Planet Coaster 2

TheXboxHub, Areajugones, and TheSixthAxis highlight some positive aspects of the story in Planet Coaster 2, noting that while the narrative may not be the game's main focus, it adds a layer of depth and engagement. TheXboxHub acknowledges the attempt to weave lore into the gameplay through references to ancient races and park creation, even if it ultimately falls flat. Areajugones praises the Career mode for having a surprisingly entertaining narrative that guides players through the game's systems, while TheSixthAxis appreciates the fun and accessible narrative drive introduced by the concept of Coastonians, an ancient race. These reviews suggest that while the story is not the central hook, it does provide a modest but intriguing framework for the gameplay experience, particularly for those who enjoy a bit of world-building. On the other hand, several critics, including Digitally Downloaded, Gamers Heroes, IGN France, and PC Games, express dissatisfaction with the story mode, describing it as forgettable, frustrating, and lacking in substance. Digitally Downloaded calls the story "bonkers and forgettable," emphasizing its role as more of a tutorial than a compelling narrative. Gamers Heroes finds the campaign exhausting and repetitive, while IGN France criticizes it for being restrictive and uninformative, leading to frustration. PC Games points out that the story is unimportant and that the Career mode's rudimentary narrative includes cringe-worthy characters, which detract from the experience. These negative assessments suggest that the story fails to deliver a meaningful or immersive experience, often feeling like an afterthought. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with some finding the narrative elements in Planet Coaster 2 to be a minor but welcome addition, while others see them as underdeveloped and unengaging. While titles like Areajugones and TheSixthAxis appreciate the narrative's presence and its role in guiding players, others, such as Digitally Downloaded and IGN France, feel it lacks depth and fails to enhance the gameplay. The game's story mode appears to serve more as a structural framework or tutorial rather than a central narrative, and its reception varies depending on the player's expectations and tolerance for story-driven content. Despite this, the Career mode is generally seen as a useful tool for learning the game's mechanics, even if its storytelling is not its strongest suit.

Planet Coaster 2 is widely praised for its deep and creative gameplay, offering players a rich experience centered around park design and construction. Many critics highlight the improved path-building engine, intuitive controls, and the introduction of new mechanics such as utilities for rides and water activities, which enhance the simulation aspect. The game features multiple modes, including Career, Sandbox, and Franchise, each providing distinct experiences that cater to both casual and dedicated players. For instance, TheXboxHub and Multiplayer.it emphasize the engaging objectives in Career mode and the creative freedom in Sandbox, while GameGrin and GamesHub note the balance between profitability and guest satisfaction. IGN and IGN France commend the extensive visual customization and intuitive coaster editor, making the game a standout for those who enjoy designing and building their dream theme parks. However, several critics point out that the management aspect of the game is less complex and more passive than expected, which detracts from the simulation depth. Digitally Downloaded and Gamer.nl mention that the game lacks the challenge of failure and feels superficial in its management mechanics. Gameliner and Games.cz criticize the shallow management elements and frustrating controls, while Xbox Tavern and Push Square note that the UI can be cumbersome and the learning curve is uneven. GameWatcher and Gamer.nl also point out that management can feel like a chore, reducing overall enjoyment. Additionally, some reviewers, like Shacknews, argue that the research system is outdated and that the simulation doesn't offer enough depth, while Power Unlimited highlights the absence of real-time multiplayer collaboration. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Planet Coaster 2 is a rewarding and immersive experience for creative players, with a strong emphasis on building and customization. While some find the management mechanics too simplistic, others appreciate the game's flexibility, allowing players to engage deeply or casually. The Career mode is seen as a structured tutorial, while the Sandbox mode is highlighted as the most enjoyable for experimentation. Multiplayer.it and TheXboxHub both praise the game's versatility and depth, and Games.cz and GameGrin note that it provides a satisfying balance of creativity and guidance. Overall, the game is viewed as a significant improvement over its predecessor, with enhanced tools and features that cater to a wide range of players, though some design and UI issues remain.

The majority of critics praised Planet Coaster 2 for its vibrant and visually appealing graphics, highlighting its evolution from the original game. Metro GameCentral and ZTGD both noted the cartoonish style as a standout feature, with the latter calling the visuals "visually stunning" and emphasizing "vibrant colors and impressive detail," particularly on the Xbox Series X. The water-based elements received widespread acclaim, with Movies Games and Tech and Gameliner commending the "impressive water effects" and "lively atmosphere," while COGconnected and TechRadar Gaming praised the "fantastic water effects" and "detailed terrain textures." Customization options were another key positive, with IGN and GLHF highlighting the "powerful terrain editor" and "extensive customization tools," allowing players to create immersive, detailed parks. GameGrin and PC Gamer also appreciated the "detailed animations" and "creative elements," such as weather effects and interactive scenery, which enhanced the simulation’s realism and aesthetic appeal. The game’s art style was consistently described as charming and engaging, with Push Square and God is a Geek noting how the "charming graphics" and "huge variety of decorations" contributed to an authentic theme park experience. Despite these strengths, several critics pointed out technical and design flaws that slightly detracted from the visual experience. GamingBolt noted issues with "shaky buildings and character model clipping," while Impulsegamer criticized the "paving system" as a weak point. Eurogamer and Cubed3 mentioned a lack of distinct thematic archetypes and "less believable park entrances," respectively, suggesting the game’s visual identity felt less cohesive compared to its predecessor. SpazioGames pointed out that "some water slide animations are lacking," and IGN France and Player 2 highlighted that the game could be "resource-intensive" and "strain video cards" at high settings. Additionally, Multiplayer.it (PC version) and IGN Spain noted minor bugs affecting the gameplay experience, though these were often framed as isolated issues rather than major drawbacks. These critiques, while valid, were generally overshadowed by the game’s overall visual ambition and creativity. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Planet Coaster 2 being celebrated for its artistic improvements and immersive design. While some technical and aesthetic shortcomings were acknowledged, the majority emphasized its "significant improvement over the previous installment" (Multiplayer.it), "visually appealing" environments (PlayStation Universe), and "superb visual presentation" (Movies Games and Tech). The game’s ability to blend stylized visuals with detailed simulation elements—such as the "seamless integration of water parks" (Push Square) and "impressive detail in rides" (TheSixthAxis)—was seen as a major strength. Even critics who pointed out flaws, like Eurogamer and Cubed3, acknowledged the game’s dedication to visual polish and creative freedom. Ultimately, the combination of vibrant aesthetics, enhanced water features, and robust customization tools solidified Planet Coaster 2 as a visually impressive title, with its positives far outweighing its minor technical issues.

The sound design and music of Planet Coaster 2 have been largely praised by critics, with many highlighting the immersive and enjoyable qualities of the audio elements. Metro GameCentral noted that the constant hubbub of park visitors is "surprisingly thrilling," indicating that the ambient sounds contribute positively to the game's atmosphere. GamingBolt and Movies Games and Tech both emphasized that the soundtrack is "enjoyable" and "soothing," respectively, with sound effects that enhance the overall experience. Push Square and Multiplayer.it described the music as "fantastic" and "enhancing the gaming experience," while Cubed3 praised the "excellent" sound design with "satisfying ride effects and themed sounds." These reviews collectively suggest that the audio elements are well-crafted and contribute significantly to the game's engaging and immersive environment. While the majority of reviews are positive, some critics pointed out minor shortcomings. Cubed3 noted that the "music selection is limited," which could be a drawback for players seeking variety. Additionally, Vandal and Eurogamer mentioned that specific details about the sound design were not extensively covered, suggesting that while the audio is good, it may not be as detailed or groundbreaking as some might hope. Similarly, IGN Spain focused on voice acting in the story mode rather than the broader sound design, and Gamer.nl described the music as "familiar and fitting" without elaborating further. These comments indicate that while the audio is effective, it may not offer the same level of innovation or depth as other aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Planet Coaster 2 delivers a strong and immersive audio experience, with the sound design and music playing a key role in enhancing gameplay. While some reviews mention limitations, such as a restricted music selection or lack of detailed coverage, the general sentiment remains positive. The game's ability to create a lively and engaging park environment through its audio is widely acknowledged, with multiple critics—such as GamingBolt, Movies Games and Tech, and Multiplayer.it—highlighting its effectiveness. This suggests that the sound design and music are not only well-executed but also integral to the game's appeal and enjoyment.

The voice acting in Planet Coaster 2 receives praise from several critics for its effort and integration into the game’s creative and narrative elements. Movies Games and Tech highlights the "excellent voice cast" that offers "informative and encouraging commentary," enhancing the player’s engagement with the game’s design mechanics. GameGrin and GamesHub both commend the "engaging voice acting and dialogue in Career Mode," noting how it helps players connect with characters and learn the game’s systems. TheSixthAxis appreciates the "light-hearted commentary" from Oswald B Thompson and Eugene, which contributes to the game’s "cozy atmosphere," while Vandal acknowledges "good voice acting in Spanish for characters presenting challenges," even if it doesn’t stand out. These reviews suggest that the voice work is often effective in supporting the game’s tutorial and creative aspects, with some critics emphasizing its role in making the experience more immersive and approachable. However, several critics express dissatisfaction with the voice acting, pointing to its shortcomings in tone and execution. TheXboxHub criticizes the "inane chatter from characters," which they argue detracts from the overall experience, while PC Games describes the voice acting as "annoying and cringe-worthy," directly impacting player enjoyment. IGN also notes "negative feedback on the dialogue in career mode," implying that the writing may undermine the voice work’s potential. Push Square acknowledges the "fully voiced character narrators in the lengthy campaign" but warns that "some personalities may be perceived as grating," suggesting that while the effort is present, the delivery or character design fails to resonate with all players. GamingBolt’s observation that the voice acting "tries to inject enthusiasm" despite "shortcomings in writing and character interactions" further underscores a disconnect between performance and narrative quality. Overall, the consensus on Planet Coaster 2’s voice acting is mixed, with critics divided between its strengths and flaws. While some praise its immersive and informative qualities—particularly in Career Mode and Spanish voiceovers—others find it repetitive, cringe, or grating, especially when paired with weaker writing. The positive reviews often highlight how the voice acting enriches the creative process, but the negatives emphasize that it struggles to elevate the game’s narrative depth. This duality suggests that the voice acting is a polarizing element, with its effectiveness depending on individual player preferences and tolerance for its tonal inconsistencies. Despite these differences, the majority of critics agree that the voice work is a notable component of the game, even if it doesn’t fully meet expectations in every aspect.

The technical performance of Planet Coaster 2 receives mixed but generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths. On the Xbox Series X, reviewers like SomosXbox highlight its "stable performance with reduced popping and ray tracing," while Metro GameCentral praises its smooth gameplay with a gamepad, despite minor camera glitches. GameSpew and Multiplayer.it note that the game runs well on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with GameSpew emphasizing its "visually appealing and stable experience" and Multiplayer.it pointing to "reasonable resource consumption" and high object support. For PC, TechRadar Gaming commends its "smooth performance even on lower-end hardware," and Vandal acknowledges "well-optimized" design, while SpazioGames and GameWatcher appreciate the "stable frame rate" and "good upscaling options." These positives suggest the game is technically robust, especially on modern hardware, with cross-platform consistency in core mechanics and visuals. However, technical challenges persist across all platforms. On Xbox Series X, Xbox Tavern criticizes "UI issues and sluggish performance," while TheXboxHub points to multiplayer limitations, restricting single-player focus. For PS5, GamingBolt reports "annoying bugs" like character model clipping and shaky buildings, and PlayStation Universe highlights "significant control and menu navigation issues." On PC, COGconnected and Gameliner note "optimization issues, lag, crashes, and freezes," while Eurogamer and GameStar mention "interface issues" and "AI pathfinding bugs." GameGrin and Gamer.nl also point to "performance hiccups" and "frustrations with controls," respectively. These concerns, particularly on PC, suggest that while the game is functional, it requires further refinement to address stability and usability hiccups, especially in complex scenarios or with specific hardware configurations. Overall, the consensus leans toward a technically solid foundation with room for improvement. While GameSpew and TechRadar Gaming praise its performance across platforms, many critics, including GamingBolt and COGconnected, stress that bugs, UI flaws, and optimization issues need patches. Multiplayer.it and Vandal acknowledge the game's potential but note the need for updates to fully realize it. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions face unique challenges in control and UI design, while PC users grapple with more severe stability problems. Despite these flaws, the game's core systems are deemed capable, with Player 2 and TheSixthAxis expressing hope for future fixes. The technical performance, while not flawless, is seen as a strong starting point, with developers likely to address concerns over time, as suggested by GameStar and GameWatcher’s observations of post-launch improvements.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Planet Coaster 2 is largely positive, with many critics highlighting the game's strong creative and customizable elements. Multiple reviewers, such as Metro GameCentral, SomosXbox, TheXboxHub, and ZTGD, emphasize the endless possibilities in sandbox mode, noting the freedom to build without financial constraints and the inclusion of water attractions and vast building materials. GameSpew and Movies Games and Tech also praise the game’s multiple modes, including career, franchise, and creation, along with the Workshop feature that provides access to user-generated content. Areajugones and But Why Tho? point to the community sharing features and extensive customization as major contributors to replayability. Additionally, IGN and IGN France highlight the Steam Workshop integration and the creative playground nature of the game, which encourages players to experiment and return for new experiences. However, some critics express concerns that may limit the game’s long-term replay value. Digitally Downloaded notes that while sandbox mode and creative building are strong, the lack of challenge could affect long-term engagement. GamingBolt points out that the game’s lack of intuitiveness, missing features, and bugs hinder replay value, while COGconnected and Gameliner mention the frustrating interface and limited content, respectively, as potential drawbacks. Push Square warns that some features may be locked behind a paywall, and GameWatcher suggests that the Career mode might deter some players. Eurogamer and SpazioGames also point to the lack of depth in management and limitations on location variety, which could reduce the game’s appeal for some audiences. Despite these concerns, the overall consensus among critics is that Planet Coaster 2 has a high replay value due to its diverse modes, creative tools, and community-driven content. Multiplayer.it and TheSixthAxis both highlight the variety of gameplay options, including co-op and franchise modes, which encourage repeated play. Try Hard Guides and Vandal note that the franchise mode and cooperative play add to the game’s longevity. While some critics point out flaws, the majority agree that the game provides enough content and flexibility to keep players engaged for a long time, especially for fans of the simulation and creative building genres. The combination of sandbox freedom, structured challenges, and community interaction makes Planet Coaster 2 a game that players are likely to revisit multiple times.