Thrillville: Off the Rails

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
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  1. Play UK
    79
    For short, sharp bursts of Multitap action, there's no better game than Off the Rails, and it's a decent crack in single-player, too. [Issue#161, p.94]
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  2. IGN
    78
    If the game's structure sounds like it would appeal to you, consider giving it a try because (for the most part) the pros outweigh the cons.
  3. GameSpot
    75
    Thrillville: Off the Rails makes every part of building and running a theme park great fun.
  5. Gamer 2.0
    74
    For what its worth, Thrillville does a fine job of offering more amusement park managing fun while also adhering to the kid in everyone. It’s still a little too kiddy for its own good, but if you are a fan of the series you will no doubt have a great time.
  6. GameSpy
    70
    If you can put up with some repetition and the simplicity of the management system, you'll enjoy yourself. Most of the mini-games are quite a bit of fun, too, and they make for some good multiplayer sessions.
  7. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    70
    A reasonably entertaining creation sim, good for dip-in, dip-out playing thanks to its quirky minigames. [Dec 2007, p.96]
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  8. Game Informer
    70
    Like last year’s Thrillville, Off the Rails, requires some research on the part of the player to discover which things are fun (designing faulty rides) and which are a waste of time (talking to guests). Unfortunately, even the content that survives the cull isn’t enough to make the whole experience more than a diversion. [Dec 2007, p.143]
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  9. VideoGamer
    70
    You shouldn't buy Thrillville Off the Rails for the mini-games - there are much better social video games out there. But as a theme park creator it's not bad, and has literally hundreds of options to tweak and manage.
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  10. PSM3 Magazine UK
    69
    It all gets a bit dull. [Christmas 2007, p.82]
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  11. GamesRadar+
    60
    A series of semi-amusing, unconnected activities: sounds a lot like a sandbox, which, once you graduate middle school, loses its charm unless you can bring your gat.
  12. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    40
    However, quantity comes at the cost of quality--because none of the games are the main focus of the game, they all feel shallow and repetitive. [Holiday 2007, p.82]
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best PS2 Game of 2007
73
#73 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
2.3

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 34
  3. Negative: 25 out of 34
  1. TheHumbleGamer
    May 6, 2017
    8
    Thrillville: Off The Rails is fantastic sequal that improves upon everything that made the first game fun, The changes from the first game areThrillville: Off The Rails is fantastic sequal that improves upon everything that made the first game fun, The changes from the first game are as follows:
    -There are new WHOA! Coaster pieces and crashing coasters.
    -There are new games such as Coastertron and Robo K.O. along with sequels to existing games such as Sparkle Island 2.
    -You can see your friends and love interests on a special list which lets you warp to them and they come to whatever park you are in.
    -Certain games might give you a prize if you score high enough 4 or 5 stars which you can give to people to become friends or love interests faster.
    -You now have a HQ, where you can edit your character, save your game, view cut scenes, view your trophies, and more.

    Like the first game, you are once again dropped into the manager position at a newly opened theme park and given a tutorial on how the games mission system works. This is the exact same as the first game, with all mission categories following suit and teaching you everything from the interaction with your park guests to building rides to building game stalls and playing them. The only thing missing is an ability to skip the tutorial entirely, which makes starting a new game annoying sometimes, but the tutorial doesn't take long to finish thankfully.

    Once you've completed all parts of the tutorial, you are given 'free reign' over the current theme park and may approach available missions as you please. This is the point where the game really starts.
    There are 5 major parks in the game, each with 3 themed areas. all 3 areas contain 'build spots' where stalls and games can be placed. There will also be 2 spots for building coasters in each area as well.

    The variety of games/stalls/coasters that can be placed/edited/built is quite amazing and can successfully distract you for very long periods of time, especially when playing the mini-games.
    mini games are part of the games and stalls, with most games actually being playable as there own mini-game with high score egging you on to get the best scores possible in each. The playable mini-games range in genre from beat em ups to racing and boxing, each offering its own unique flare.

    My personal bias on this game is rather high considering I played this game a lot when I was younger, but bias aside, I honestly think this game is worth a try for its unique style and addictive gameplay.    … Full Review »
  2. TonyDaGawd_
    Jun 21, 2015
    8
    This game is awesome! There's so much to do that you can play for hours and never get bored. From building your own coaster, to playing miniThis game is awesome! There's so much to do that you can play for hours and never get bored. From building your own coaster, to playing mini games, to dancing as a cheerleader to a hot beat.Thrilleville puts you in control! aside from the corny dialogue when talking to someone and the nintendo 64 looking graphics this game is a must play! with tons of other things to do that the first game wouldn't!… Full Review »
  3. SuperWooper
    Apr 13, 2015
    7
    While not nearly as memorable and great as the Roller Coaster Tycoon franchise well all know and love, Thrillville Off the Rails is a solidWhile not nearly as memorable and great as the Roller Coaster Tycoon franchise well all know and love, Thrillville Off the Rails is a solid amusement park simulation game that made big improvements from the first game. It includes a story-mode and a custom building tool, but the best part of the game is the mini-games. If you can get past the corny dialog and less-than-par graphics, this game is a sure pick-up if you find it.… Full Review »
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