Frontier Developments’ Planet Coaster 2 invites players to make a splash with the game’s introduction of water parks for the first time in the franchise’s history. However, players aren’t just diving into pools and flumes in the upcoming theme park management sim. In Planet Coaster 2, players must also manage the effects of different weather conditions on their park guests, with Planet Coaster 2′s latest trailer not only teasing glorious sunshine but also pouring rain. It’s another way that Planet Coaster 2 looks set to offer players additional levels of creative challenge and excitement for their parks, combined with a brand-new set of themes.
Following a recent Planet Coaster 2 hands-on preview, Game Rant also spoke with game director Richard Newbold and senior executive producer Adam Woods, among others, about the game’s new weather effects and how they affect park management. Newbold and Woods also revealed more details about the five new themes coming to Planet Coaster 2.
How Weather Affects Park Management In Planet Coaster 2
Focusing on how weather impacts gameplay in Planet Coaster 2, one new item that guests can purchase is sunscreen, which guests can buy to help avoid sunburn and help keep them happy. Managing the impact of sunny weather on guests also plays an important role in some of Planet Coaster 2‘s levels, as Newbold explained:
“On some of the levels, we will have weather periods where there is really bright sun, and you need to make sure that there’s enough shade for your guests, or there’s an aspect for our guests where they can buy sunscreen as well to mitigate the impact of that sunburn.”
In addition to ensuring guests have enough shade from the sun, Newbold added it also allows players to monetize sunscreen lotion and give them “a nice income boost.” Newbold also mentioned that players must ensure guests have access to umbrellas and shops have cover when it rains to avoid guests being miserable.
While there were various ways to make money in Planet Coaster, it sounds like the weather also gives players even more opportunities for financial gains. It also leans into Planet Coaster 2‘s focus on detail and authenticity, with Woods adding the weather is an authentic part of the theme park experience, especially with British weather. Of course, whether other weather conditions make it into the game remains to be seen.
Themes In Planet Coaster 2
In addition to weather effects, players have several new Planet Coaster themes to look forward to. Newbold revealed more details about the five new themes coming to Planet Coaster 2, which are:
- The Planet Coaster theme, which Newbold described as embodying the “Planet Coaster vibe” with “a lot of blue and white.”
- Resort – inspired by Western Coast California Surf.
- Viking – inspired by Viking culture, with opportunities for “big, long boats in your water parks”.
- Aquatic – inspired by a “submarine vibe.”
- Mythology – inspired by a “Greek Mediterranean feel.”
Newbold added there are numerous ways to customize and choose their park scenery pieces to their liking. Over the years, the community has come up with all kinds of impressive creations for their Planet Coaster park layouts, from recreations of real-life theme parks like Thorpe Park to Star Wars-inspired parks and beyond. Altogether, Planet Coaster 2‘s themes, enhanced tools, systems, and new features like pools and weather effects look set to give players even more thrilling ways to create and manage their parks, something that Woods is also excited about with Planet Coaster 2‘s new Franchise Mode:
“I’m really excited to see what Franchise Mode will bring when players get their hands on it and start to be able to collaborate in game and also share all those fantastic creations across the in-game workshop as well.”
