RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked!

"A Good Add-On"

Note Before I Begin: In this review I am only going to be reviewing the content that comes with the expansion pack, as I have already reviewed Rollercoaster Tycoon 3's content in my Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 review.

Introduction:
The expansion packs are part of what makes the Rollercoaster Tycoon series so unique, hordes of content can be found in the main game, but the developers just keep throwing more at you, top class. Soaked! is the first expansion for Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, and the new content that it provides ranges from a full set of new scenarios to swimming pools and slides. But does this expansion make a splash? Or is it left to drown? All will be revealed.

Requirements:
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 MUST be installed on your computer for you to play this game.

Graphics:
All of the graphics from Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 have remained the same in Soaked! But the new content is what we are looking at here. Firstly, the new swimming pool element, the pools themselves look very nice, with water moving quite realistically, the items related to pools also look very good, with things like wave machines and jacuzzis producing great effects. Also new are animal shows, which from the Coastercam, look absolutely superb, as the orcas and dolphins both jump, swim and dance. Of the minor new content added, both tunnels and waterfalls look absolutely brilliant, adding nice visual touches to your park.

Sound:
The area of the game that needed the most improvement has been literally ignored, the same old music still strangles the cat, and even the new tunes get boring after a few minutes of play.

Gameplay:
This is where gamers are spoiled, yet again. Gameplay has been vastly improved with the addition of new content, and is certain to be improved yet again with more expansions in the future. First of all, swimming pools, they work very well, adding a completely new dimension to your park, they are also fully customizable with a variety of different facilities, options and rides, all of which pushes your imagination to it's very limit. Another new element of gameplay added with Soaked! is the ability to create your own dolphin and orca shows, it works in the same way as fireworks displays from the main RCT3 game and is a lovely addition to the series. Also new is a full set of brand new scenarios with their own objectives, which adds to both the fun factor and the game's lifespan. There is also a great deal of new attractions and scenery, there is a total of 38 new rides and shops excluding swimming pools and rides attached to them, and 2 new scenery themes, Atlantis and Paradise Island. The final piece of major new content is challenges, you can now be given tasks in the middle of gameplay that can be accepted or declined, accepting and completing challenges will usually be rewarded with large amounts of cash. The new content does not stop with major additions, minor additions include tunnels, which are back from Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 after their haitus in RCT3, plus a new VIP and a new entertainer costume, top notch.

Lifespan:
The lifespan has been built upon from RCT3 with a new set of scenarios and attractions, which adds a few more weeks to any minimalists play time. For the player who builds parks at their leisure, the new content is a superb bonus.

Extras:
More coaster designs are available for completion of scenarios, and there are a few more extras that can now be unlocked by changing guest's names...

Final Recommendation:
If you have Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, then this is an excellent add-on to what is already a brilliant game. Therefore, purchase of this expansion is not required, but is recommended if you wish to get the best out of RCT3.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/19/05, Updated 12/04/07

Game Release: RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! (EU, 06/24/05)