Review by Jon Donnis
Planet Coaster 2 is a real treat for anyone who loves theme park sims. Building your dream park just got way more exciting with all the upgrades and new features in this sequel. It takes the original game's solid mechanics and cranks everything up a notch, bigger parks, more things to do, and way more freedom to design the theme park you've always dreamed of.
One of the standout improvements is in the building tools. The pathing system, for example, has been completely overhauled. It's now much easier to lay out paths and create complex layouts without being hindered by the old piece-by-piece system. It's a small change, but it really makes everything flow more smoothly. If you're someone who loves making wild rollercoasters that snake through the landscape, or you've got a dream of building a huge water park, the new features give you way more freedom to get creative. You can scale and mirror objects now, and even add scenery directly to your rides. These tweaks let you make your park look just how you imagined, and it's a lot of fun seeing everything come together.
Sandbox mode, as usual, is where this game really shines. If you're into complete freedom, this is where you'll likely spend most of your time. You can build exactly how you want, without worrying about budgets or park limits. The menus are smooth and easy to use, which makes it simple to keep track of everything, from coasters to food stalls, and tweak even the smallest details to get the perfect vibe.
Visually, Planet Coaster 2 has had a serious upgrade. It's not just about improving the graphics, it's about making the park feel more alive. Watching the light change throughout the day, or seeing a coaster race by at full speed, adds an extra layer of immersion. You might even catch yourself taking a moment to step back and admire all the little details you've added to your park. The visuals really help bring the whole experience to life, making your creations look even more impressive.
If you prefer a bit more structure, the campaign mode has got you covered. It gives you specific goals and challenges to work towards, which is a great way to ease into the game before diving into the free-for-all of Sandbox mode. It's not the deepest campaign, but it adds variety and keeps you engaged with a sense of progression.
The multiplayer feature is another exciting addition to Planet Coaster 2. Now, you can team up with other players across different platforms to build a park together. It's fun seeing what your friends create and sharing the experience of building a park, even if you're each working on different parts at different times. This social aspect really adds to the game and makes it even more enjoyable, which is something many simulation games don't get quite right.
That said, there are a few areas where the game could still improve. The management systems, particularly the research mechanics, feel a bit passive. They're not bad by any means, but they lack the depth to keep you fully engaged once you've spent a while in the game. Financial management and staff interactions also feel a little too simple compared to everything else. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's definitely something that could use a bit more complexity.
Overall, Planet Coaster 2 is a fantastic sequel. If you enjoyed the original, this one builds on everything you loved and makes it even better. There's more to do, more to customise, and the visuals are stunning. Sure, some of the management aspects could use a little more depth, but that doesn't take away from the fun of creating your dream park. If you've ever wanted to build a theme park exactly the way you want it, this game gives you all the tools to do just that. I'd give it a solid 8.5 out of 10.