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Difference between revisions of "RollerCoaster Tycoon"

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{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
|cover        = RollerCoaster Tycoon cover.jpg
+
|cover        = RollerCoaster Tycoon cover.png
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Chris Sawyer}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Chris Sawyer}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Fish UK|Windows interface, (un)installer}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|MicroProse|1999-2000}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|MicroProse|1999-2000}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Hasbro Interactive|1999-2000}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Infogrames|2001-2003}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Infogrames|2001-2003}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Atari|2003-present}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Atari|2003-present}}
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{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 1999}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|March 1999}}
 
|taxonomy    =
 
|taxonomy    =
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | Expansion pack }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
+
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
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{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Amusement park }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Amusement park }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | RollerCoaster Tycoon }}
 
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | RollerCoaster Tycoon }}
 +
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20031202015653/http://www.rollercoastertycoon.com/index.php
 
|steam appid  = 285310
 
|steam appid  = 285310
 
|gogcom id    = 1207658945
 
|gogcom id    = 1207658945
 
|igdb        = rollercoaster-tycoon
 
|igdb        = rollercoaster-tycoon
 
|hltb        = 7958
 
|hltb        = 7958
 +
|lutris      = rollercoaster-tycoon-deluxe
 
|strategywiki = RollerCoaster Tycoon
 
|strategywiki = RollerCoaster Tycoon
|mobygames    = rollercoaster-tycoon
+
|mobygames    = 288
 
|wikipedia    = RollerCoaster Tycoon
 
|wikipedia    = RollerCoaster Tycoon
 
|winehq      = 265
 
|winehq      = 265
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      = '''''RollerCoaster Tycoon''''' is an {{Glossary:Isometric}} amusement park {{Glossary:Building}} game released in March 1999 by [[Company:Chris Sawyer|Chris Sawyer]].
 +
 +
|release history  = The game started development in September 1996, running on an evolution of the ''[[Transport Tycoon Deluxe]]'' engine, under the name '''''White Knuckle'''''. <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000413065115fw_/http://rollercoastertycoon.com/test/info/editing_room1.html|title=GAME INFO - THE EVOLUTION OF ROLLERCOASTER TYCOON (aka The Editing Room Floor)|date=2023-06-02}} (archived)</ref> The code was written by Chris Sawyer himself in [[Wikipedia:Assembly language|assembly language]]<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.chrissawyergames.com/faq3.htm|title=Chris Sawyer Software Development|date=2023-06-02|snippet=It's 99% written in x86 assembler/machine code (yes, really!), with a small amount of C code used to interface to MS Windows and DirectX.}}</ref> with just a small portion of the code interfacing to Windows and [[DirectX]] written by [[Company:Fish UK|Fish UK]]<ref>Game credits</ref>. The visuals were created by Simon Foster, while the theme music was composed by Allister Brimble.
 +
 +
The game's first expansion from November 1999 had two titles for different markets: '''''Corkscrew Follies''''' in North America and '''''Added Attractions''''' internationally. Aside from new scenarios (one being the first real-world park replica, Alton Towers) and rides, it added gameplay changes like signs that can be used as path blockers for all non-staff and the option to give guests "real" names. The second expansion from September 2000, '''''Loopy Landscapes''''', added further new rides and scenarios, along with the option for all rides to play a selection of new music tracks by Allister Brimble or one of two custom music slots filled by the user's music files. The latest (1.20.013) patch for ''Loopy Landscapes'' would add native Windows 2000 support, and by transition the Windows NT line of operating systems as a whole; reprints of the expansion would include this patch by default. The base game and expansion would be combined in the '''''Gold Edition''''' (North America) / '''''Totally RollerCoaster''''', with the 2003 North American variant '''''Deluxe Edition''''' including a unique executable version (1.20.015) with which common trainers do not work, as well as a selection of user-created ride tracks from the [https://web.archive.org/web/19991002065651fw_/http://www.rollercoastertycoon.com/test/rides/index.html Ride Exchange] section of the official website at the time. This version would be the one released on digital stores in the early 2010s.
 +
 +
|current state    = The game was replaced by its [[RollerCoaster Tycoon 2|2002 sequel]] as the community favorite due to its expanded theming and construction controls, which in turn was replaced by the community open-source rewrite [[OpenRCT2]]. ''RollerCoaster Tycoon'' content can be imported to ''OpenRCT2'', but the latter still requires the sequel as its base to run.
 +
 +
The fully patched version of the game runs on all Windows systems, but [[#Mouse issues after closing|traps the mouse input]] even after the process is closed, requiring repeated right-clicking in empty space to free the left mouse button.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [http://rct.wikia.com/wiki/RollerCoaster_Tycoon_Wiki RollerCoaster Tycoon Wiki] - A wiki dedicated to everything RollerCoaster Tycoon related
+
{{mm}} [https://rct.wiki/wiki/RollerCoaster_Tycoon_Wiki RollerCoaster Tycoon Wiki] - A wiki dedicated to everything RollerCoaster Tycoon related
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.jumpjet.info/Classic-Games/Windows/RCT/index.html The Definitive RCT Reference Guide] - a detailed source on every element of the game, including official downloadable content
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.nedesigns.com/ NEDesigns] - park and scenery showcase site for ''Loopy Landscapes'' and ''RollerCoaster Tycoon 2''
 
{{GOG.com links|1207658945|rollercoaster_tycoon_series|for game series}}
 
{{GOG.com links|1207658945|rollercoaster_tycoon_series|for game series}}
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/285310/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/285310/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
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==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc | 1999, 2000/2002 Gold, and 2003 Deluxe releases. <br /> All use {{DRM|SafeDisc}}. There is a workaround for Loopy Landscapes under [[#Play without CD (Loopy Landscapes)|Play without CD (Loopy Landscapes)]] |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc | {{Removed DRM|SafeDisc}} present only in earliest 1999 prints, removed in subsequent patches (which are included in re-releases).<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2023-02-17|comment={{File|clokspl.exe}} and similar SafeDisc-specific files present in the very first pan-European retail build, but omitted in all subsequent versions and dumps thereof.}}</ref> There is a workaround for running Loopy Landscapes without a disc check, see [[#Play without CD (Loopy Landscapes)|Play without CD (Loopy Landscapes)]] |  | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | rollercoaster-tycoon-deluxe | Steam | |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | rollercoaster-tycoon-deluxe | Steam | Deluxe Edition |  | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 2962-1 | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 2962-1 | Steam |  Deluxe Edition |  | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | rollercoaster_tycoon_deluxe | DRM-free | Compatible with modern versions of Windows. Includes expansions and soundtrack. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | rollercoaster_tycoon_deluxe | DRM-free | Deluxe Edition. Includes soundtrack. | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Humble | rollercoaster-tycoon-deluxe | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GMG | rollercoaster-tycoon-deluxe | Steam |  Deluxe Edition |  | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Steam | 285310 | Steam | Deluxe Edition |  | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Humble | rollercoaster-tycoon-deluxe | Steam | Deluxe Edition |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 285310 | DRM-free | Deluxe Edition |  | Windows }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} A free demo version is available from [https://www.gamefront.com/games/rollercoaster-tycoon/file/rollercoaster-tycoon-multi-language-demo GameFront]. Note that it allows for only several minutes of gameplay at a time, without a save/load function.
 +
{{ii}} A faithful, higher quality icon can be found on [https://www.deviantart.com/triplezet/art/RollerCoaster-Tycoon-HiDPI-Icon-649250441 DeviantArt].
 +
 
 +
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} The '''Gold Edition''' (known also as '''Totally RollerCoaster''' in Europe) includes the base game and both expansion packs.
 +
{{ii}} The '''Deluxe Edition''' is a variant of the Gold Edition that comes with a unique executable (1.20.015 as opposed to patched Loopy Landscapes' 1.20.013) that is more resilient to common trainers. It also comes bundled with many custom track designs from the old official website's ride exchange section. It was originally only released in North America, but digital releases are based off this version.
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        = The expansion packs include new scenarios, scenery, rides and quality-of-life improvements.
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC|
 
{{DLC/row| Corkscrew Follies | Also known as '''Added Attractions''' in Europe | Windows }}
 
{{DLC/row| Corkscrew Follies | Also known as '''Added Attractions''' in Europe | Windows }}
{{DLC/row| Loopy Landscapes | | Windows }}
+
{{DLC/row| Loopy Landscapes | Includes the entirety of the Corkscrew Follies/Added Attractions expansion pack. | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
''RollerCoaster Tycoon'' has a number of patches available from [ftp://ftp.atari.com/patches/rctycoon/ Atari's FTP server]. Additionally, [ftp://ftp.atari.com/patches/rctycoonfollies/RCTCF-US.exe ''Corkscrew Follies''] and [ftp://ftp.atari.com/patches/rctycoonlandscapes/RCTLL-US.exe ''Loopy Landscapes''] each have one patch. These will update ''RollerCoaster Tycoon'' to v1.08.187, ''Corkscrew Follies''/''Added Attractions'' to v1.10.026, and ''Loopy Landscapes'' v1.20.013.  
+
{{ii}} The latest official patches for the base game (v1.08.187), ''Corkscrew Follies / Added Attractions'' (v1.10.026) and ''Loopy Landscapes'' (v1.20.013) are available from [https://www.gamefront.com/games/rollercoaster-tycoon/category/official-patches-67 GameFront].
 +
{{ii}} The Deluxe Edition, upon which digital releases are based, have the unique v1.20.015 build by default.
  
The 2003 Deluxe release, as well as all downloadable versions are already patched to the latest version.
+
===Downloadable content===
 +
There are two official roller coaster collection downloads from Chris Sawyer, [http://www.chrissawyergames.com/download.htm both available via his website]. While the "Cat" collection can be used in any version of the game, the "Phobia" collection can only be used in conjunction with games that have either the ''Corkscrew Follies''/''Added Attractions'' or ''Loopy Landscapes'' expansion packs.
 +
 
 +
Other official tracks from Chris Sawyer and John Wardley (including the two aforementioned ones), formerly available on the official website, are available from [https://www.jumpjet.info/Classic-Games/Windows/RCT/Facilities/Tracks/Tracks.html here] (at the bottom of the page).
  
===Downloadable Content===
+
Also released were multiple downloadable scenarios, archived [https://www.jumpjet.info/Classic-Games/Windows/RCT/Scenarios/Scenarios.html here].
There are two official roller coaster collection downloads from Chris Sawyer, [http://www.chrissawyergames.com/download.htm both available via his website]. While the "Cat" collection can be used in any version of the game, the "Phobia" collection can only be used in conjunction with games that have either the ''Corkscrew Follies''/''Added Attractions'' or ''Loopy Landscapes'' expansion packs.
 
  
===Play without a CD===
+
===Play without a CD (Loopy Landscapes)===
{{Fixbox|description=Copy files to disk and edit registry files|ref=<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131221171846/http://www.rctstationarchive.com/knowledgebase/ll_no_cd.shtml RCT Station - Playing Loopy Landscapes without the CD-ROM]</ref>|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Copy files to disk and edit registry files|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221171846/http://www.rctstationarchive.com/knowledgebase/ll_no_cd.shtml|title=RCT Station - Playing Loopy Landscapes without the CD-ROM (retrieved)|date=2023-05-17}}</ref>|fix=
#Copy all files from the "Data" folder on the CD-ROM to the "Data" folder in the game directory. Overwriting is not necessary.
+
#Copy all files from the {{folder|Data}} folder on the CD-ROM to the {{folder|Data}} folder in the game directory. Overwriting is not necessary.
#In the Registry Editor, go to the <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Fish Technology Group\Rollercoaster Tycoon Setup</code> key for 32-bit systems or <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\WOW6432Node\Fish Technology Group\Rollercoaster Tycoon Setup</code> key for 64-bit systems.
+
#In the Registry Editor, go to {{Registry|{{p|hklm}}\Software\{{p|wow64}}\Fish Technology Group\Rollercoaster Tycoon Setup}}.
#Change the <code>SetupPath</code> string value to point to your game directory (copying the <code>Path</code> value is the easiest way).
+
#Change the {{Registry|SetupPath}} string value to point to the game directory (copying the {{Registry|Path}} value is the easiest way).
 
}}
 
}}
  
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===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|discord               =  
+
|discord                   =  
|discord notes         =  
+
|discord notes             =  
|epic games store       =  
+
|epic games launcher       =  
|epic games store notes =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =  
|gog galaxy             = false
+
|gog galaxy               = false
|gog galaxy notes       =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
|origin                 =  
+
|origin                   =  
|origin notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
|steam cloud           = false
+
|steam cloud               = false
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
|uplay                  =  
+
|ubisoft connect          =  
|uplay notes           =  
+
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
|xbox cloud             =  
+
|xbox cloud               =  
|xbox cloud notes       =  
+
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|RCT settings.png|General settings.}}
 
{{Image|RCT settings.png|General settings.}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/rollercoaster-tycoon
 
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/rollercoaster-tycoon
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = limited
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|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
+
|ultrawidescreen            = false
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
+
|4k ultra hd                = false
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov                        = false
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|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 +
|upscaling                  = false
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
|60 fps                    = unknown
+
|60 fps                    = false
|60 fps notes              =  
+
|60 fps notes              = 40 FPS cap
|120 fps                    = unknown
+
|120 fps                    = false
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps notes              =  
|hdr                        = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
|color blind                = unknown
+
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
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}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option notes =  
 
|acceleration option notes =  
|mouse sensitivity        = unknown
+
|mouse sensitivity        = false
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu                = true
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}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
|separate volume          = unknown
+
|separate volume          = false
|separate volume notes    =  
+
|separate volume notes    = Audio can only be fully muted or fully enabled.
 
|surround sound          = n/a
 
|surround sound          = n/a
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|surround sound notes    =  
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|closed captions          = n/a
 
|closed captions          = n/a
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
|mute on focus lost      = unknown
+
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
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  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |notes    = UK and US localizations differ in certain names and terms. The Deluxe Edition has US English.
 
  |notes    = UK and US localizations differ in certain names and terms. The Deluxe Edition has US English.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Simplified Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only. Official translation by «Suntendy».
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Traditional Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
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  |audio    = n/a
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
  |notes    = Unavailable in digital releases
+
  |notes    = Retail only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
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  |audio    = n/a
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
  |notes    = Expansions were not localized. Unavailable in digital releases
+
  |notes    = Retail only. Expansions were not localized.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
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  |audio    = n/a
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
  |notes    = Unavailable in digital releases
+
  |notes    = Retail only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
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  |audio    = n/a
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
  |notes    = Unavailable in digital releases
+
  |notes    = Retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only: Infogrames Brasil & Fullgames releases.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
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  |audio    = n/a
 
  |audio    = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
 
  |subtitles = n/a
  |notes    = Unavailable in digital releases
+
  |notes    = Retail only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
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==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
{{++}} The downloadable versions are already patched to be compatible with modern systems. The fixes below are for the original release.
 
 
 
===Compatibility modes===
 
===Compatibility modes===
Setting the game to run in compatibility mode can help fix many issues with launching and playing the game. To do this, right-click the .exe, open Properties and set the game to run in Windows 98 / Windows ME, Windows XP SP2, or Windows XP SP3 compatibility mode from the Compatibility tab.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows 98 / Me or XP SP3. Also disable desktop composition / visual themes|ref=|fix=}}
  
===Desktop composition===
+
===Dialog boxes not opening/unable to save===
Some problems can be caused in Windows 7 and Windows Vista by having desktop composition enabled. To turn this off, check the 'Disable desktop composition' option from the Compatibility menu (right-click .exe > Properties > Compatibility).
+
{{Fixbox|description=Disable [[Windows Compatibility Mode|visual themes]] and run the game as administrator|ref=|fix=}}
  
===Dialog boxes not opening/unable to save===
+
===Moving camera with mouse erratic in windowed mode===
Running ''RollerCoaster Tycoon'' with visual themes enabled can prevent the open/save dialog box from opening. To fix this, check the 'Disable visual themes' option from the Compatibility menu (right-click .exe > Properties > Compatibility).
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set high DPI scaling override for game|fix=
 +
# Navigate to {{File|{{P|game}}|folder}}, right click {{file|RCT.exe}} and go into <code>Properties</code>
 +
# Open <code>Compatibility</code> tab and click on <code>Change high DPI settings</code>
 +
# Enable <code>Override high DPI scaling behavior</code> and choose <code>Application</code> in dropdown menu
 +
}}
  
Another save game issue can be caused by not running the game as an Administrator. To fix this, check the 'Run this program as an administrator' option from the Compatibility menu (right-click .exe > Properties > Compatibility).
+
==Issues unresolved==
 +
===Mouse issues after closing===
 +
In Windows XP and above, after the game is closed, the left mouse button might seem unresponsive as it is still assigned to the game process. Repeatedly right-clicking (preferrably in an empty section of the desktop) will "release" full mouse control. On Windows 9x, this issue does not seem to appear as the game process leaves an "empty" tab in the taskbar that is closed by a single click.
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
Line 360: Line 433:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
|macos 32-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 32-bit app =  
|macos 64-bit app       =  
+
|macos intel 64-bit app =  
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|macos app notes        =  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 
|linux 64-bit executable=  
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 379: Line 455:
 
|minGPU  =  
 
|minGPU  =  
 
|minVRAM  = 1 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 1 MB
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} Windows 2000 officially supported only after the Loopy Landscapes patch 1.20.013.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 15:48, 2 June 2023

RollerCoaster Tycoon
RollerCoaster Tycoon cover
Developers
Chris Sawyer
Windows interface, (un)installer Fish UK
Publishers
1999-2000 MicroProse
1999-2000 Hasbro Interactive
2001-2003 Infogrames
2003-present Atari
Release dates
Windows March 1999
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Bird's-eye view, Isometric
Controls Point and select
Genres Building
Themes Amusement park
Series RollerCoaster Tycoon
RollerCoaster Tycoon on HowLongToBeat
RollerCoaster Tycoon on IGDB
RollerCoaster Tycoon guide on StrategyWiki
RollerCoaster Tycoon on MobyGames
RollerCoaster Tycoon on Wikipedia
RollerCoaster Tycoon
RollerCoaster Tycoon 1999
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 2002
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 2004
OpenRCT2 (Engine fanport) 2015
RollerCoaster Tycoon World 2016
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic 2017
RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures 2019

RollerCoaster Tycoon is an isometric amusement park building game released in March 1999 by Chris Sawyer.

The game started development in September 1996, running on an evolution of the Transport Tycoon Deluxe engine, under the name White Knuckle. [1] The code was written by Chris Sawyer himself in assembly language[2] with just a small portion of the code interfacing to Windows and DirectX written by Fish UK[3]. The visuals were created by Simon Foster, while the theme music was composed by Allister Brimble.

The game's first expansion from November 1999 had two titles for different markets: Corkscrew Follies in North America and Added Attractions internationally. Aside from new scenarios (one being the first real-world park replica, Alton Towers) and rides, it added gameplay changes like signs that can be used as path blockers for all non-staff and the option to give guests "real" names. The second expansion from September 2000, Loopy Landscapes, added further new rides and scenarios, along with the option for all rides to play a selection of new music tracks by Allister Brimble or one of two custom music slots filled by the user's music files. The latest (1.20.013) patch for Loopy Landscapes would add native Windows 2000 support, and by transition the Windows NT line of operating systems as a whole; reprints of the expansion would include this patch by default. The base game and expansion would be combined in the Gold Edition (North America) / Totally RollerCoaster, with the 2003 North American variant Deluxe Edition including a unique executable version (1.20.015) with which common trainers do not work, as well as a selection of user-created ride tracks from the Ride Exchange section of the official website at the time. This version would be the one released on digital stores in the early 2010s.

The game was replaced by its 2002 sequel as the community favorite due to its expanded theming and construction controls, which in turn was replaced by the community open-source rewrite OpenRCT2. RollerCoaster Tycoon content can be imported to OpenRCT2, but the latter still requires the sequel as its base to run.

The fully patched version of the game runs on all Windows systems, but traps the mouse input even after the process is closed, requiring repeated right-clicking in empty space to free the left mouse button.

General information

RollerCoaster Tycoon Wiki - A wiki dedicated to everything RollerCoaster Tycoon related
The Definitive RCT Reference Guide - a detailed source on every element of the game, including official downloadable content
NEDesigns - park and scenery showcase site for Loopy Landscapes and RollerCoaster Tycoon 2
GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
SafeDisc DRM present only in earliest 1999 prints, removed in subsequent patches (which are included in re-releases).[4] There is a workaround for running Loopy Landscapes without a disc check, see Play without CD (Loopy Landscapes)
Windows
GamersGate
Icon overlay.png
Deluxe Edition
Windows
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Deluxe Edition
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
Deluxe Edition. Includes soundtrack.
Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Deluxe Edition
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Deluxe Edition
Windows
Steam
DRM-free after installation through Steam client (notes may include more details)
Deluxe Edition
Windows
A free demo version is available from GameFront. Note that it allows for only several minutes of gameplay at a time, without a save/load function.
A faithful, higher quality icon can be found on DeviantArt.

Version differences

The Gold Edition (known also as Totally RollerCoaster in Europe) includes the base game and both expansion packs.
The Deluxe Edition is a variant of the Gold Edition that comes with a unique executable (1.20.015 as opposed to patched Loopy Landscapes' 1.20.013) that is more resilient to common trainers. It also comes bundled with many custom track designs from the old official website's ride exchange section. It was originally only released in North America, but digital releases are based off this version.

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack The expansion packs include new scenarios, scenery, rides and quality-of-life improvements.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Corkscrew Follies Also known as Added Attractions in Europe
Windows
Loopy Landscapes Includes the entirety of the Corkscrew Follies/Added Attractions expansion pack.
Windows

Essential improvements

Patches

The latest official patches for the base game (v1.08.187), Corkscrew Follies / Added Attractions (v1.10.026) and Loopy Landscapes (v1.20.013) are available from GameFront.
The Deluxe Edition, upon which digital releases are based, have the unique v1.20.015 build by default.

Downloadable content

There are two official roller coaster collection downloads from Chris Sawyer, both available via his website. While the "Cat" collection can be used in any version of the game, the "Phobia" collection can only be used in conjunction with games that have either the Corkscrew Follies/Added Attractions or Loopy Landscapes expansion packs.

Other official tracks from Chris Sawyer and John Wardley (including the two aforementioned ones), formerly available on the official website, are available from here (at the bottom of the page).

Also released were multiple downloadable scenarios, archived here.

Play without a CD (Loopy Landscapes)

Copy files to disk and edit registry files[5]
  1. Copy all files from the Data folder on the CD-ROM to the Data folder in the game directory. Overwriting is not necessary.
  2. In the Registry Editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Fish Technology Group\Rollercoaster Tycoon Setup.
  3. Change the SetupPath string value to point to the game directory (copying the Path value is the easiest way).

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/285310/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\Saved Games[Note 2]
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/285310/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

General settings.
General settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
See Widescreen resolution.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
High-fidelity upscaling
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
40 FPS cap
High dynamic range display (HDR)

Widescreen resolution

This hack only supports the following resolutions: 1280x720 (16:9), 1280x768 (15:9), 1280x1024 (5:4).
This hack works with the original retail release, not the GOG.com/Steam/etc. versions.[citation needed]
Hack widescreen resolution[citation needed]
  1. Open rct.exe with a hex editor such as HxD
  2. Search for the following string: 58 02 00 00 68 20 03 00 00
  3. Depending on the resolution you choose, edit the string accordingly
    1. 1280x720 (16:9): Change 58 02 to D0 02
    2. 1280x768 (15:9): Change 58 02 to 00 03
    3. 1280x1024 (5:4): Change 58 02 to 00 04
  4. Search for the string 20 03 00 00 c7 45 f4 58 02 00 00
  5. Change 20 03 to 00 05 (regardless of your screen resolution)
  6. Save and close the hex editor
  7. Run the game, start/load a save, click the save icon, and click on "Options"
  8. Select the 800x600 resolution to enable the resolution you hacked in

Notes

Higher resolutions could result in decreased performance, especially if there is a lot of attractions on screen.

Input

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Audio can only be fully muted or fully enabled.
Surround sound
Subtitles
No speech
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
UK and US localizations differ in certain names and terms. The Deluxe Edition has US English.
Simplified Chinese
Retail only. Official translation by «Suntendy».
Traditional Chinese
Retail only.
Dutch
Retail only.
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Retail only. Expansions were not localized.
Korean
Retail only.
Polish
Retail only.
Brazilian Portuguese
Retail only: Infogrames Brasil & Fullgames releases.
Spanish
Swedish
Retail only.

Issues fixed

Compatibility modes

Run the game in compatibility mode for Windows 98 / Me or XP SP3. Also disable desktop composition / visual themes

Dialog boxes not opening/unable to save

Disable visual themes and run the game as administrator

Moving camera with mouse erratic in windowed mode

Set high DPI scaling override for game
  1. Navigate to <path-to-game>, right click RCT.exe and go into Properties
  2. Open Compatibility tab and click on Change high DPI settings
  3. Enable Override high DPI scaling behavior and choose Application in dropdown menu

Issues unresolved

Mouse issues after closing

In Windows XP and above, after the game is closed, the left mouse button might seem unresponsive as it is still assigned to the game process. Repeatedly right-clicking (preferrably in an empty section of the desktop) will "release" full mouse control. On Windows 9x, this issue does not seem to appear as the game process leaves an "empty" tab in the taskbar that is closed by a single click.

Other information

API

Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

System requirements

Windows
Minimum
Operating system (OS) 95, 98
Processor (CPU) 90 MHz
System memory (RAM) 16 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 55 MB
Video card (GPU) 1 MB of VRAM
Windows 2000 officially supported only after the Loopy Landscapes patch 1.20.013.


Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/285310/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (285310) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.
  2. When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References

  1. GAME INFO - THE EVOLUTION OF ROLLERCOASTER TYCOON (aka The Editing Room Floor) - last accessed on 2023-06-02 (archived)
  2. Chris Sawyer Software Development - last accessed on 2023-06-02
    "It's 99% written in x86 assembler/machine code (yes, really!), with a small amount of C code used to interface to MS Windows and DirectX."
  3. Game credits
  4. Verified by User:Plok on 2023-02-17
    clokspl.exe and similar SafeDisc-specific files present in the very first pan-European retail build, but omitted in all subsequent versions and dumps thereof.
  5. RCT Station - Playing Loopy Landscapes without the CD-ROM (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-05-17