The RollerCoaster Tycoon series has proven remarkably popular over the years, despite average graphics and a slightly clunky interface. RCT2 disappointed many fans, but the loyal Tycoon community continued to share new scenarios and rides while waiting for the Holy Grail to turn up. Now, developer Frontier has certainly delivered a major overhaul to the tired game engine and thrown in some terrific little innovations that should broaden the game's appeal. The switch to 3D and the inclusion of a proper sandbox mode are fundamental improvements that everyone expected last time around, and the new CoasterCam finally gives players the chance to jump into the front seat of their latest creations.

The goal in RCT3 is to build and manage a theme park that keeps your customers (Peeps) happy, and turns a quid. The improved Career Mode now provides sets of goals at three levels of difficulty, and the tutorials do a much better job of explaining the more complex aspects of the game. 18 scenarios are included, and the five themes include Generic, Spooky (very impressive), Sci-Fi, Western and Adventure. The themes are far stronger in RCT3, supported by a good range of options, animatronics and actions, with CoasterCam and the improved camera system allowing players to see them in all their glory. Park management follows the established formula pretty closely, with players controlling everything from prices to staffing levels, cleaning and rest facilities, and construction is (a little) less hit-and-miss than it used to be.

RCT3 makes some big leaps forward and also manages to refine some already solid elements of the Tycoon experience. The long overdue 3D interface looks better (but still dated), and bonuses like the chance to design and follow Peep groups and choreograph fireworks displays all beef up the atmosphere. An inexplicable reduction in Peep satisfaction data makes fixing problems far tougher than it used to be, but it brings a popular franchise up to date. Look out for a patch to fix a few annoying bugs.