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. CDKW
    Mar 17, 2015
    7
    Pros: Although the Graphics do not hold up in 2015, they are still pleasing. Also, the POV coaster rides are my favorite aspect of the game. Finally, the sandbox mode feature in the game lets you creatively create the park of your dreams.

    Cons: Occasional Crashes - even in the most recent version (RCT3 Platinum), inferior campaign modes to RCT1 and RCT2, and overall a less fulfilling    Pros: Although the Graphics do not hold up in 2015, they are still pleasing. Also, the POV coaster rides are my favorite aspect of the game. Finally, the sandbox mode feature in the game lets you creatively create the park of your dreams.

    Cons: Occasional Crashes - even in the most recent version (RCT3 Platinum), inferior campaign modes to RCT1 and RCT2, and overall a less fulfilling "Tycoon" experience than the first two games. Finally, the coaster customization is limited and the Sandbox Mode only comes in one size.

    Overall, RCT3 is a great Tycoon/Simulation game, but not a perfect one.    … Expand
  2. kendylmau5
    Nov 4, 2012
    6
    In comparison with its Chris Sawyer-developed and highly addictive predecessors, Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 just isn't worth the hype its given. While its 3-D graphics and variety of rides, shops, designs, landscapes, etc. are instantly refreshing, RCT 3 lacks the likability and excitement in previous games due to its lack of original design and its complicated menu screens that may fend offIn comparison with its Chris Sawyer-developed and highly addictive predecessors, Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 just isn't worth the hype its given. While its 3-D graphics and variety of rides, shops, designs, landscapes, etc. are instantly refreshing, RCT 3 lacks the likability and excitement in previous games due to its lack of original design and its complicated menu screens that may fend off unfamiliar players. Pros: The 3-D graphics and variety of new features make for a refreshing RCT game, finally; the ability to ride your own rides; funny dialogue; sandbox mode. Cons: Its lack of originality spoils what made the previous games so likable; too many bugs, making for a terribly flawed game.… Expand
  3. Awesumo
    Jul 16, 2013
    3
    This game fails to capture the manic fun that was in the old 'Theme Park' game that kicked off this genre. Instead behind the initial wow of graphics showing roller coasters you are left with a rather soulless management game that utterly fails to excite.
  4. Falc
    Nov 29, 2013
    1
    My 5Ghz octocore PC with a 780 LAGS LIKE A MOFO in this game... Seriously Steam should reconsider having this game up for sale what a freaking joke! This game is 7 years old, and can't run smooth on a modern highend PC gimme a freaking break!
  5. KendylKlownfish
    May 7, 2011
    7
    RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 certainly gives the series a boost, but that excitement is shut down by far too many bugs. Pros: A lot of new features, such as sandbox mode; excellent graphics; ride your rides; funny characters; still addictive as ever. Cons: Too many bugs and epically long loading screens.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. MichaelS.
    Apr 10, 2005
    10
    Great game!! I love this game so much. There are some great graphics and feature in this game.
  9. MikeR.
    Jan 27, 2007
    10
    This is a MUST HAVE! You can create rollercoaster, billboards, fireworks, laser shows, and even your own shop! Any tycoon lover should get off of their computer right now, and run to the nearest store that has this game! I only have one bug, and that's that you cannot exit! I've pressed quit game, but it just stays there, and there's no way to close it. This may just be my This is a MUST HAVE! You can create rollercoaster, billboards, fireworks, laser shows, and even your own shop! Any tycoon lover should get off of their computer right now, and run to the nearest store that has this game! I only have one bug, and that's that you cannot exit! I've pressed quit game, but it just stays there, and there's no way to close it. This may just be my computer.… Expand
  10. MarkF.
    Dec 30, 2004
    9
    After installing the new 10mb patch, I found the overall experience of this game to have seemless handling with strong and insightful tutorials. It may help to have included sample developed parks to try out the new riding features for those newcomers wishing to "dive in" (if they are included, they are very hard to locate). The potential for future improvements for Roller Coaster Tycoon After installing the new 10mb patch, I found the overall experience of this game to have seemless handling with strong and insightful tutorials. It may help to have included sample developed parks to try out the new riding features for those newcomers wishing to "dive in" (if they are included, they are very hard to locate). The potential for future improvements for Roller Coaster Tycoon 4 seem set based on this games new and exciting features!… Expand
  11. BlakeT.
    Jan 30, 2005
    9
    Perfect fun! Disregard all the old reviews posted when the game came out. In November of 2004, it was full of bugs. By January of 2005, all the problems were solved in the second patch. The game is awesome. Aside from the standard micro-management aspect, you can ride any ride yourself. Also, there is an amazing "sandbox" mode where you create the ultimate park with no real-world concerns Perfect fun! Disregard all the old reviews posted when the game came out. In November of 2004, it was full of bugs. By January of 2005, all the problems were solved in the second patch. The game is awesome. Aside from the standard micro-management aspect, you can ride any ride yourself. Also, there is an amazing "sandbox" mode where you create the ultimate park with no real-world concerns dragging you down. Much better than RC2 in every way and includes a great tutorial mode.… Expand
  12. LukeK.
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    It is the greatest game ever!!!!!!! The only thing I dont like about it is that you can not drop people into the water.
  13. 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
  14. 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!
  15. JohnT.
    Dec 8, 2004
    9
    This game is awesome, but it has a few flaws. Main point was the 3d card u hafta buy with it. It costs about 200$, so u end up spendin a hell of alot of money juss for a game. The graphics r awesome but a couple of bugs. Riding the rides are pretty kewl. Besides the chip and the bugs, overall good game.
  16. TraceyA.
    Dec 27, 2006
    10
    BRILLIANT! Don't be fooled by the cover name`s appeal to children, definitely a classic in the making for all ages! I love it.
  17. 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.
  18. killer1237
    Oct 24, 2018
    9
    If you love roller coasters or building, you'll love the customization this theme park game has to offer.
  19. GabeW.
    Nov 5, 2004
    10
    Best game of the series so far - Game of the Year!
  20. lazatoy
    Mar 7, 2015
    4
    (0 out of 4 people found your review helpful. Thanks for the feedback)

    This game is fun if you leave out the fact that 1) you can't kill visitors, something that's been very fun in RCT 1 and 2, 2) Atari went overboard with the franchise but is now trying to patch up all the damage they've done by making a fun looking game by the name of roller coaster tycoon world, and 3) the game just    (0 out of 4 people found your review helpful. Thanks for the feedback)

    This game is fun if you leave out the fact that 1) you can't kill visitors, something that's been very fun in RCT 1 and 2, 2) Atari went overboard with the franchise but is now trying to patch up all the damage they've done by making a fun looking game by the name of roller coaster tycoon world, and 3) the game just gets boring after a while. I like to play sandbox because then I'm not limited to what I do but even then it gets boring, and 4) it kinda lags a bit. I had fun playing this in years that weren't 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010, because now the game shows its age and now that Atari realizes that the best choice was not to continue releasing crappy DS ports and pay2play iPhone games, they're trying hard to make a good game. Though this is all bad, I liked being able to see my coasters from the first person, something not capable in RCT 1 and 2, and there are tons of mods for this game. Other than that, if you are still interested in this game, buy it on steam when it's really cheap on something like a weekly deal or a seasonal sale.    … Expand
  21. SimonP.
    Nov 26, 2004
    5
    Not as good as the first 2 games in the series. Yes the graphics are a lot beeter but where has the gameplay gone? The peeps wander around the park randomly, abandoning the rides on a whim. Bugged and unfinished.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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)
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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!
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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!
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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

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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.
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  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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