For those that never played the original, Thrillville: Off the Rails lets you become the park manager of Thrillville. Being the manager, you have complete control over what rides and games are built in the parks, the ability to hire and fire staff, and set ticket pricing. It isn’t all fun and games though, you’ll also have to ensure you meet the needs of your guests as well as deal with the threats of Thrillville’s long-time rival, Globojoy.
Before you start building to your heart’s content, there are a few basic guidelines that you’ll need to follow. Each park is divided up into three different zones, a bit like the different kingdoms at Disney World. In each zone, you’ll be limited to building attractions in three open spaced areas. This makes you think about several different design issues such as bringing the food stalls in front of the rides so that they are more noticeable and keeping a balance between the gentle and thrilling rides. Additionally, there are two Coaster Zones which are restricted to racetracks and rollercoasters.
Lets get ready to rumble!
In order to unlock new parks, you’ll also need to complete a range of missions. These missions range from making friends with guests to firing any mechanics who aren’t properly maintaining rides. The missions haven’t really changed too much from the previous game, but they are a little more over the top this time around. For example, in one of the parks there are robots rigging the rides and in order to stop them, you have to become their love interest. It certainly is strange but at the same time, it adds charm and suits the game’s light-hearted tone.
One of our major complaints last year was that the mini-games weren’t engaging and felt very simplistic. Unfortunately, Off the Rails hasn’t improved on this too much, with many of the mini-games still looking like something you would find on a free Flash game website. There is, however, more variety in Off the Rails, as the developers have included several new mini-games along with the entire set from the original (with new designs). Some of better mini-games include; Stunt Rider where you have to perform stunts, Vender Tender which is similar to Bust-a-Move in that you have to match three identical food items, and Robo K.O. which is best described as boxing for robots. Like most mini-game compilations, you’ll also be able to play the mini-games either cooperatively or competitively with friends which adds a certain degree of fun. Additionally, there are sideshow games that you would commonly find at a carnival such as Test Your Strength and Alley Ball. If you score enough points, you’ll even be awarded with a prize that you can later give to guests.
On the topic of guests, Off the Rails has significantly expanded the number of conversation topics, and there are quite a few interesting and downright funny responses the guests will give you. One of our particular favourites was one guy who told us that he jumped in front of cars for a living. Again, the game’s quirkiness shines through but over time, conversations become utterly repetitive.
Many of the mini-games look like this.
A few other changes to Off the Rails includes new customisation options. Aside from changing the colour schemes of attractions, there’s a new 'trick out' feature that lets you add a theme to your ride. For example, if you wanted a ride to reflect a movie theme, the ticket stand would have a giant box of popcorn sitting on top of it while the actual ride would have pictures of cameras on its base. When you’re building rollercoasters, you also have items like flame hoops at your disposable, as well as the option of letting the ‘coaster crash into a wall and having the guests parachute back to the ground. They do feel a little gimmicky at times, but if you’re into customising objects, it’s a neat little feature that you can spend a fair amount of time playing with.
Surprisingly, the Wii version of Off the Rails only makes minimal use of motion controls. In the game, the Wii remote is primarily used to point at objects of interest and make selections. When you’re building new attractions, you’ll also have to twist the Nunchuck to rotate it or, in the case of building a rollercoaster, twist the Wii remote to direct the track. There are a few mini-games which utilise motion control such as Robo K.O. using it to mimic boxing and Test Your Strength making you power up your swing, but even when this is the case there are usually face button alternatives. Unfortunately, there is one particular type of mini-game when the controls feel tacked on – the first person shooters. In the mini-game you’re supposed to walk around and shoot evil robots. However, aiming your weapon feels very awkward, and at times your shots won’t correspond to where your cross-hair is aimed. It’s really disappointing, especially given the Wii remote’s advantages for FPS controls..
Yes, I jump in front of cars for a living.
Visually, Off the Rails’ has been given a major facelift. Last year, it looked like a pixelated mess but the developers seem to have taken this criticism to heart and paid more attention to detail. With the exception of when you’re crossing into the different park zones, the game’s frame rate usually remains stable which is impressive given the screen can be filled with dozens of people at the one time. In terms of the game’s audio, there’s a range of pop tunes that are played as you wander around the park and some music from the previous game can be heard during the mini-games. It’s nothing memorable but it suits the game’s theme.
If you’ve played the original Thrillville, there isn’t a lot that’s new in Off the Rails. There are some new mini-games, improved visuals and some new customisation options, but otherwise it’s just an expansion. Newcomers can be assured though, Off the Rails is a more pleasing experience.
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