Well here’s a twist to rival the most vomit-inducing loop-the-loop: RollerCoaster Tycoon World is coming to Early Access on March 30th, priced $49.99/£29.99. Previously, the theme park sim was due to debut as a traditional full-fat retail release, until delays derailed those plans. If you’ve already preordered the game, fret not – developer Nvizzio Creations are offering a reasonably generous refund policy.
Not down for paying for RTW’s Early Access? Then check out the best free Steam games.
Writing on the game’s Steam community page, Nvizzio reveal why they made the decision to change RTW’s release model: “We’ve been silently running a large test group with some members of the community since the beginning of the year. We’ve made so much progress with this group – getting invaluable feedback, testing ideas, and more – that we realized how much of a boon letting the rest of the community in would be in shaping our game.”
“This is the beginning of a new journey. RCTW was always going to develop and improve as time went on. Now you will have a direct impact on that process. It is only with your feedback, your input, your passion, and your creativity that we will bring the game to new heights.”
Here are the latest batch of promised features for the game when it hits Early Access in a few days time – best get on your tippy toes in case you don’t meet the height requirement:
- An innovative coaster builder, combining freeform and piece-by-piece options for ultimate control
- Freeform object placement, allowing you to put every in-game object exactly where you want it
- Curved paths in a variety of widths and styles, bringing your park previously unheard of flexibility in layout
- A fully integrated Steam UGC system, giving you the freedom to create any object you want and import it directly into the game
- Fully deformable terrain and water effects to change your park’s landscape quickly and easily
- Steam workshop support, to share content and utilize the creative power of the community
- Steam social integration and park sharing to stay connected with your fellow Tycoons from around the world
- Campaign mode
- An initial set of Scenarios
- The Sandbox mode
- 10 different types of coasters (all complete with ride cams)
- Over 30 different flat rides
- Tons of scenery Items to populate your parks
- 4 different themes (sci-fi, adventure, generic, and western)
If you already preordered the retail version and aren’t happy with the latest RollerCoaster switching tracks so late in the day, you’re free to try the Early Access for 24 hours – well, providing you download it day of release – then request a full refund.
“We are reaffirming our refund policy – we allow refunds up to March 31st 2016 to anyone that pre-ordered the game through Atari.com or RollerCoasterTycoon.com. This gives you a day to try Early Access, no strings attached. If you pre-ordered via Steam or another retailer, they will be able to facilitate refunds as needed.”
The studio also promise a boxed version of RollerCoaster Tycoon World is still planned, though they admit it won’t be available in all territories. As for when the game might get out of Early Access, all Nvizzio can offer is: “when it’s ready to be shared with the world as a finished product.” Hmmm. Good thing I’m scared of rollercoasters.
Update: a previous version of this article incorrectly stated the Early Access release date of RollerCoaster Tycoon World as May 30th.