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RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 E3 2004 Preshow Impressions

Build the theme park of your dreams and ride the rails in this gorgeous sequel.

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The original RollerCoaster Tycoon, which let you build your own theme park, was a huge success that reportedly sold millions of copies. However, its sequel, RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, didn't do a lot to differentiate itself from the original, and it suffered a bit as a result. But fans of the series should definitely look forward to Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, because this game is going to take the franchise into beautiful 3D.

Atari gave us a peek at its E3 presentation of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, and we got to see more of the game in action. The first thing you can't help but notice is the new 3D graphics engine that renders the park and the rides in startling detail. The game also has a day/night cycle that shows off the lighting effects; for example, you get a reddish tint at dusk, and at night the lights come up and softly glow in the darkness.

Another benefit of the 3D graphics engine is that you get to ride all the tracked rides, including roller coasters. You can switch to a first-person, front-seat view or watch as your peeps, or virtual park guests, exhibit a wide range of emotions, from cringing in their seats and covering their eyes to throwing their arms up in the air.

The peeps in RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 are also distinct individuals, and no two peeps will look the same. They can be male or female, and they come in all sorts of ages, sizes, and shapes. They'll also exhibit different behaviors; younger peeps will crave excitement and thrills, while older peeps will look for quieter entertainment. Producer Ken Allen told us that you'll see all sorts of behavior, ranging from college kids making out to excited children dragging their parents behind them. Some kids may even throw temper tantrums. You can even create a virtual family and track their behavior, from the history of rides they've ridden to the things they've purchased.

The game will ship with five themes: generic amusement park, Western, space, jungle adventure, and spooky horror. There will be 33 different roller coasters, with two to three variations of each, and you'll be able to create your own roller coaster using the easy-to-use tools. In addition, there are plenty of non-coaster attractions, including merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheels, 3D cinemas, video game arcades, and stunt shows.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 will ship with 18 scenarios, all of which can be played at three difficulty levels. At the easiest apprentice level, you'll be able to play the scenario with no time limit. At the middle entrepreneur level, you'll be tasked with meeting some objectives, such as increasing souvenir sales. And at the toughest tycoon level, you'll have to hit certain milestones. But if you can win at the tougher levels, you'll unlock new rides and coasters, and you may even unlock a special new level.

The game is being developed by UK-based Frontier Studios, but series creator Chris Sawyer is serving as a creative consultant to the project. The game certainly looks like it's on track, and it's scheduled to be in stores by Christmas.

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