Topic: Coaster Creator 3D Impressions

[MegaByte]

A Maya-inspired design tool could redefine the rollercoaster genre.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/29493

Coaster Creator 3D is a surprise new title from Gamers Digital and Big John Games. The version I saw at GDC was in the pre-alpha concept stages, but the base framework was really cool.

In previous roller coaster games, tracks were made with predefined parts that must be pieced together. In Coaster Creator 3D, you simply draw out your track on the touch screen and it appears on 3D on the top screen. You can readily manipulate the track in three dimensions with the stylus by pushing or dragging, and the track immediately updates in realtime on the top screen. There's also a "brush system" for tuning turn radius by selecting larger sections at once. The interface was apparently inspired by Maya, the 3D graphics editing software, and the results are super simple and responsive. To make it easier to add more complicated structures such as corkscrews or jet launches, the developers still plan to include a parts library.

Other than some basic customization of the track and seats, that's all that was done. As for the actual game part, there are plenty of potential ideas. In career mode, players will start off designing simpler tracks in a small family-run kid's park that don't involve too many G's and will work their way through the industry designing more ambitious tracks. You'll also be able to design the rest of the park and fill it with concession stands, other rides, queuing lines, and the like. The hope is that people will be able to re-create their own real coasters. Tracks will be shareable using QR codes.

Your Mii will ride the cars along with proprietary avatars, which will respond to track conditions appropriately. There may be a camera system like those found in real rides designed to take shots of the characters, for instance, at the bottom of a plunge. You'll also be able to record your own screams that will be played during the ride. Additionally, an arcade mode is planned where you can tilt the 3DS to collect stars as you pass by on the tracks.

Though it was very early, the editing interface was a great use of the 3DS's capabilities and I'm looking forward to seeing the game fully fleshed out. Look out, Rollercoaster Tycoon, you're about to have some very interesting competition.

Even though it's still pre-alpha, the devs were excited to show it off, so check out the video below and see for yourself.

[Kairon]

Oh my gumdrops! What functionality! I know the game is still way out from completion, and they still need to find the proper context to turn this from a tool into a fun game, but even so this is going on my "watch" list!

[xxbrothawizxx]

This is looking pretty nice so far and I'll definitely keep my eye on it.
Some complaints, concerns, and questions though (disregarding the fact that this is pre-alpha):
- Changing the rollercoaster type to wooden didn't actually change the track type (really hoping this won't be the case in the final game)
- No supports (yet, I'm assuming)
- some textures from what I could see, look a little rough (cruise ship,etc.)
- Framerate dips to 30fps every once in a while (would be amazing if they could get it to stay constant)
- Will there be option to create buildings and scenery yourself? How varied is the selection?
- Is this retail?

Though what I've seen in that video looks promising when you consider it is pre-alpha, I can;t help but feeling that it will be overshadowed by RCT 3D b/c of the backlog of customization items, assets, and options that have already been created and will likely end up in the 3DS version. I really don't think  this game will be able to achieve the same level. Thing is, I'm not really able to compare the games b/c N-Space hasn't shown us 1 second of footage from the game. If they can successfully port RCT 3 without too many graphical concessions, a horrid framerate, or ridiculously aggressive Level of Detail system (good draw distance, etc.). I'll likely stick with RCT 3D, but the lack of media make me feel like the game will be a massive disappointment (shovelware). In that case, I will definitely be watching this VERY closely.