RollerCoaster Tycoonis a series many have fond memories of, but it has been in a bad place for a long time. Modern Atari seems unsure of what to do with the property, as it got mediocre sequels and mobile releases.RollerCoater Tycoon Adventuresfor Nintendo Switch did initially seem likea glimmer of hopefor the series, but criticsdid not like it.Now, Atari is doing something the series that I’m not sure any fans wanted: a match-3 game for mobile devices calledRollerCoaster Tycoon Story.
Atari is championing this title as the series' first match-3 game and a refreshing entry in the series. Atari’s VP of Marketing Tony Chien is particularly gung-ho about the project, saying “We’re delighted to introduceRollerCoaster Tycoon Story– a new chapter of casual gameplay based on the most popular theme park game in the world. Adding a story-driven campaign, hundreds of puzzles, and a unique rail match system offers an entirely new experience for a brand-new audience while offering a wholly new and refreshing approach for existing fans of theRollerCoaster Tycoonfranchise.” Unfortunately for Atari, those comments will likely fall on deaf ears with theRollerCoaster Tycoonfanbase.
Who knows,RollerCoaster Tycoon Storymay actually be quite fun and a standout title within the match-3 genre on mobile, but it’s still obvious that this is not what fans want from the franchise. The one new interesting mechanicRollerCoaster Tycoon Storyintroduces to the match-3 space is that each level takes place on a rail system so pieces aren’t just falling from top to bottom. A park restoration mechanic outside of the match-3 levels does evoke earlierRollerCoaster Tycoonmore but is still a far cry from the gameplay many expect from the series.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Story’sreveal trailer has an overwhelmingly negative like-dislike ratio, with most comment voicing frustration at how Atari has handled the series. Atari seems to be shooting from the hip with many crazy ideas like this match-3 game,hotels, and anew video game consolejust to see what sticks, and it’s questionable how sustainable that is.
WithPlanet Coastercoming to PS4 and Xbox One soon, there isn’t much reason to get excited forRollerCoaster Tycoon Story. That being said, if you are interested in the game it released today for iOS and Android.
