After first being announced around a year ago, we've pretty much had radio silence on the Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D front - causing many to wonder if the remake of the theme park construction sim had been cast aside like the burger wrappers strewn across it's virtual pathways. Thankfully that's not the case, as even though the game was temporarily put on hold, we now have confirmation that it should be releasing on the 3DS this October.
Much like other theme park simulation games, Rollercoaster Tycoon lets you create your own theme park, placing all the fast food stands, toilets and crazy over the top rollercoasters you like (or at least have the money for). The more your park grows, the more people flock to it to spend their hard-earned money, which you can then reinvest into newer and more over the top rollercoasters to attract even more guests. In theory, you should also manage your finances too, so that you don't end up ridiculously overdrawn by the end of the first year, but, well, we have yet to master that part...
While you still have the option to jump straight into a no-rules "sandbox mode" and create the theme park you've always dreamed of, the 3DS version also comes with a groovy new 'Coaster Story' mode that charts your career as a boy/girl who dreams of following in their fathers footsteps, and becoming a rollercoaster tycoon. Following the instructions of one of your father's underlings known as Chappy, the mode is perfect for newcomers, walking you through constructing rollercoasters, managing money and even (yuck) clearing away virtual vomit - and you'll even unlock some exclusive bits and bobs for your time.
Chappy also seems to be a fountain of information on all things rollercoaster-related - even if he does look like a park cleaner.
But it wouldn't really be much of a 3DS game if it didn't make use of all the extra social bells and whistles built into the console - and Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D doesn't disappoint. Letting you share your best rollercoaster designs with friends though StreetPass, you'll also notice Miis from the Streetpass Mii Plaza wandering around your park, taking in the sights and sounds.
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D rides onto the 3DS on the 26th of October this year - assuming it doesn't get put off again, anyway. We're hoping it doesn't though, as we've been itching for a good theme park creator for a long time...
