Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! dramatically expands the core management gameplay of the base game by introducing a wealth of water-based attractions. Building on the familiar coaster- and flat-ride mechanics, you can now design intricate multi-level swimming pools complete with diving boards, sun-beds, and poolside decorations. The new water slides range from simple straight chutes to twisting corkscrews and funnel slides, giving players creative freedom to craft signature attractions that keep park guests thrilled and coming back for more.

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Beyond just slide-building, Soaked! adds an extra layer of strategic depth. Guests now have thirst and heat comfort stats that require you to place water cannons and misting stations thoughtfully. Balancing queue lengths for slides, lifeguard huts, and sun-beds becomes a core part of park optimization. This expansion also introduces a variety of water-themed scenarios with specific objectives—such as hosting a dolphin show in themed lagoons or hitting guest satisfaction targets on scorching-summer maps—keeping the challenge fresh and engaging.

Replayability soars in Soaked! thanks to the sandbox mode enhancements. With hundreds of new scenery pieces and two entirely new thematic tilesets (such as tropical lagoon and futuristic marine park), you can mix water features with traditional RCT elements to create hybrid parks. The intuitive pathing tools and water-construction interface ensure that even complex water rides remain accessible, whether you’re a seasoned tycoon or new to the franchise.

Graphics

Graphically, Soaked! makes a splash with its shimmering water effects and dynamic lighting. Pool water ripples realistically as guests dive in, and slide chutes reflect sunlight, adding a sense of depth and realism that wasn’t possible in earlier titles. The upgraded particle effects for splashes and fountain jets give each water attraction a lively, eye-catching quality that draws guests in and keeps them watching.

The game’s animations extend beyond rides: swimmers will actually dog-paddle toward diving boards, and guests queueing for slides will shift weight and chatter as they wait. Animal shows—like the dolphin and whale performances—feature smooth skeletal animation and splash effects that feel surprisingly lifelike. Combined with the existing coaster-car jitters and park ambiance, the world feels bustling and immersive.

Despite the richer visuals, performance remains solid on midrange hardware. Frame rates stay steady even in densely decorated parks, thanks to efficient culling and optimized water shaders. Camera zoom and angle controls let you appreciate both the big picture of your sprawling park and the intricate details of slide loops and animal show stages without stutters or slowdowns.

Story

While RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! doesn’t introduce a traditional narrative, it shines in providing scenario-based “mini-campaigns” that feel like bite-sized stories. Each scenario presents a unique challenge—such as transforming a desert plateau into a bustling water wonderland or rivaling a neighboring park’s marine shrine—all within a limited budget and time frame. These vignettes drive you to plan thoughtfully and create themed attractions that tell a coherent visual tale.

The two new themed tilesets—tropical lagoon and marine amphitheater—act as narrative backdrops. As you place bamboo fences, tiki torches, and coral-rock formations, you evoke a sense of lush island retreat. Guests respond to these environmental cues, commenting on “feeling like they’re on vacation” or “love the waterfall behind the slides,” deepening the sense of story through their reactions.

Emergent storytelling arises from how you combine elements. Perhaps you’ll stage a nightly laser-and-water show featuring synchronized fountains and dolphin acrobatics, or build a cliffside wave pool that becomes your park’s signature photo op. These unscripted moments—when a guest’s satisfaction soars or a coaster cars’ roar echoes over the waves—are the “story beats” that make each playthrough uniquely memorable.

Overall Experience

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! stands out as a must-have expansion for anyone who enjoyed the base game’s blend of creative building and strategic management. The introduction of water attractions not only enriches the aesthetic variety but also brings new gameplay mechanics around temperature, hydration, and show scheduling. The learning curve is smooth, and veterans will appreciate the advanced ride-design sandbox, while newcomers will find the tutorials and user-friendly interfaces a welcoming entry point.

Moreover, the synergy between Soaked! and the Wild! expansion (which adds animals and safari rides) means you can combine both packs for nearly limitless park permutations. Want a coastal zoo with a dolphin lagoon and a roller coaster that dives through a whale tank? The tools are at your fingertips. The expanded ride roster—over 50 new attractions—ensures you won’t run out of ideas, and the extensive scenery catalog makes every park feel distinct.

In terms of value, Soaked! delivers hours of additional content at a modest price point, revitalizing RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 long after its original release. Whether you’re chasing high guest ratings in scenario mode, unleashing your imagination in sandbox parks, or simply watching the sun set behind your neon-lit water slides, this expansion is a refreshing dive into theme-park design. For tycoons keen on building the ultimate waterpark, Soaked! is an immersive, rewarding splash that belongs in your collection.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10