RollerCoaster Tycoon 3

 PC
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 401 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 193 out of 401
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 401
  3. Negative: 155 out of 401
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  1. HB95
    Jan 15, 2023
    10
    This may be nostalgia but, the game is a fantastic theme-park management/simulator game, The coaster builder makes some pretty rough looking coasters, the graphics are dated and the resolution by default isn't wide-screen, but it's still a fun game to mess around with every once and a while. It still has one of the best firework simulators in a game!
  2. Cezico
    Dec 6, 2020
    8
    Maybe it's just my nostalgia talking, but RCT3 is the definitive roller coast simulation experience. The campaign mode isn't much, but it's clear what RCT3 was made for: the sandbox. Naturally, the sandbox includes a wealth of features and dozens of options that allow for a fully customisable experience. On its own, the game includes dozens of roller coasters to choose from, and theMaybe it's just my nostalgia talking, but RCT3 is the definitive roller coast simulation experience. The campaign mode isn't much, but it's clear what RCT3 was made for: the sandbox. Naturally, the sandbox includes a wealth of features and dozens of options that allow for a fully customisable experience. On its own, the game includes dozens of roller coasters to choose from, and the Platinum version includes so many features it rivals modern coasters sims like Planet Coaster. If you want to get into roller coaster simulation games, RCT3 is where to start.

    (Played on a Windows 10 CD-ROM)    … Expand
  3. HunterMMD
    May 27, 2020
    10
    The Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 game is very awesomely simple, and much better than the latest version of 2018. I still play this game version 3 even it is already released from more than 15 years.
  4. Dream_Imp_Luna
    Apr 14, 2019
    9
    [OBJECTIVE QUALITY REVIEW] Sadly, no other RCT game can match up to this title even 15 years later. The setup and the overall expansions and execution are THAT perfect.

    There are virtually no problems with it, and although it does divert from the original RCT formula by having no absolute deadlines and having instead a set of goals that when all completed move you up to the next    [OBJECTIVE QUALITY REVIEW] Sadly, no other RCT game can match up to this title even 15 years later. The setup and the overall expansions and execution are THAT perfect.

    There are virtually no problems with it, and although it does divert from the original RCT formula by having no absolute deadlines and having instead a set of goals that when all completed move you up to the next scenario level (Apprentice; Entrepreneur; Tycoon), which may turn some hardcore players off, this is obviously a step forward with the scenario system of RCT, and doesn't break the realism much to boot.

    Out of literally all the RCT titles, this one happily has the most content, and that's not even including the expansion packs, which showcase even much much more content - content we sadly may never get to see ever again, at least not at the level of caliber it is. This includes many more, and quirky, rollercoasters, rides, stalls, water parks and rides, zoos, etc., you name it.

    Sadly, one set of fatal flaws prevent this title from reaching a perfect 10, and that is the occasional crashes and other such bugs. I myself have encountered at least several of these crashes, and they do seem to get worse with each newer version of Windows (the platform I usually, if not always, play it on). Sadly, this is solely what prevents this title from reaching a perfect 10, and that is a shame for the height of the series.

    Overall, Almost, if not completely, perfect execution of RCT for this title then and even now. The amount of content is just staggering, and this may be the most content we'd ever get to see in the RCT series. Unfortunately, the occasional crashes and other such problems prevent this from reaching a perfect 10, and that makes me sad.    … Expand
  5. killer1237
    Oct 24, 2018
    9
    If you love roller coasters or building, you'll love the customization this theme park game has to offer.
  6. TheCornflex
    Feb 1, 2018
    8
    This kind of game works great on a 3D-Engine. Therefore I think it is a bit better than RC2.
  7. Mcgillacuddy
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    A 4.9? What the hell you guys are so full of crap! This game was very well-made. There's a lot of customization options and you can build really epic parks.
  8. cwilliamhud
    Oct 9, 2015
    10
    Outstanding sandbox amusement park game! The best game out there if you want to make your own theme park where your imagination is the limit. Do not listen to the other negative reviews. This game is far more interactive and entertaining than any other roller coaster game out there.
  9. dissimpa113
    Aug 3, 2015
    10
    Just simply one of the best games of all time. The sandbox mode, the modding community, the coaster POV, and the fact that another Roller Coaster Tycoon game is coming makes me still play this game almost every day.
  10. AdrianChan
    Jun 8, 2014
    10
    The graphics is still impressive even though it is 2014. Extremely high replay value. Probably the best Construction and management simulator in the whole world. This is a true masterpiece, and this game deserves a REAL sequel but not a crappy iOS and 3DS sequel. The only bad point of the game is that it take a long time to load up last safe (Sandbox) but overall it is a perfect games
  11. asjklasjklas
    May 16, 2014
    8
    Atari buying the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise has been its grandest downfall since the glory days under Chris Sawyer's ownership, especially when the company makes you wait more than a decade for a sequel, only to be overwhelmingly disappointed. But in 2004 and with the release of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, everyone saw potential, especially after how surprisingly well it transitioned intoAtari buying the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise has been its grandest downfall since the glory days under Chris Sawyer's ownership, especially when the company makes you wait more than a decade for a sequel, only to be overwhelmingly disappointed. But in 2004 and with the release of RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, everyone saw potential, especially after how surprisingly well it transitioned into the world of 3D graphics. But despite having a number of bugs that take more than one hand to count, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 was an excellent entry for a game that's significantly unequal to its older siblings.

    Pros: Excellent new features, such as a sandbox mode that allows accessibility to casual players; excellent creative modes; variety of coasters, rides, shops, and scenery to build, not including its expansion packs; charming -- and surprisingly comical -- sense of humor; the 3D graphics are overall pleasant to look at; 10 years later, it's still an addictive and enjoyable experience for a wide variety of players.

    Cons: The cost of transitioning RollerCoaster Tycoon into the 3D realm is the buggy mechanics, extensive loading screens, and frequent slow downs or freeze ups; in sacrificing itself by distancing the franchise from Chris Sawyer and the Six Flags brand makes for an indescribable lack of charisma in comparison to the superior predecessors; hasn't aged QUITE as well as its predecessors have, despite having some significant improvements.    … Expand
  12. Greenicey
    Dec 20, 2013
    9
    This is one of those games that pull out of your closet that you never even realize you still had. While the game is definitely more than a little dated now, the amount of customization and the replay value make this so much fun to play time and time again. The only problem I ever had with the game was when I went to install the Soaked! expansion pack, it kept crashing my computer when IThis is one of those games that pull out of your closet that you never even realize you still had. While the game is definitely more than a little dated now, the amount of customization and the replay value make this so much fun to play time and time again. The only problem I ever had with the game was when I went to install the Soaked! expansion pack, it kept crashing my computer when I tried to load it, and when I finally did manage to get it to work it wasn't really worth it. Honestly the base game itself makes this whole experience worthwhile.… Expand
  13. ChrisLight
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    All I can say about this game is.....THIS IS BEST GAME EVER!!!!I played this game for 5 years,it never get boring.About the expansion packs,even it is not free but it is totally worth it!I bought all of the expansion packs it make RCT3 became best game I have ever played!
  14. GamerQuinn
    Nov 18, 2013
    10
    the most idiotic people on earth are the 10 haters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this game is creative, but if you like torturing guests, this game is GREAT. but, i usually build.
  15. AnotherGamerFRA
    Oct 25, 2013
    9
    Anyone else came from Inside Gaming? LOL i bought this game after watching all the explosions, and i gotta say for such an old game it is pretty good, and fun!
  16. JakeBoundy
    Aug 29, 2013
    9
    I bought this game on Steam for £20. I have never played the other two before this, but this game is terrific, almost perfect! I mean, it has it's fair share of glitches/bugs, but it's an old game! I got addicted easily! Yeah, the graphics are a bit poop, but what the hell! Worth buying if you have a lot of spare time!
  17. asy8492
    Aug 2, 2013
    10
    Now this is what I call a real masterpiece. I know the game came out years ago but no doubt it is still currently (for me) the best game in the world where I can truly expand my imagination without boundaries. I could play this for years and still not run out of ideas. It's been 9 years already and I really wonder why the franchise is still not continuing. Seriously Atari, why stop on suchNow this is what I call a real masterpiece. I know the game came out years ago but no doubt it is still currently (for me) the best game in the world where I can truly expand my imagination without boundaries. I could play this for years and still not run out of ideas. It's been 9 years already and I really wonder why the franchise is still not continuing. Seriously Atari, why stop on such a successful product?… Expand
  18. Blahguy126
    Mar 11, 2013
    8
    Although the lanscaping is much better and there's lots of CS to find and use, this series didn't make nearly as smooth of a transition from 2.5D to 3D than it could have because they wanted RCT2/1 tracks to work in this game too. It hinders the gameplay, but the graphics, scenerio system, community, and customization have all been improved. Nevertheless, the first two games didn't reallyAlthough the lanscaping is much better and there's lots of CS to find and use, this series didn't make nearly as smooth of a transition from 2.5D to 3D than it could have because they wanted RCT2/1 tracks to work in this game too. It hinders the gameplay, but the graphics, scenerio system, community, and customization have all been improved. Nevertheless, the first two games didn't really need these improvements, so it only gets an 8, whereas RCT2 got a 10 from me.… Expand
  19. mangotaingo
    Nov 18, 2012
    10
    How can you not enjoy a game where you kill thousands of people with a single roller coaster? NO ONE HAHHAAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHALOLOLOAHAHAHHAHAH
  20. chronoT
    Sep 5, 2012
    8
    I have put a serious amount of time in both this game and RCT2. I can firmly say that both games are tremendously fun and addicting, but I think they could have taken 3 even further. RC3 has updated graphics, but it would have been amazing to see a more "serious" and "realistic" look rather than the "cartoonish" environment. I do thoroughly enjoy the "on ride" first person camera view, itI have put a serious amount of time in both this game and RCT2. I can firmly say that both games are tremendously fun and addicting, but I think they could have taken 3 even further. RC3 has updated graphics, but it would have been amazing to see a more "serious" and "realistic" look rather than the "cartoonish" environment. I do thoroughly enjoy the "on ride" first person camera view, it makes you able to experience your park first hand. The rides overall are pretty cool but again I would have liked to see a more realistic detail. What RC3 did get right was the mechanics. They are terrific, taking ideas from RC2 and making them even better. Budgeting is as fun and challenging as ever, and some scenarios worth exploring. I do enjoy RC3, there is also loads of content available online including fully made parks. I do have a little more love overall for RC2, only due to the originality and extreme customization and modding. I would absolutely love to see another Rollercoaster Tycoon, they are truly fun and addicting, and better yet if it had a more "serious" and "realistic" design it could be my favorite game ever.… Expand
  21. Keoki
    Apr 25, 2012
    10
    This game was SO good. Maybe the best of the series and even better with each expansion. I hope that Atarai give the license of this game to frontier to make more of this!!
  22. mcjerry
    Oct 31, 2011
    9
    I find this game very funny and the graphics are not that bad, what is really not that great is the performance that the game has after you have 1000 peeps in your park. Anyways, It's cool to watch the rides and the peeps falling off them, falling off stairs, etc... Epic game! (Graphics: 7; Gameplay: 10; Performance: 8; Buildings: 10; Views: 9; Entertainment: 10; Overall: 88,5 ~ 9)
  23. anthonyd
    Dec 23, 2009
    8
    i think it is about time we get 3D and "coaster cam" however, the game is missing features from past games (such as the ability to build underground*) also i don't like how a path has to be built in order to get people to walk on it. (in a real park, there is a huge area of concrete and rides are placed on top of it) i like how we can build buildings and mountains. a nice feature is i think it is about time we get 3D and "coaster cam" however, the game is missing features from past games (such as the ability to build underground*) also i don't like how a path has to be built in order to get people to walk on it. (in a real park, there is a huge area of concrete and rides are placed on top of it) i like how we can build buildings and mountains. a nice feature is peep editor, which allows you to make yourself and they will visit your park. i don't like how the rides sound, as they are unrealistic (they are in rct1) *fixed in soaked… Expand
  24. MarcelB
    Dec 12, 2009
    10
    Now really this is the best game ever... so addictive and so fun. I played this for 5 years and i didnt get bored. Now i stopped because i fucking lost the CD. The best part is trying to make the most brutal rides where you die (but you need cheats for that) that you go to unlimeted hight and drop down to an unlimited deepness... I wish i could still play and i think im going to get this Now really this is the best game ever... so addictive and so fun. I played this for 5 years and i didnt get bored. Now i stopped because i fucking lost the CD. The best part is trying to make the most brutal rides where you die (but you need cheats for that) that you go to unlimeted hight and drop down to an unlimited deepness... I wish i could still play and i think im going to get this for cristmas.… Expand
  25. LeoD
    Apr 21, 2009
    10
    One of the best games I have on my PC. If I ever have a spare moment in my day, I'll pop on RCT3, as it is endless fun. There is more fun in designing a custom scenario with custom tunes than there is in 90% of games out on the market! Bring on rollercoaster tycoon 4 damn it!
  26. SarahK.
    Feb 21, 2009
    9
    I thought Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 was excellent. The people at Atari definitely did the right thing when they added Coaster Cam and Sandbox Mode, which are my two favorite features in the game. I love Coaster Cam because I sometimes realize that, when I am "riding" a coaster that's going straight down, my stomach will lurch! I also like the Sandbox Mode because, first of all, it I thought Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 was excellent. The people at Atari definitely did the right thing when they added Coaster Cam and Sandbox Mode, which are my two favorite features in the game. I love Coaster Cam because I sometimes realize that, when I am "riding" a coaster that's going straight down, my stomach will lurch! I also like the Sandbox Mode because, first of all, it combines all the features of the expansion pack. A.k.a. you do not have to select just Soaked or just Wild. You can use all of them. I also like Sandbox mode because you can build unlimitedly, without any restraints. The graphics are amazing, and I love the fact that I can build waterfalls (I also love the fact that I can throw park guests into the water and they'll go down a waterfall!!!) RCT3 is an amazingly crazy game, but I found it to have one con: when building coasters, the pictographic icons confused me. It was difficult to figure out what they meant because they were very indirect and vague.… Expand
  27. AndyE
    Sep 30, 2008
    9
    RCT3 is an exceptional game, and if you have a computer up to the task, the sky's not the limit, it's your imagination. While it is demanding in PC Specs to the casual PC gamer, the results if you have a great system is beyond extraordinary. The graphics are great for its time, which is part of why a good computer is needed. Guest AI has been probably quadrupled from RCT3 is an exceptional game, and if you have a computer up to the task, the sky's not the limit, it's your imagination. While it is demanding in PC Specs to the casual PC gamer, the results if you have a great system is beyond extraordinary. The graphics are great for its time, which is part of why a good computer is needed. Guest AI has been probably quadrupled from RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 and tenfold from the original, so you don't have to deal with moron guests. The CoasterCam is a great feature with one shortcoming however: the transitions in the track are very rough so sometimes a ride can be painful to watch. The Career mode was too easy however, as I beat it within two days. The Sandbox mode will more than make up for it though, as you can build your dream park, or just turn the place into a bowling alley with your guests as the pins and roller coaster trains as the ball. I am never bored with RCT3, and if you have a good video card (For me, 256MB ATI Radeon X1300 Pro), you should be able to play the game through and get beautiful parks out of it.… Expand
  28. B
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    with the soaked and wild expansion packs this game is awesome! pretty much everything is customizable by you and in a fun and interesting way too not a boring 'oh i have to do this and repeat it 1000 times' way - theres just so much cool stuff - same feel as RCT2 but awesomer! :D
  29. IanS.
    Mar 15, 2008
    9
    RCT has been a really awesome series for me, so much customizability included in a little package. I can't say anything specifically for the Platinum edition, as I bought RCT 3 and the 2 expansion packs before I had even heard of the versions that wre the game and the expansion pack combined. There's just something so entertaining about making an awesome rollercoaster and lettingRCT has been a really awesome series for me, so much customizability included in a little package. I can't say anything specifically for the Platinum edition, as I bought RCT 3 and the 2 expansion packs before I had even heard of the versions that wre the game and the expansion pack combined. There's just something so entertaining about making an awesome rollercoaster and letting your guests ride it.… Expand
  30. KatieM.
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    This is the greatest game i have i have all hp games and i think rollercoaster toyccon 3 is thwe best game EVER! But it depens if you take good care of it and sure it has a couple of bugs but you can make your own familys dress them name them and they come to your park also you can play with peeps i mean littalery play with them make a half roller coaster and then the peeps fly and fall This is the greatest game i have i have all hp games and i think rollercoaster toyccon 3 is thwe best game EVER! But it depens if you take good care of it and sure it has a couple of bugs but you can make your own familys dress them name them and they come to your park also you can play with peeps i mean littalery play with them make a half roller coaster and then the peeps fly and fall but its mostly ride i mean the grafics are asomme!!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best PC Game of 2004
16
#16 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004
19
#19 Most Shared PC Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. IGN
    85
    This is an addictive game with a great playful and positive premise, something you don't usually find in games these days. I just wish the developers had been allowed a little more time to iron out the last few wrinkles.
    Read full review
  2. AceGamez
    90
    Every bit as addictive, creative and as easy to play as its predecessor but with new looks and additions bringing it bang up to date. And if the Coaster Cam alone doesn't convince you that this is a worthy purchase, then quite frankly nothing ever will!
  3. GameSpy
    60
    A surprising number of serious bugs damage what is otherwise a highly addictive game.
    Read full review
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