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Planet Coaster 2

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Planet Coaster 2
Developer(s)Frontier Developments
Publisher(s)Frontier Developments
Platform(s)
Release6 November 2024
Genre(s)Construction and management simulation
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Planet Coaster 2 is a construction and management simulation video game developed and published by Frontier Developments. It is a sequel to Planet Coaster (2016). The game was released on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on 6 November 2024.

Gameplay

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As a sequel to 2016's Planet Coaster, Planet Coaster 2 expands upon its predecessor with improved building tools, water park building and management, and event sequencing gameplay.[1] Like its predecessor, the game features career, sandbox, and challenge mode.[2] Cross-platform cooperative gameplay has been added,[3] with players able to visit other parks online, or build a new one together asynchronously.[4]

The game features many returning systems from Planet Coaster, which have been re-built using feedback from the first game. This includes the pathing system, which has been changed from a piece-by-piece building system to a draw system.[5] New utilities for building scenery pieces have also been added, including object scaling and mirroring/twinning, and the ability to add scenery pieces directly to rides and roller coasters.[6]

Development and release

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Prior to Planet Coaster 2, Frontier Developments was working on the F1 Manager series, and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, but both titles underperformed, contributing to layoffs in an organizational review.[7] This also changed the company's strategy from diversifying the game portfolio to refocusing on the management simulation genre, which had previously led them success.[8]

The game's title was leaked in June 2024, when an unofficial site tracking games on the Epic Games Store revealed an upcoming title by Frontier Developments titled Planet Coaster 2.[9][failed verification] The game was formally revealed on 11 July 2024 with its first official trailer,[10] and had a gameplay reveal on 31 July 2024 in a Frontier Unlocked livestream.[11] It released on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on 6 November 2024.[12]

Reception

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Planet Coaster 2 received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its improvements over the original game, particularly in terms of visuals, customization, and new features. Leana Hafer from IGN praised Planet Coaster 2 for expanding on its predecessor's strengths, particularly with improved customization and new water attractions. She highlighted the intuitive terrain and coaster editing tools but noted that the extensive options could be overwhelming. Hafer criticized the management aspects for lacking depth and found issues with staff and ride maintenance. Despite these flaws, she emphasized that the sandbox mode remained a standout feature, enabling detailed and creative park building.[15]

Timo Reinecke of Shacknews commended Planet Coaster 2 for its improved visuals, intuitive menus, and water-themed attractions. He highlighted the engaging campaign mode and quality-of-life updates like customizable paths and ride details. However, he criticized the shallow management mechanics and passive research progression. Despite these issues, he praised the game for its creativity and immersive park-building experience.[17]

References

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  1. ^ Gould, Elie (11 July 2024). "Planet Coaster 2's announcement promises 'gripping rides, spectacular slides', but I can't wait to see what ungodly contraptions the community makes". PC Gamer. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  2. ^ Roth, Emma (12 July 2024). "Planet Coaster's slippery sequel lets you build your own water park". The Verge. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  3. ^ Evans-Thirlwell, Edwin (11 July 2024). "Planet Coaster 2 revealed with water parks and multiplayer park-building for 2024 release". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  4. ^ Croft, Liam (11 July 2024). "Planet Coaster 2 Adds Water Parks in PS5 Sequel Out This Year". Push Square. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  5. ^ Wales, Matt (31 July 2024). "Planet Coaster 2 shows off water parks and more in 15 minutes of gameplay". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  6. ^ Bolding, Jonathan (31 July 2024). "Here's a 15 minute gameplay deep dive on water parks in Planet Coaster 2". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  7. ^ Batchelor, James (10 November 2023). "Frontier to lay off unknown number of staff in organisational review". Gameindustry.biz. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  8. ^ Phillips, Tom (29 November 2023). "Planet Coaster developer Frontier refocusing on sims after low sales of Warhammer RTS". Eurogamer. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  9. ^ Roth, Emma (12 June 2024). "Epic Games database leak hints at a trove of unannounced games". The Verge. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Planet Coaster 2 - Official Announcement Trailer". IGN. 11 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  11. ^ Reuben, Nic (1 August 2024). "New Planet Coaster 2 deep dive explains how you'll need to sell your idiot guests sunscreen in case they blame you for the sun existing". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  12. ^ Nightingale, Ed (12 September 2024). "Planet Coaster 2 has release date confirmed". Eurogamer. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  13. ^ "Planet Coaster 2 Reviews". www.metacritic.com. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  14. ^ "Planet Coaster 2 Reviews". OpenCritic. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
  15. ^ a b Hafer, Leana (2024-11-05). "Planet Coaster 2 Review". IGN. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
  16. ^ Serena Cherry (2024-11-01). "Planet Coaster 2 review: "Challenging, but at times frustratingly convoluted"". gamesradar. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
  17. ^ a b "Planet Coaster 2 review: Coasting on good vibes". Shacknews. 2024-11-01. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
  18. ^ Rick Lane (2024-11-01). "Planet Coaster 2 review". pcgamer. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
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