As was rumored late last month, Atari is bringing the RollerCoaster Tycoon series to 3DS. It's the first time the theme park simulation series, which has its roots in the computer scene, will appear on a handheld platform. Since the first game was ported to the original Xbox (complete with the additions seen in two PC expansion packs), the games have stuck to computers. Developer Frontier Developments did create a spin-off series in Thrillville that saw two games come out for consoles and handhelds.
Today's teaser trailer for RollerCoaster Tycoon 3D, as the new 3DS installment is called, tells us nothing besides a 2012 release date. The same can be said for the official website.
Fortunately, a press release does provide us with a few details. The game is being created specifically for 3DS, meaning it should do a good job of using both the 3D and wireless features. (Atari claims the game makes it very easy to share your creations with other players.) It boasts a "deep coaster construction system" that uses a "user-friendly, touchscreen toolset," plus "a deep and immersive management simulation experience," because what is a sim game if it's not deep?
Park Sandbox mode lets you play the old style of game where you create your own park and run with it, seeing how successful it can become. For those who prefer more hand-holding, the new Coaster Story mode combines tutorials and challenges "into a cohesive and entertaining narrative." That doesn't sound at all like the sort of thing I want in a RCT game, but as long as the sandbox mode is intact, it's no big deal.
Development is being handled by n-Space, the developer of the GameCube title Geist and quite a few handheld games. It was responsible for the DS versions of several Call of Duty titles (4, World at War, Modern Warfare: Mobilized, Black Ops, and Modern Warfare 3), as well as GoldenEye and James Bond 007: Blood Stone.
