

Although fine control such as custom angles-snapping or widths for paths can seem daunting at first, it allowed me to customize every square foot of my park exactly how I wanted it to look. I used keyboard shortcuts to place and reposition, move, resize, color, and edit gift shops and ice cream stands as well as coasters, carousels and walkways. It is easier and more intuitive to build and manage a park than its incredible versatility suggests.

However, many of its weaknesses will be overcome by the clever inclusion of mod support. The huge variety of attractions and rides are complemented by a ridiculous amount of terrain, structures, and customization options that make Planet Coaster so popular it begs the question: What took so long? Although it is far from being an engaging economic simulator, it does not have the ability to build certain types of buildings. Planet Coaster has everything I need in a modern revival of the theme park sim format.

A more impactful first-person method of riding your own rollercoaster would have been appreciated, and more innovation of modes wouldn't have hurt, either. It all adds up to a terrific game with few flaws. Sandbox mode, meanwhile, is exactly what you'd expect, placing every single tool before you, free of all restrictions. It's here too that you learn the challenges of Planet Coaster's economy, and the need to balance profits with proper payments to your theme park staff. It's deep and full of freedom, yet there's incentive to create in certain ways, since you get Achievement-like rewards for accomplishing a handful of tasks. Challenge mode is the best mode, placing you in control of everything, from the salaries for the janitors to the stores to the park advertising.
