Reviews

A rare non-license deal from Elite Systems this is a platformer set in a theme park. In typical Jet Set Willy fashion there's a backstory of a disgruntled employee scattering the takings around the park and you having to collect them, but that's just an excuse for running around on all the rides trying to collect the coins.

The graphics are suitably detailed and practically every one of the sixty screens has some neat individual touches, making this game that you'll want to fully explore.

It might not be the most innovative of games but it has some original ideas and is well enough executed to stand out from the crowd; this well worth a look for platform fans.

For what seems like the majority of spectrum gamers, the history of platformers is very simple.

First there was Manic Miner, then came Jet Set Willy followed by everything else. Of course if you preferred things a little more arcadey then you are likely to mention Chuckie Egg.

Now I don't doubt for a minute that these were brilliant games. Among some of the very best early titles in fact. I owned and played all three of them. But the platform game I have the most nostalgia for is Roller Coaster.

Lets begin with the bad points. It's tough, really unforgiving. You won't get very far on your first go, probably not even on your tenth go. I never even thought seriously about completing the game. This was a game more about exploring that bit further with each go.

It had to be honest a better location than any of the other platformers of the day. You were there in the rollercoaster park after hours and all the rides were still switched on. The graphics were a very imaginative take on the theme park with all of the rides there for the player who could get far enough to enjoy (and survive) them.

There were also flashy things to collect - I believe there were spectrum gamers that did that sort of thing. But for me this gem was all about getting to new screens and finding new rides.

For me anyway, a much loved classic.

1986 Elite Systems (UK)
by S. Brockelhurst


This is one of my favorite games of all time. It as some adorable details in it and it's a great platformer.
It's impossible not to relate to Jet Set Willy, after all Mr. Smith's games spawned a lot of bastard child's.
But what sets Roller Coaster apart from the rest of the bunch is the quality and originality of the platforms.

Graphically may not be remarkable, but the platforms are simply amazing.
Every roller coaster is superb and with a realistic feel to every single one of them. It's a joy just to watch some. And even more when you get to ride them! Great stuff!
Oh, and there is also the trains which are another fun part of the game!

Your main job is fairly simple and the same as in Willy's games: Catch every bag of money and avoid being killed or killing yourself up.
But the main attraction are in the platform action and exploring the amusement park. And even if you don't want to complete the game or even bother with any of the bags, you can just chill out by cruising around the fair.

A classic in my eyes!

4,5 points (on account of the graphic simplicity)

Hey ! I thought I had already reviewed this one ...

Roller Coaster is a game in a million ... full of color and plenty of fun .

The rides are varied and challenging , collecting the gold is almost too challenging at times , this game is original to the full .

The tune is memorable ! Funny and engaging ... really .

Not an all time classic but a must try !!

Charming , sparking , funny , challenging , etc.

The ambience of the fair is also remarkable ! I love getting lost between the rides !

Roller Coaster is a crack of a game and I´ll never forget it ! ! ;)


One of the most sparking spots in the History of the Spectrum .


4,5 out of 5 stars .

Jet Set Willy in a fun fair.

It's pratically Jet Set Willy on amphetamines and it's great fun.
4/5

Colonel G. Bogey's Theme Park has been sabotaged by a disgruntled employee so that all the rides can't be switched off. He also has stolen the earnings and left them scattered all over the
fairground, so the Colonel must recollect the money in a true odyssey through traditional rides located in every amusement park: the ghost train, a flume, mini dodgems, a dolphin pool, the fun house and, of course, a 10-screens-long roller coaster!

Strongly influenced by Spectrum classic Jet Set Willy and Elite's Kokotoni Wilf, the game is colourful but graphically average with a strong difficulty.

Its starting tune is one of the most remembered tunes produce by the lovely 48K beeper.