Frontier Developments has not only announced "Planet Coaster 2," but also confirmed that the release date for the management sim's sequel is not too far off: it will be available later this year.

"Planet Coaster" was one of those games that you don't realize you need in your life until you start playing it. If you told me that I would have to spend countless nights tinkering with my idea of the perfect coaster park while trying to grow my own theme park empire, I would walk away from it as fast as I could and see if you were following me. But as it happens, "Planet Coaster" had everything I love about management sim games. [Like many sequels, "Planet Coaster 2" tries to improve on what it has developed in its predecessor. But that's not all the sequel offers.

"Float down lazy rivers, go down flumes, dive into wave pools, and splash with guests on an exhilarating water coaster ride," Frontier Developments said in a press release. 'Changing rooms, sunbeds, and lifeguards will be provided for a full-blown waterpark experience.' But I want to see how accurate this waterpark simulation is. The real test will be to see if I can get the NPCs to towel off at dawn and passively fight over the sunbeds.

"Create the ultimate theme park with gripping rides, spectacular slides, enhanced management, and more creativity than ever before," the press release reads. The intuitive piece-by-piece building tools and captivating new themes make it easy for players to take their park-building to the next level." Choose from an amazing selection of authentic rides, from fan favorites to sensational new water coasters, and for the first time, customize them to design a truly unique ride experience."

the press release states.

There is definitely something to be said for a management sim that can tread the line between realism and usability. I'm all for planning theme parks with the same restrictions and guidelines that actually exist. I hope "Planet Coaster 2" finds that middle ground.

The press release also explains how players can make their parks stand out: "Players can further unleash their imagination by using enhanced event sequencing tools, animatronics, smoke, water jets, sound, and more combine to create dazzling displays on individual rides and throughout the park to create unforgettable memories for guests"

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There are also three game modes to choose from: a standard career mode, a franchise mode that challenges players to build a worldwide network of parks, and a sandbox mode that allows players to do whatever they want. But if you're worried that the sandbox mode lacks the creative intuition required, you'll be glad to know that there are blueprints shared by other players that you can download and use. It's hard to take your eyes off a work that simultaneously defies the laws of physics and all health and safety regulations.