The Definitive RCT Reference Guide

A printable indepth reference guide for intermediate-skilled
RollerCoaster Tycoon^© LoopyLandscapes^™ gamers

by: aetherwave

Major Subjects:

Guests, the focus around which the game revolves.

Facilities and "tracks" for your guests (rides, shops, etc.).

Infrastructure for the park (scenery, employees, etc.).

Game scenarios and "saved games".

Game sounds.

Miscellaneous.

Since RollerCoaster Tycoon [1] and Corkscrew Follies (also known as Added Attractions) will not work by themselves on 21st century Windows operating systems, LoopyLandscapes will be the only version of RCT1 that everyone will be running. All references in this website that simply say "RCT" are therefore actually meant to be referring to RCT with the CF and LL expansions.

The game RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, especially when enhanced with the amazing UCES addon, was a very good follow-on game, adding such important features as the ability to stack tiles (to create buildings), and most important of all, the ability to save scenery along with the tracks. However the track pieces for several of the roller coasters were modified in a manner that made them less realistic, making RCT1 still a better choice for players interested in recreating real world roller coasters in their game. Since RCT2 is in most aspects identical to RCT1, RCT2 players can gain much from this Reference Guide as well.

NOTICE: All fan contributed material in this Reference Guide has been made available through the generosity of the respective copyright holders.
Intermediate Gamers are encouraged to print the contents of this website and store the printouts in a binder for quick reference during game play.

How to configure your game so it matches the one referenced within this website:

These instructions assume you have compatible computer hardware and a compatible operating system. I personally performed all the research for this website using LoopyLandscapes running on a Pentium 4 PC with the Windows 2000 operating system. Be cautioned that the basic RCT game and Corkscrew Follies were designed only to be used under Windows 95/98/ME, do not attempt to run them under a Windows NT or newer OS. Please however completely intall these games as described under the steps in the link, even though they will not be run (LoopyLandscapes has to overwrite a previously installed and patched RollerCoaster Tycoon installation).

RollerCoaster Tycoon box cover → RCT Game CD LL Expansion Pack CD ← LoopyLandscapes Expansion Pack box cover
[please note that the LL Expansion Pack compact disk already integrates "Corkscrew Follies"]

Installing LoopyLandscapes

The citation designation "{m}" indicates that the information presented is also stated in the Official RCT User Manual (1999).
The citation designation "{s}" indicates that the information presented is also stated in the Official RCT Strategy Guide (2001).

Some Official Tips from ride designer John Wardley (designer of such European roller coasters as Nemesis, Oblivion, Megafobia, Vampire, and Dragon Kahn):

Your park must provide a fun day out for everybody, at a price they can afford. They must be kept comfortable and happy, well fed and amused.
As a ride designer, think of yourself as an entertainer.
Think of a ride on a roller coaster as a journey through an adventure. It must have variation - not just its ups and downs, but also its surprises and shocks, its gentle scenic sections to lull you into a false sense of security, and its wild mean parts to scare the pants off you.
A ride should be impressive, yet fun to watch, and it should fit into the layout and landscape of the park. Your guests must be able to see some of it from the walkways, but keep some bits hidden so they come as a complete surprise during the ride. An adventure journey must take your riders through an exciting, disorienting, and spectacular environment. Position trees, tunnels, and other obstructions so as to enhance the thrills. Use water for effect, and create hills and valleys through which your ride will race.
If the riders get off feeling that the ride has dulled-out halfway through, they will be disappointed, but if they get off on an emotional high, they'll come back for more - and they'll be more likely to buy an on-ride photo of themselves. (Position the camera in the best place for good expressions on riders' faces to maximize sales).
Locate your big spectaculars towards the back of the park, to draw the guests right through the park past as many "spending opportunities" (food kiosks, etc.) as possible.
The more frequently the guests walking around the park can see the ride running, the more attracted they'll be to ride it.