Game: RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic
Genre: Simulation
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on Steam(Windows))
Developers | Publishers: Graphite Lab | Atari
Age Rating: US E | EU 7+
Price: US $24.99 | UK £22.99 | EU € 24,99
Release Date: December 5th, 2024
A review code was used, with many thanks to ÜberStrategist.
Simulation games span countless themes, but few are as universally appealing as the theme park simulator. There is plenty of fun to be had designing thrilling roller coasters, constructing food courts, managing staff duties, and fine-tuning park prices, which makes this genre approachable yet deeply engaging.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic on Nintendo Switch
The RollerCoaster Tycoon series masterfully captured these qualities. With RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic on the Nintendo Switch, fans of the originals like myself, who played it on PC many years ago, now have the chance to revisit one of the most iconic management games of all time. However, while the port faithfully preserves the series’ magic, it stumbles in some key areas that hold it back from being the most definitive experience.
A Nostalgic Return
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic combines the best elements of RollerCoaster Tycoon and RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, offering a robust mix of classic gameplay, timeless visuals, and the complete content from both games, including expansions like Wacky Worlds and Time Twister. This means players have access to a massive 95 scenarios, a wide variety of rides and attractions, and endless customisation options for crafting their dream parks.
The gameplay remains as fascinating as ever. From designing intricate roller coasters to carefully managing your guest’s happiness and finances, RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic strikes a great balance between creativity and strategy. You can customise everything, from the price of entry to the park to menu items in food stalls. Managing staff responsibilities, optimising park layouts, and meeting scenario goals certainly provide layers of challenges that keep the experience fresh for hours on end.
Nostalgic Charm is Intact
While the nostalgic charm is intact, RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic faces challenges in adapting to the Nintendo Switch. One of the biggest surprises for me is the lack of touch controls. Since this version is based on a mobile port where touch input was central to the experience, its absence feels like a missed opportunity.
Tasks such as constructing coasters, placing attractions, and navigating menus are noticeably slower and less intuitive with a controller, and the controls take a while to master on the Switch. However, once you get used to the controls, it’s the RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic that we know and love.
The user interface, though faithful to the original, can feel overwhelming on the Switch’s smaller handheld screen. Managing paths, terrain, or ride details can sometimes feel more cumbersome than it should. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it may test the patience of players who are much more accustomed to more modernised UI designs.
A Few Niggles
Performance, while mostly stable, does take a hit when parks become large and densely populated. Framerate drops and input lag are rare, but they are noticeable in busy parks, slightly interfering with otherwise smooth gameplay. These issues don’t ruin the experience, but they highlight the limitations of this version on the Switch.
A Love Letter to Theme Park Sims
Despite its flaws, RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic on the Switch remains a testament to the timeless appeal of theme park simulators. Few games capture the fun and challenge of managing every aspect of a theme park so effectively. Whether you’re carefully designing a record-breaking roller coaster or figuring out how to keep guests from getting lost, the game keeps you constantly engaged.
It’s also packed with charm, from its retro isometric graphics to its delightful park music and sound effects. Fans like myself who remember playing the original games will forgive its shortcomings and appreciate the chance to dive back into this world.
Conclusion
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic on Nintendo Switch faithfully recreates a legendary series that still holds up as one of the best management sims ever made. However, the lack of touch controls and some performance issues prevent it from fully utilising the platform’s potential. For fans of the series, it’s a nostalgic must-play. For newcomers, it offers a fun, though occasionally clunky, introduction to theme park management.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot 
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