Planet Coaster 2

Planet Coaster 2 is one of the pinnacles of the theme park simulator genre and while it doesn’t have a smooth learning curve for newcomers, it’s safe to say that those who have already mastered its systems will enjoy it immensely.

While Planet Coaster 2 is undoubtedly the best park-building sim currently available (and a worthwhile improvement on its predecessor), it's held back by some frustrations, particularly on console where its controls can be fiddly. Still, there's plenty of fun to be had here, and building a waterpark is an undeniable joy.

Planet Coaster 2 is a good park builder with some performance issues on the Steam Deck, but it is playable.

It really is better where it’s wetter.

Planet Coaster 2 successfully builds on the formula laid out by its excellent predecessor. Being able to construct water parks is a delightful addition, and the new career mode is even more engaging. But you’ll have to tolerate a few rough edges.

I’ve loved and played Planet Coaster for years, and I really wanted the sequel to be the ultimate coaster-building experience. The potential is there. The water features are great, and the new coasters are exciting. Many of the tweaks and changes add new flexibility and sophistication to the building process. At the same time, the game’s lack of final technical polish and its time-consuming, heavy learning-curve, convoluted UI added an element of frustration to what should have been a familiar but unassailably better experience.

Planet Coaster 2 advances the series in many ways yet lacks a few key aspects that a fitting sequel should have excelled in.

Planet Coaster 2 has a lot of potential to become a great theme park sandbox. However, its many technical issues and bugs hold back what could be a smooth roller coaster ride.

While the original is an incredible spiritual successor to Rollercoaster Tycoon, Planet Coaster 2 has its work cut out. Even with the new additions and features, it doesn't feel anywhere near as intuitive or enjoyable.

A charming presentation and solid foundation do precious little in light of a control scheme that's beyond frustrating for console players. The real challenge of a management simulator should always stem from having a clear hold of your surroundings and the ways that you can influence them, not the mere act of checking numbers and your progress. If you're a connoisseur of this particular brand of clunkiness, you might find something to enjoy in this new release, otherwise I would sincerely recommend checking out the game with a keyboard and mouse, if you're able.

Planet Coaster 2's flexible creation tools are as compulsive as ever, but the fun butts up against an exhausting UI, uninspired management gameplay, and conspicuous content gaps that feel like cynical spaces for DLC.

A follow-up to one of the best theme park building sims, Planet Coaster 2 has the potential to reach even higher heights - but let's hope the gameplay isn't as shallow as a kid's pool.