Park Beyond Preview – Where we’re going, coasters won’t need track

thesixthaxis.com:

Amongst the truly revered genres on PC, the park builder manages to merge economic necessity, with nascent creativity. Just because a large part of this genre is close to being Tripadvisor: The Game shouldn’t put anyone off, as crafting a fun-filled experience for a batch of imaginary customers remains far more fulfilling than it has any right to be. While Theme Park laid the foundations, and Planet Coaster has built some spectacular structures upon them, Park Beyond hopes to provide an experience that surpasses them both.

Things start with a hint of whimsy, thanks partly to the playful musical accompaniment combined with a paper plane-chasing experience that teaches you how to lay down rollercoaster track. There’s some nice quality-of-life inclusions here, including a permanently visible test train that’s running down the track as you build it, showing the coaster’s speed throughout. It certainly solves the disappointment of only discovering after creating for an hour that it’s an abject failure, hopefully preventing your customers from immediately losing their lunch.

You’re not on your own through Park Beyond; amongst the fully voiced cast, Phil is the aging rollercoaster designer who’s keen to take on a protégé, while Blaize Ultra is a wild and vibrant host who’s been attracted to your roller coaster designs and wants to see exactly what you’ve got.

Phil has his moments, but Blaize’s peppy, energetic delivery means she’s a touch annoying. That said, it’s unlikely you’ll spend too much time with her, so you can probably cope. She offers up your first selection of rollercoaster modules, with the immediate choice between a cannon and a stunt ramp being easily won by the lingering whiff of gunpowder. This is the first