For me, Planet Coaster is not only a favorite simulation game but also my introduction to the genre.
Back in 2016, when it launched, there was no “Two Point” series, and Cities: Skylines, though amazing, was daunting for newcomers due to its complexity. Planet Coaster stood out on Steam with its quality, intuitive mechanics, and a depth and freedom that drew players in.
Now, Planet Coaster 2 has finally arrived. Building on the developer’s experience with Planet Zoo, this sequel has refined itself, delivering a complete and immersive theme park experience. It retains the essence of the original while evolving in all aspects. Currently, no other game matches Planet Coaster 2 when it comes to theme park building.
Water Coaster Revolution
I must praise the imagination Planet Coaster 2 brings. It goes beyond traditional ground coasters and introduces a “water coaster,” bringing the thrilling twists and turns of a waterpark.
Like coasters, slides are gravity-driven but far safer and lighter. Starting from high platforms reached by stairs, guests splash into pools at the end of each slide. You build segments like roller coasters, adjusting angles and speeds to create slides with satisfying thrill, fear, and nausea ratings for guests.
Besides open, closed, and translucent slides, unique features like “wave crests” add both thrill and a break, slowing riders down. Unlike coasters, slides don’t require precise stops at the end; tossing guests from 10 meters high just adds a bit of fear.
But the slide is only part of the waterpark. You can create custom pools, set up lounge chairs, wave machines, lifeguards, lockers, dryers, and even rubber duck and swim ring shops. Planet Coaster 2 brings waterparks to life, allowing you to build the waterpark of your dreams.
Theme Park Thrills Galore
Planet Coaster 2 improves significantly over its predecessor, with notable enhancements in graphics.
Global illumination boosts the visuals, creating a soft, realistic effect. Water effects are vastly improved to support water park features, with rippling waves and shimmering reflections enhancing the scenery. The UI has also been redesigned for accessibility, and DLSS and FSR options ensure smooth performance.
It feels like Planet Coaster 2 aspires to match Cities: Skylines. It introduces robust road tools and a new water and power supply system.
Now, facilities and stores require power, while pools and slides need filters for cleanliness. The game spares you the hassle of line management, as utilities are affordable, and lines can connect however you like.
The game also introduces a “maintenance badge” system. Every facility gets a maintenance status post-check, lasting one in-game hour without wear. Maintenance is less frequent than in the first game, and breakdowns are rarer.
The original’s features, from untracked rides to food and drink shops, return, allowing you to realize every amusement park dream. Classic elements like “cheap drinks and expensive restrooms” still work well.
However, the first game’s “queue scenery” mechanic is less impactful. High scenery scores mainly enhance the park’s aesthetic rather than individual ride revenue. So, you can focus on park design without obsessing over guest satisfaction metrics.
All in all, Planet Coaster 2 offers even more detailed adjustments, like guests not vandalizing property as frequently and rides adopting dynamic ticket pricing based on traffic. Each change is designed to elevate the park-building experience over the first game.
A Career Mode Packed with Content
The career mode in Planet Coaster 2 is more robust than before. Each level is graded on bronze, silver, gold, and platinum medals, with unique objectives for each. Achieving all platinum medals can take 30-40 hours, delivering a satisfying experience.
Several levels are highly creative, like “Rainbow Bridge,” where you guide unfinished slides through cliffside caves to unreachable pools, and “Paradise Lost,” which lets you construct a unique island-themed park with innovative coaster designs over water.
Career mode also gains story elements. From the tutorial, NPCs introduce you to the basics, adding humor and assistance throughout. Earning the platinum medal brings a sense of achievement as these NPCs celebrate your success. The entire mode features full Chinese voice acting, adding sincerity to the experience.
Conclusion
For those passionate about building theme parks, Planet Coaster 2 is indeed a dream game. Its new waterpark elements expand the coaster-focused gameplay, with additional facilities enhancing content depth. Management systems like road customization also improve park efficiency. Career mode’s objectives are more engaging, providing more depth than the original. Despite minor bugs and terrain height challenges, Planet Coaster 2 has few significant flaws, delivering a truly fulfilling theme park-building experience.
