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Parents' Guide to

Rollercoaster Tycoon

By Mark Raby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Revived version of classic amusement park sim is still fun.

Game Nintendo 3DS 2012
Rollercoaster Tycoon Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

age 5+

Boringer than RCT3

Rude Comments-A tech kid makes fun of Old teachers "air holes". Education-On carrer mode it teaches you about engineering

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Rollercoaster Tycoon is a great game because it mixes very cerebral concepts like money management, changing economic conditions, and basic physics, with the incredibly fun environment of an amusement park. The result is a game that challenges players but keeps them excited and engaged at the same time. Players may fail at times, by either creating a ride that none of the guests like, or realizing that their high prices are turning customers away, but this just results in players altering their strategy to create a better park. Players cannot "lose"; they can only keep moving forward and that is why there is such longevity to the game. There are some limitations with this sim being played on a handheld system, such as a finite number of different rides and rollercoaster types, and graphics that are probably not as polished and perfected as they could be. But anyone who has entrepreneurial dreams -- or just loves rollercoasters -- will find a lot to enjoy in this game.

Game Details

  • Platform: Nintendo 3DS
  • Subjects: Math : algebra, measurement, money, Hobbies : building, Social Studies : the economy, Science : momentum, motion, physics
  • Skills: Creativity : imagination, innovation, making new creations
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Atari
  • Release date: October 16, 2012
  • Genre: Simulation
  • ESRB rating: E for (No Descriptors)
  • Last updated: August 26, 2016

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