RCTC is the best way to play RCT1 and RCT2, straight out of the box for modern computer. BUT, playing OpenRCT2 mod is the ‘bestest’ way to play them, with tons of additional feature and with original layout, provided that you want to do additional installation beyond steam. I can also confirm that the current OpenRCT2 can use RCTC data files to run the game smoothly.
When you play RCTC you get the same gameplay with RCT2, but with additional RCT1 and other expansion packs (or DLC) included. RCTC layout has been redesigned, mainly for smarpphone and tablet users. It works well in smartphone, and surprisingly works okay for PC too. But, if you ever play the original in PC, you will see that the original layout still superior. I played RCTC in phone but I still prefer the original RCT1 layout. Unfortunately the smooth zooming on phone version is not available in RCTC PC version which I think a great feature.
Price wise, I would recommend you to buy this instead of RCT1+RCT2 nowadays. The price is almost similar. And during the sale, RCTC could be cheaper than both combined. Additionally, I think RCTC will be better maintained in the future. Although some people prefer buying the original two for pure nostalgia. (but then again, that’s where you need OpenRCT2).
OpenRCT2 pros:
- Maintains &modernised the original layout
- Better performance
- Multiplayer mode with many FFA servers still active!
- Many additional QoL options
- Some very helpful cheats already built-in
- Community-made attractions
- Community mods
RCTC pros: The main benefits for playing RCTC is cloud save and time record. But even these two might can be achieved by installing OpenRCT2 inside the steam (not tested, but works for other game). Perhaps the additional pro is if you already familiar with this layout in RCTC for phone and tablet.
The verdict: definitely buy RCTC, and try whether you prefer OpenRCT2 or RCTC. For me, based on my 0 hr record, I prefer OpenRCT2 rightaway.
Now, a bit of nostalgia:
I still remember the first time I played RCT1 in our computer. My family made a big jump by upgrading the computer from Win 3.1 to Win 98, so you can imagine how different was the game between these OS. We didn't get that free CD in cereal box, not in my country. But luckily we received some game demo from computer magazine. That was when we found RCT1 demo, and the game really blew my mind! All the roller coasters, people moving, eating, vomiting, and so on. I never have the game so complex so exciting, not in Win 3.1 of course. There were only three parks and limited play time (1 hour, iirc): Forest Frontiers, Diamond Heights, and Evergreen Park. But that is enough to make all of us hooked. I guess this is the only game where all 4 kids in the family actually enjoyed. I kept playing this game from time to time, sometimes with gap of multiple years. And without knowing, it has reached its 25 years! Unbelievable, I don’t even think I already build all kinds of roller coasters and stalls here! And I hope people will still remember this game, like Pong, Tetris, Doom…
If you never play RCT before, buy this game. This game deserved to be displayed in the Hall-of-fame GOAT best of the best at the museum of game.
izigame.me
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