Calling all coaster enthusiasts and aspiring tycoons – RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition, the beloved classic park simulation game, has finally arrived on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 4/5.
This isn’t a new entry in the series; it’s a re-release of the 2004 PC hit, complete with both the Soaked! and Wild! expansion packs, offering a wealth of content for both newcomers and longtime fans.
Priced at £24.99, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition gives you the tools and freedom to build the amusement park of your dreams. Manage finances, shops, services, and staff across dozens of scenarios, or unleash your creativity in the unlimited sandbox mode.
This is the RollerCoaster Tycoon experience many fans remember fondly, a significant departure from more recent console entries. And it’s why we have it included in our ‘Best Games of March’ article.
A Return to Form for the Franchise?
This release is particularly interesting given the, shall we say, mixed reception of recent RollerCoaster Tycoon console titles. We reviewed RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe in 2023, giving it a 3/5 and stating: “If you want my advice (and I’m sure you do) the series needs to go back to its roots. That is an in-depth, nerdy and sometimes overwhelming park simulator where the complex gameplay structure offers oodles of variety in every park you build. Sadly, RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe is far away from that, and worse off for it. RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe is a shadow of the game it originated from, despite being a decent entry level park simulator on its own merits.“
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, originally released in 2004, is that return to roots.
It was a landmark title for the franchise, introducing a fully 3D world, the CoasterCam (letting you ride your creations), the MixMaster (for creating custom firework shows), and more detailed guest behaviour. It was a critical and commercial success, becoming a best-selling PC game shortly after its release.
This Complete Edition bundles in the Soaked! expansion (adding water parks) and the Wild! expansion (adding animal habitats), making it the definitive version of a classic.
Will RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Be Great?
- Full 3D World: A major step up from the isometric view of the first two games.
- CoasterCam: Experience your roller coasters from a first-person perspective.
- MixMaster: Create custom firework and laser light shows.
- Detailed “Peeps”: Guests arrive in groups and have diverse demographics.
- Scenario and Sandbox Modes: Play through challenging scenarios or build freely without financial constraints.
- Expansions Included: Soaked! and Wild! add water parks and animal habitats.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition offers a wealth of content and customisation options. You’re free to fill your park with over 300 coasters and rides, 500 scenery pieces, 60 shops and services, and 20 animals. The Peep Designer lets you create custom guests and experience your park through their eyes.
Is This the RollerCoaster Tycoon You’ve Been Waiting For?
If you’ve been disappointed by recent console RollerCoaster Tycoon games, or if you’re a longtime fan looking to revisit a classic, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition should well be worth a look.
It’s available now on the Xbox Store and PlayStation Store, for roughly £24.99. It’s already on PC and Nintendo Switch if you prefer.
Get ready to build, manage, and ride your way to amusement park success! And as always, we will be looking to bring you a full review.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition Description
Your Park. Your Way Whatever you want to create, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 gives you the tools and freedom to build the amusement park of your dreams.
