Chris Sawyer Productions' 1999 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1999 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Chris Sawyer Productions
- Publisher
- Infogrames Interactive
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.02
- Players today
- Very Positive on Steam (87% of 2040)
The history
Released in 1999 and developed by Chris Sawyer Productions, RollerCoaster Tycoon emerged as a definitive real-time isometric amusement park simulation. It tasked players with the role of a theme park manager, blending business simulation with creative construction.
The game mattered because it effectively revived the theme park subgenre. PC Gamer US noted that it achieved this through a "rock-solid design and addicting play," establishing a benchmark for the simulation genre.
How it plays
The core loop involves building a park of your choice by creating rides, attractions, shops, and stalls to satisfy guests. Players must balance the excitement and nausea levels of their rides, as these factors influence popularity and park tidiness. To maintain the facility, players employ handymen for cleaning, mechanics to fix breakdowns or prevent crashes, and security guards to stop vandalism. Entertainers are also used to keep guests happy during long queues.
Financial management is central to the experience; players can raise loans from banks, though higher borrowing leads to higher repayment costs. Park ratings are driven by guest satisfaction, which can be boosted by adding scenery and utilizing advertising, vouchers, or discounts for food and rides.
How it was received
Upon release, the game was highly praised, earning an "A" from Gary Eng of Entertainment Weekly, who called it "the thrill ride of the summer." Aaron Curtis of the Los Angeles Times described it as simple enough for immediate enjoyment yet sophisticated enough for obsessive planners. However, GameSpot's Alan Dunkin criticized the limited number of scenarios and the inability to create custom ones, while IGN's Jason Bates noted that designing custom rides could be frustrating and expensive at first. Game Revolution's Ben Silverman praised the detail and smooth performance, despite a "sloppy" interface.
The game won the 1999 "Strategy Game of the Year" from Computer Games Strategy Pluss and received nominations for "Best Real-Time Strategy Game" from PC Gamer US and CNET Gamecenter. It was also nominated for "Computer Game of the Year" and "Computer Strategy Game of the Year" at the 3rd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards. While period critics were overwhelmingly positive, modern Steam users maintain this sentiment with a "Very Positive" rating.
In the magazines
The period press.
Entertainment Weekly graded the game an A and later ranked it number 68 on their "100 greatest videogames" list in 2003. PC Gamer US praised the title for reviving its subgenre with an "addicting play." Computer Games Strategy Pluss hailed it as a "superb game" that would put a smile on the face of any gamer.
What players say today
Modern players on Steam view the game as a "great building game" with an impressive array of designs. Many express strong childhood nostalgia, recalling playing it endlessly on disc. While some note the graphics are merely "decent," the overall consensus is that the gameplay remains "good" and the Steam version is a recommended way to revisit the classic.
“---{ Graphics }--- ☐ You forget what reality is ☐ Beautiful ☐ Good ☑ Decent ☐ Bad ☐ Don‘t look too long at it ☐ MS-DOS ---{ Gameplay }--- ☐ Very good ☑ Good ☐ It's just gameplay ☐ Mehh ☐ Watch paint …”
“Childhood Nostalgia, had this game on disc and played it endlessly as a kid, since then, that computer broke and now I can play this game again”
“It's pretty much just a touched-up version of the original game, but it's fine as it is and game saves from the original Atari-published Steam release work on here as well.”
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
Following the success of the original, the series expanded with titles like Loopy Landscapes, which earned several nominations at the 4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards. The game is worth seeking out today as a genre-defining classic that offers endless possibilities in ride design and park management.
What it's worth
A second-hand market that moves over time — a loose disc is pocket-money, while sealed or complete-with-manual copies drive the top end. For today's exact listings, check the live search.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
The modern Steam and GOG versions are based on the RCT Deluxe release, which features a different executable (v1.20.015) compared to the standard patched Loopy Landscapes version. This version includes two huge expansion packs and maintains compatibility with game saves from the original Atari-published Steam release.
Verdict
RollerCoaster Tycoon holds up remarkably well as a piece of simulation history. Despite a "sloppy" interface and a learning curve associated with custom ride construction, the core loop of managing guest satisfaction and financial growth remains compelling.
Whether you are designing a "crazy, twisting corkscrew" or managing the minutiae of food stall placement, the game's depth and addictive nature ensure it remains a rewarding experience for both nostalgic fans and new players.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.