Comparative Analysis - Simulation Games
Two Games, One Genre - Design Development and Analysis
Simulation games entail the player managing a simulation of either a real life or a fictional reality within the game. Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 (RTC3) and SimCity (SC) are both construction and management simulation games, which creates a population where the player must manage and expand within their world. There may not be a clear goal in mind but player decisions can be driven through the overall happiness of the population, creating another fun level of problem solving. The feedback structure is similar because they are both delivered through notifications. The difference is in the details. RTC3 shows feedback through viewing guest thoughts and suggestions from the park inspector. SC has indicators of happiness, when items are placed and it’s constantly showing on the bottom toolbar with a smiley face icon. RTC3 and SC both give the player full control of the world finances to manage, which directly attributes to the population’s overall happiness. The player is able to build at any chosen capacity. They are at the helm of all decisions, that’s part of the fun of simulation games. At the start of either of these games, the player is required to invest a base amount of money in resources to properly begin. This is where player choice can start to determine the pace of the game. The player has a high level of freedom, where they’re able to earn and spend what they want, how they want, and when they want it. In addition to the choice creating a cost implication that takes from the player’s set amount of funds, the player has an ability to control speed of the game. The time it takes the player to make money can be directly effected if the player stays in one speed status for a longer period of time. The income is directly attributed to the overall goal of player population, which can be a great balance of punishment and reward. Both games also have the ability to research additions. Researched items are an add-on to rewards that still have a certain amount of cost to them. Items players can build in RTC3 are roads, queues, scenery, rollercoasters, junior rides, thrill rides, water rides, gentle rides, transport rides, pool slides and rides, swimming pools, animals and enclosures, shops, and facilities. Each one of these choices will include a certain amount of challenge to the player where a reward or a punishment may be involved. In SC you have roads, power, water, sewage, government, waste disposal, fire, health, police, education, mass transit, parks, and zoning industrial, residential, and commercial areas. Just like RTC, these choices include a certain amount of challenge to the player because investment decisions will always result in either reward or punishment.
The unique addition with SC is the ability to link towns, shown on this image to the right. By linking towns, the player is able to pool additional resources and earn more income. Each area has separate income and needs. This mechanic increases the difficulty for the player, adding another level to the fun aspect. Another difference with SC verses RTC3 is around the ability to zone areas around the roads. Really RTC3 and SC are not much different with foundational mechanics but the little details are what make them astoundingly different. In RTC3 you’re able to customize rides, themes, and decorative scenery, which is not available in SC. They both have their pros and cons but if I were to pick a preference, I would probably go with RTC3.
