when roller coaster rides were most adept at pixelating. The peeps all have varying designs, a veritable human rainbow, each one a representation of a different demographic trying to enjoy the fun you provide (or just looking miserable behind the hotdog stand). The landscapes transform at your whim, with the ability to shape terrain, lay down tracks, and sprinkle thematic scenery from islands to underwater fun zones. The interface isn't exactly a streamlined smartphone app, but it is functional and gets the job done, allowing you to swiftly make changes in your park while watching your guests' contentment levels fluctuate like your friend's mood while playing Monopoly.

Conclusion

*RollerCoaster Tycoon 3* on the Nintendo Switch is more than just a game; it's a delightful nostalgia-driven experience, complete with the good, the bad, and the ridiculously chaotic-like managing an actual amusement park without ever having to put on pants. This re-release brings beloved elements to the newer generation while retaining its cult classic status through its witty approach to simulation and management gameplay. While the game has its flaws, like minor glitches and the occasional too-generous park peep closures, the charm and depth of gameplay are seriously unbeatable. Whether you're a seasoned tycoon or a newcomer trying to impress the peep world, this game sweeps you into a whirlwind of creativity and chaos, proving yet again that playing god in your own amusement park isn't just a pastime; it's a living nightmare. Jump in, grab your virtual hardhat, and prepare for a roller coaster of emotions!

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