Review Machine:Pentium 4 2.0 GHz512MB RAM256MB GeForce FX 5600 I, one of the many fans of the original Roller Coaster Tycoon and its two expansions, was thrilled to hear that a sequel to this widely popular game was in development. I read previews all over the web, taking in as much info as I could about Roller Coaster Tycoon 2. Something happened, however, and I completely forgot about the release of RCT2. Months went by while I was completely oblivious to the fact that this game was out. Now, nine months after its release, I finally got around to playing it. I must say, I was shocked at the number of different roller coaster types now available to choose from. Hundreds of different roller coasters, each with many variations and track types were added, along with a myriad of thrill rides, transportation rides, water rides, and shops. A lot of new scenery types to pick from add a lot of variety with what you can do with your park, so that each park you create is completely different in itself. The goals of each scenario are much different this time around, instead of the “Get 400 people in your park by the end of year 2” objectives you’d get sick of in the previous RCT. New objectives, such as having to build a certain amount of roller coasters above a certain height to win the game, also add a new game experience each time you try a new scenario. Furthermore, another option to choose is the scenario editor, where you can build your own map, set your own goals, and customize everything right down to the amount of money each guest brings with them. The track editor is a neat add-on to the game, in which you are given a flat grid and you are able to build your dream roller coaster. You can then save the coaster and build it in any park you are running. This is a realistic option for bringing new coasters, instead of the pre-made tracks, into your parks. That is, if you know how to budget your money. I ended up building enormous coasters that I couldn’t possibly ever afford in any of my parks (nor have room for).Some sort of deal was worked out with Six Flags®, because a few of the Six Flags parks have been recreated and you are able to run them yourself! Also, many of the famous Six Flags roller coasters have been pre-built for you to use in any of your theme parks.The graphics of Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 have not been improved from the previous version at all. By today’s standards, the RCT series looks like crap. It doesn’t detract from the gameplay at all, and it doesn’t bother me one bit. The fact remains, however, that Roller Coaster Tycoon has fallen way behind in the graphics department. At least there’s a nice zoom feature, allowing you to zoom all the way out to view your whole park or all the way in to view just a few rides. The horrible roller coaster tycoon music is back, and it’s not sounding a bit better. The in-park sound effects aren’t bad, so the people in charge of the sound department of this game didn’t fail completely, at least. Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 turned out to be more of a gigantic expansion pack than a sequel. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing, but I was expecting a revamped graphics engine and a few changes to the overall feel of the game. I was hoping for parking lots, hotels, and the like to expand beyond just the basic theme park setting. Maybe in the next expansion, set for release toward the end of this year?. The guests act slightly differently, though, as you’ll sometimes catch them watching rides in action to decide if they want to ride it or not. However, not much has changed from the original Roller Coaster Tycoon, but the addition of the scenario and track editor tools, along with the hundreds of new rides, make up for some of that. If you were a fan of the first game, definitely pick this one up. If you’re not much for simulation games like this, stay away.