OpenRCT2
2014 re-implementation of a 2002 video game
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
OpenRCT2 is a construction and management simulation video game that simulates amusement park management. It is a free and open-source re-implementation and expansion of the 2002 video game RollerCoaster Tycoon 2.[2] In order to create an accurate clone of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, the game was incrementally written in the platform-independent C++ programming language.[3] In addition to various gameplay changes, the developers fixed a number of bugs and issues that were in the original game.[4]
| OpenRCT2 | |
|---|---|
Logo | |
| Developer | OpenRCT2 Team |
| Initial release | 7 December 2014 |
| Stable release | |
| Written in | C, C++ |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, OpenBSD, Android |
| Platform | x86, x64, ARM |
| Available in | 20 languages |
| Type | Construction and management simulation |
| License | GNU GPLv3 |
| Website | openrct2 |
| Repository | https://github.com/OpenRCT2/OpenRCT2/ |
Gameplay
As a re-implementation, OpenRCT2 requires a copy of the original game or the "Classic" re-release to already be installed on the computer.[5] The gameplay of OpenRCT2 is, by nature of the project, very similar to the original RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 game upon which it is based. However, the re-implementation features a number of changes:[6]
- Fast-forward mode
- Multiplayer support
- Support for high-definition resolutions[7]
- Support for higher framerates[8]
- Support for content from the original RollerCoaster Tycoon, such as scenarios
- Increased previous software limits on parks, such as scenery availability[9]
- Options to exceed or tweak restrictions such as height clearance[4]
- Optional early victory conditions, should goals be met before time runs out
- Improvements to pathfinding AI[10]
- Cheats
Development
Development of the game was started on April 2, 2014, by Ted "IntelOrca" John, and was continued by 250 other contributors.[11][12]
In 2019, the game was brought to custom firmware Nintendo Switch systems by modder rsn8887 as a homebrew game, including touchscreen support.[2]
A major update in 2022 allowed the game to use RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic (an official port of the original games) as a base install path.[13]
In May 2023, Allister Brimble, the theme composer for the first two RollerCoaster Tycoon games, composed a new theme song for OpenRCT2.[14] Commissioned by the YouTuber Deurklink, the song was paid for by his Patreon subscribers, in what he said was a community-funded effort.[15] The theme was added to the game in a September 2023 update, which also added new backgrounds selected through a contest to the main menu. The same update also allowed for camera and UI frame rates to be unlocked from the previous 40 Hz limit.[16]
Reception
PC Gamer praised the increased scope for creativity with the new toolset, adding: "you can build the park of your dreams with coasters that no sane person who values their intestines would think about riding. It’s a great way to return to such a wonderful classic PC game."[6] Vice noted that OpenRCT2 "allows players much greater freedom in what they are able to build."[10] Kotaku pointed out that OpenRCT2 allows RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 to run on modern systems "just fine", and features multiplayer support, weakening the incentive to purchase the later released RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic.[17]
In 2020, Nerdist suggested OpenRCT2 among other stress-relieving games to play during the COVID-19 pandemic.[18]