Thrillville

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 32
  3. Negative: 3 out of 32
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  1. GameSpy
    70
    Of course, the combination of sim and action game is sometimes a bit jarring, making the game seem like it doesn't really know what it wants to be. Regardless, Thrillville is a fun game, and if you're a fan of sim games on the PC, this would be a good way to introduce the genre to a child or younger sibling.
  2. Gamer's Hell
    70
    I was frankly surprised at just how easy and flexible the coaster construction tools were; and the mini-games that introduce training, ride and attraction types were a nice change-up to the usual sim/coaster model.
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    As with any game that crams a ton of different types of games, the selection is pretty uneven--the racing games, for example, well and truly suck--but there are enough standouts to keep you coming back to the minigames once you've beaten the main game. [Jan. 2007, p.78]
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  5. Edge Magazine
    70
    While its appeal may have some age restrictions, some of those minigames are deceptively distracting, and doubly so. [Jan 2007, p.85]
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  6. PSX Extreme
    68
    While we really can't recommend it for adult gamers who want something like Sim Theme Park, parents might want to consider Thrillville for younger gamers with lofty aspirations of owing an amusement park.
  7. Games Master UK
    67
    Not quit the splendid bundle of excitement it aims to be, but nevertheless, laid-back fun. [Jan 2007, p.76]
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  8. PSM3 Magazine UK
    66
    It's a bit simple, but the addictive minigames save it. [Jan 2007, p.84]
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  9. PSM Magazine
    65
    Wandering around on foot is a new and interesting way to see the park you make, and it's simple enough for kids, but the whole package is more "Okaytown". [Jan. 2007, p.85]
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  10. Worth Playing
    65
    Other than the multiplayer versions of the park's mini-games, there is little to keep players continuing after they have finished all of the available parks, and the dated graphics make it difficult to enjoy the rides you've created yourself.
  11. PALGN
    65
    Thrillville could’ve benefited from a little more development time to make the mini-games a little more fun.
  12. GamesRadar+
    60
    Offers a metric ton of activities for you to engage in. The sheer variety is unheard of for this genre (on a console anyway), and it all works. That said, little of it is outstanding, and while all the pieces are in place, there isn't a single aspect of this game that will blow you away.
  13. Times Online
    60
    There is plenty to do in the management of the park and great rewards for success. However, all this is undermined because it is much more fun to play one of the driving, mini-golf, shooting or football games than do all the menial things.
  14. Eurogamer
    60
    On a rainy day there's an enjoyable few hours to be had riding these highs. On a sunny day, a trip to the theme park and riding a rollercoaster would be more understandable.
  15. games(TM)
    60
    It’s hard to dislike a game that displays such breezy charm, and it would be harsh to dismiss Thrillville as a kids’ RollerCoaster Tycoon as it’s streets ahead of much of the licensed tat out there. [Jan 2007, p.100]
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  16. 1UP
    55
    It has lots of small pluses, but not enough of it feels new or captivating. Far too short on thrills, Okayville just needs more pizzazz.
  17. GamePro
    50
    The minigames will wear thin quickly for adults, while the management will prove too confusing for the little ones. If you love building roller coasters or playing party games with your buddies, you'd be better off with Rollercoaser Tycoon or Mario Party.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Best PS2 Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
3.3

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 56
  3. Negative: 36 out of 56
  1. SwitSwat
    Sep 13, 2012
    9
    Thrillville lets you build the park of your dreams. At least, that's what they say. Obviously, you can't recreate an exact replica of SpaceThrillville lets you build the park of your dreams. At least, that's what they say. Obviously, you can't recreate an exact replica of Space Mountain, but it does enough to be fun, and compelling. Using basic rollercoaster physics, the game let's you plan, build, and manage a successful amusement park. You can talk with guests, play various mini-games and even ride your own rides! Although, the humor is a bit cheesy, it still delivers a great gaming experience. 9 out of 10 from me.… Full Review »
  2. TheHumbleGamer
    May 4, 2017
    8
    I have seen many people confuse Thrillville and Rollercoaster Tycoon over the years, and the first thing that must be made apparent in thisI have seen many people confuse Thrillville and Rollercoaster Tycoon over the years, and the first thing that must be made apparent in this review is that they are most certainly not the same.

    While Rollercoaster Tycoon focuses specifically on a more complex building aspect of making a theme park, Thrillville offers a much more casual experience that pre-sets many things for you but still gives you more than enough freedom to experiment and play around with the tools the game provides. Think of it as a gateway game to Rollercoaster tycoon for children and those with little experience in the genre.

    Thrillville presents you with a simple task - maintain existing themed rollercoaster parks and draw in the crowds to make lots of money. To achieve this task, you must build stalls, rides and rollercoasters to wow the guests and build up more money to buy bigger and better stuff down the line. You can walk around your parks to talk with guests and make friendships with them, which increases overall happiness of guests. You can also hire entertainers (to raise happiness), mechanics (to keep rides from breaking) and cleaners (to clear up rubbish and sick from guests).

    Many of the games you place down in your parks are actual playable games that can become addictive if you're not careful. As for rollercoasters, there are various types but the game always limits how much you can do with them. Though as a child, I never found that to be too much of a problem because there was still enough space to get almost any vision you had for a coaster built.

    Thrillville also offers a plethora of missions for you to complete, with various categories spanning your guests to your games, you'll find beating these missions very rewarding and satisfying.

    Overall I find Thrillville to be a rather unique game with a lot more to offer than meets the eye (if you're willing to give it a chance that is). I had a lot of fun with this game as a kid and even today I still find it enjoyable to play. This game really isn't as bad as some make it out to be.    … Full Review »
  3. TJ_of_Carolina
    Mar 20, 2019
    7
    It's good for what it is, a PS2 Era business/management sim. My Dad found it going for only 2 bucks and I've gotten that money's worth andIt's good for what it is, a PS2 Era business/management sim. My Dad found it going for only 2 bucks and I've gotten that money's worth and more from it. It has a bunch of options for what to do with not too much depth, but enough to be interesting. Some of the optional minigames such as golf, racing, and trampolines are fun. You can market your park to attract certain demographics, which is as simple as pressing X twice on a specific magazine, you can talk to park goers and even flirt and matchmake, you can design custom tracks, hire and train cheerleaders, groundskeepers and mechanics, etc.

    One complaint is that the areas you can put carnival rides and stalls and whatnot get crowded pretty fast and you'll soon not know where to put what    … Full Review »
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