Here's the right way to place the no-entry signs:
The signs' placement make it impossible for a guest to make a beeline down the stairs. A guest must make multiple decisions to go all the way down the path to the entrance. Additionally, the signs will not create a "lost guests" problem. Note: I removed the castle from the picture to illustrate sign placement.
Ready, Set, Build!
Interest is only 5%, and the maximum loan is a generous $35,000. Don't be afraid to maximize the loan. You can slide in an expensive coaster if you want. Just pick one with a modest intensity rating.
Given the starting coaster selection, the Mine Ride can most easily meet this requirement, provide a high carrying capacity and good excitement ratings. It is a good choice for a "feature" coaster in this park.
I chose my UCES Mine Ride coaster, "Mine Over Matter." At about $15,000, it's on the pricey side, but it worked well. Two other UCES coasters, and an assortment of gentle and thrill rides comprised the initial build out.
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UCES Track Designs There are many wonderful track designs in the UCES package - over 150 in all. Many have been themed with the custom scenery used in the UCES scenarios, but there are also a substantial number that use only the standard RCT2 scenery objects. In this game I used Hobbester's "Wood Cobra" - a slick little woodie from his "Snake" collection. It's only drawback is that you need to tunnel underground to build a path to the exit. This is a small matter when you consider that it packs a good EX punch in such a tight package. Also I used a pair of Spunknit's mice coasters, "Hickory, Dickory Dock," and "Rodentia." Mouse coasters are among her many talents. You didn't think you could get through this article without a UCES commerical, did you??? |
Now game play proceeded normally, building more rides as finances allowed. At the end of year one, I had about 950 guests. The midway path system had become a "regular loop" system.
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Pricing your rides How much should you charge for your rides? This issue is endlessly debated, and the truth is there is no exact answer. The game allows considerable latitude in the pricing decision. There is an easy way to manage prices, and have a consistent pricing policy. In the rides window, one of the choices in the dropdown list displays ride "satisfaction."
This window tells you the "value proposition" of the ride - whether guests felt they got "really good value." You can choose your target "satisfaction level", and maintain prices on that basis. Just double click on a ride to open the ride window, and adjust prices up or down. There will be lag - you won't see the result immediately. I typically target a 70% satisfaction level for my ride prices. As a ride gets older, you will see the satisfaction level drop unless you lower prices. If satisfaction drops to 50% or below, you will start getting price resistance from your guests. Examine this window every few game months, and pricing worries will be a thing of the past. |
In year two, I extended the midway through the castle, all the way to the back of the park. I built more rides, and was making more money, but the number of guests was barely increasing. They were going broke and leaving too fast.
In June, Year 2, the cash machine research was completed. After installing a half-dozen cash machines, this problem was solved. Even without advertising, the guest count increased, and reached 1500 in October, Year 2. The goal had been attained in half the required time.
At this point, I had five coasters. Four were from the UCES pack. I used four hedge mazes from the hedge maze pack, and a variety of other gentle and thrill rides. There were a total of twenty-five rides in all. The only custom-designed ride was a log flume located at the back of the park. The complete list of rides is above.
Well, my friend, we have reached the end of the beginning. I wish you well in all your journeys!
