# Planet Coaster 2 Review: A Haven for Creatives, A Letdown for Strategists
**Update from November 6, 2024**: Planet Coaster 2 has officially launched, and after several days of gameplay and discussions with the developers, we have both positive and negative news. A patch rolled out via Steam at the start of release week has fixed many of the significant AI problems, yet some issues still persist. Guest AI-related path blockages continue to occasionally disrupt the park’s vibe, and regrettably, the economic simulation’s shortcomings remain mostly intact.
Welcome to my daily routine as the administrator of *GlobalESportNews World* in Planet Coaster 2! After dedicating 50 hours of gameplay, I’ve explored virtually everything this game offers. Frontier’s second effort at merging creative design with economic management will either thrill you or leave you disappointed, depending on what you were hoping for. Let’s explore what Planet Coaster 2 accomplishes well—and where it still stumbles.
## Manager Rule 1: Upon Entering the Park, Rush to the Food Court!
Our journey commences at the entrance of *GlobalESportNews World*. Guests are still laden with cash, and I’m seizing the opportunity—$9 for a hot dog feels justifiable, right? The core mechanics of Planet Coaster 2 are straightforward: as a park manager, you construct and oversee a theme park filled with roller coasters, attractions, food stalls, and more.
### Enhancements for New Players:
Two essential tools assist new players in acclimatizing to the game:
1. **Enhanced Tutorials**: The story-based career mode gradually introduces you to park management principles, with quirky characters guiding you throughout the process. While it may not be particularly demanding, it serves as an excellent foundation.
2. **Revamped Menus**: The user interface has been refined compared to the original game, making it less intimidating for novices. However, the vast array of options can still feel overwhelming, even with the upgraded UI.
Despite these enhancements, managing a theme park in Planet Coaster 2 can still be intimidating for newcomers. Luckily, a thorough in-game database is readily available for you to reference.
## Manager Rule 2: Treat Your Staff Well, Unless They Demand Higher Wages
As a park manager, your responsibilities extend beyond creating attractions—you must also oversee staff, maintain cleanliness, conduct research, and ensure upkeep. And believe me, it’s a considerable amount of work. Employee morale is essential; neglecting your staff can lead to resignations, resulting in disorder in your park. To mitigate this, you should establish break areas, training facilities, and methodically plan work schedules.
### Technical Performance:
On the technical front, Planet Coaster 2 runs seamlessly, even on older gaming setups. However, some clipping issues involving park patrons linger, particularly in busy regions, which can diminish the overall ambiance.
## Manager Rule 3: A Park’s Beauty Equals Its Success
Planet Coaster 2 shines in the realm of imaginative park design. You have the freedom to mold every detail of your park, from walls and decor to music and effects. New features, such as attaching objects to roller coaster cars, provide even greater creative possibilities. The game’s robust editors enable you to replicate real-world attractions or invent entirely unique designs, which can be shared with other players online.
### Major Gameplay Adjustments:
– **Updated Pathway Creation**: Constructing paths is significantly easier and less error-prone than in the first game, though it can still be somewhat tricky.
– **Scenery Brushes**: You can now automatically place rocks, trees, and other items, saving valuable time.
– **First-Person Perspective**: Stroll through your park from a visitor’s viewpoint to appreciate your work.
## Manager Rule 4: Keep an Anger Pillow Ready When Constructing Roller Coasters
Regrettably, constructing roller coasters continues to be a frustrating endeavor. While the concept of crafting a coaster entirely with the mouse sounds appealing, the implementation is awkward. The controls are overly sensitive, and minor mouse movements can lead to drastic adjustments to the track, rendering the process tedious and time-intensive.
## Manager Rule 5: Allocating Adequate Time for Fun and Thrills
Planet Coaster 2 is expansive, even at its launch. With 51 roller coasters, 14 rail rides, and 33 additional attractions, there’s ample content to engage you. The game also features various modes, including a narrative-driven career, a sandbox mode for unrestricted creativity, and a multiplayer franchise mode where you can team up with other players.
## Manager Rule 6: Using a Water Filter in the Tank Averts Disputes and Odors
One of the standout new elements in Planet Coaster 2 is the option to construct water parks.