Ultimate Ride Coaster Deluxe

Just as in the previous version, there are two basic modes of play, imagineer and build. Imagineer mode is the mission mode, where scenarios with specific requirements have to be solved, either by completing or building a roller coaster under certain rules. In build mode, players can choose from five roller coaster types, standing, flying, hanging, wooden and steel. There are eight backgrounds, plus lots and lots of pretty props to use, grouped in themes.

The interface is wonderful, with all the controls and functions needed to build exciting rides. Adding track pieces is as simple as clicking a button, and each piece can be modified as many times and ways as needed. The camera viewpoints are extremely useful, as they allow players to zoom in and out just by right-clicking and dragging the mouse toward or away, or rotating the view by left-clicking and holding the mouse down while moving. But, this information about the interface is only accessible through the online manual, as there is no accompanying print manual with the game, although there is a handy key command reference card included.

The graphics are 3D, and are adequate. The backgrounds are somewhat blocky, as are the props, but the rollercoaster's themselves look very nice. Although the listed minimum requirements are fairly low for a 3D game, players will probably have a better time with this game with a higher end system and an updated video driver. Riding the roller coasters is cool, and gives gamers the feeling they're really on that monster ride they just built! Just as in the original, players can upload/download roller coasters on the Internet and compete for title of Rollergod.

This is a roller coaster simulation, pure and simple, not a theme park management game. The goal here is to design rides and then ride 'em. No worrying about unhappy patrons or litter on the sidewalks. For some, this is nirvana, for others, less fulfilling. It all really depends if players are more interested in roller coaster simulations, or in management type games. I and my daughter both prefer Roller Coaster Tycoon, as we enjoy taking care of the theme park, plus building the roller coasters. My nephew prefers Ultimate Ride, where he can build death-defying rides to impress us. I would really like to see some of these roller coaster simulation functions added to RCT, if there's a new edition anytime in the future.