GAME INFO THE EVOLUTION OF ROLLERCOASTER TYCOON (aka The Editing Room Floor) PART 3 Most people know about the burger stalls and the Panda-costumed entertainers, the corkscrew ride and the simple interface, but very few have seen the items that didn't make it into the game. In part 1, we looked at the evolution of RollerCoaster Tycoon starting with its first prototype, which was actually a sequel to Chris Sawyer's earlier game Transport Tycoon, up until April 1997. In part 2, we looked at further development in 1997 like the wooden interface and the car and statues that never made it. And now, the conclusion of our feature. We pick up in December 1997 when the main sections of the game were nearing completion at this time; however, new rides, animations and styles were still being added. Note: Please be aware that the contents of this article must not be copied/reproduced/published elsewhere without permission.

Select page to view: -------------------------------- Game Info Home Game Outline Screenshots Official Add-on Packs Chris Sawyer's tips The Evolution of RCT Unusual Game Facts FAQ Reviews Chris Sawyer Interview Technical Support Technical Spec Special Offers PLUS If you missed the initial parts of this feature, why not read part 1 and part 2.

01 December 1997 Not only did rides change during development but some were created and never put into the game. Here, we can see a section of a multi-lane slide with steps up the side. (The picture on the right is the same ride viewed from the back.) The ride would have consisted of several of these sections, to create a large slide.

15 December 1997 More experiments in ride entrance/exit design. In part 2, we saw some alternative designs for ride entrance/exits in the shape of round castle-like turrets, but the shape proved too much of a problem. These later tests were based on the existing square entrance/exit buildings, but with various changes. However, they were never finished.

18th January 1998 A rather lazy handyman sitting and eating his lunch. Sadly, this was never used in the game, but knowing how hard everyone works their handymen, it's unlikely they would have much of a chance to eat lunch anyway!

23rd January 1998 Those ducks - A very detailed animation for its small size. Ever noticed how ducks leave as well as arrive? Rumours of how to drive ducks away from your parks were not true. The real reason? Ducks in RCT migrate for the Winter. It's true.

19th March 1998 This great looking robot entertainer costume was never finished. Shame really as it looks great.

22nd March 1998 A rather explosive idea which didn't make it into the final game. If your ride failed and a car blew-up the track was going to be detroyed too.

24th March 1998 More scenery and themed buildings were suggested and experimented with but these never got past the trial stage.

13th April A very unusual looking item for a theme park - A town house which was never used in the game. All the houses were actually created for use outside the park, as in Bumbly Beach, to create a 'town' type of scenario.

16th April 1998 Early trial graphics for 'Egyptian' themeing. The pyramid was included in the final game but was developed a lot from this early version.

22nd April 1998 Another house but this time a more complex town house which, like the previous house, didn't make it into the final game.

19th May 1998 A bus, which was to bring people to the park in some scenarios. Just like real life, this bus never arrived.

14th August 1998 And finally, probably the strangest protoypte - the park awards! No, you're not imagining things, some of the awards are body parts of the "sitting on" variety. The reason for this particular theme has been lost in the process (probably a good thing) but, needless to say, it was changed later on.

 

PLEASE EXIT THIS ARTICLE TAKING ALL YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS WITH YOU... Well, like all good rides, this series of features has been fun but it has come to an end. That's our final look behind-the-scenes at the creation of RollerCoaster Tycoon. We hope you enjoyed it and showed you that for every great item in RollerCoaster Tycoon there are lots of others that do not make it. Furthermore, it demonstrates how a game changes a great deal throughout the development process and the end result is the product of an evolution of ideas. Our thanks to Chris Sawyer for sharing these insights with us. If you missed the initial parts of this feature, why not read part 1 and part 2 now. Note: Please be aware that the contents of this article must not be copied/reproduced/published elsewhere without permission. ©1999, Chris Sawyer. All Rights Reserved ©1999 Hasbro Interactive,Inc.