RollerCoaster Tycoon 4 Mobile trailer is not exactly a crowd pleaser [Update 2]
A new trailer announced RollerCoaster Tycoon 4 Mobile to the world today, but going by YouTube ratings the world isn't impressed. At the time of writing, the video has just 49 likes and an incredible 1,968 dislikes. Fans are taking to social media including the series' Facebook page to voice their anger, with criticisms centering on the move to mobile and the likelihood of a free-to-play system with microtransactions.
The game is in development at mobile-focused startup On5 Games, and it's "coming soon" to iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. It's the first game in the long-running series since the 3DS' RollerCoaster Tycoon 3D in 2012, and the first numbered entry in around a decade, since RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 in 2004. It's a series with its roots firmly in PC, and RollerCoaster Tycoon 4 is the first mobile version of the theme park-building sim.
Free-to-play games are enduring increasing criticism for their use of microtransactions, with high-profile games like Dungeon Keeper, Where's My Water 2, and Angry Birds Go coming under severe scrutiny in recent months. Last month, the European Commission met with national authorities, Apple, and Google to discuss free-to-play games, and outline measures to better regulate them and to prevent misleading marketing.
Update: A fresh press release from Atari reveals the base game features 20 pre-designed rollercoasters, is priced at $3, and is due early Spring.
Update 2: Atari promises a new RollerCoaster Tycoon on PC this year. On Twitter, Atari writes, "RollerCoaster Tycoon is back and it's coming to mobile! Rest assured, there is a PC experience in production now for release this year!"
[Image: Atari]
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RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™ Comes to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch
One of the Most Successful Game Franchises of All Time Created for Mobile –
Build Thrilling Coasters and Share Your Dream Park With Friends
New York, NY - March 17, 2014 - Thrill ride seekers and amusement park enthusiasts should grab their spot in line for the next great rush as Atari, one of the world's most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, today announced the launch of RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™, for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™ will offer 20 pre-designed coasters as well as a bevy of new attractions and features to provide long-time fans and new players alike an exciting way to customize theme parks and construct electrifying roller coasters on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Based on the popular RollerCoaster Tycoon® franchise, RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™ is the reimagined next installment of the beloved simulation game and will allow players to create and share the greatest amusement parks their imaginations can conjure. With Facebook and Game Center support, people can also invite and visit their friend's parks and exchange roller coaster blueprints.
"We are thrilled to bring RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™ to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch for the first time and allow players to experience the game in a new channel," said Fred Chesnais, Chief Executive Officer, Atari, Inc. "RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™ is a modern-age simulator with robust strategy gameplay and will also contain social features, leaderboards and achievements to provide a truly engaging experience."
Developed by On5, RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™ will be available early Spring. Please visit www.RollerCoasterTycoon.com to pre-register for game updates and receive free bonus in-game gifts.
The RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™ App will be available for $2.99 from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.AppStore.com.
