Interface is overwhelming.

[Brandini]

So I played the game for about 30 minutes and maybe I just wasn't paying attention but there doesn't seem to be an in-game actual tutorial only those youtube video links. Personally I'm a hands-on learner so I feel like I'm gonna be spending a lot longer to learn though someone else doing it (the videos). As someone who has zero experience in manage/building games, how would you rate the learning curve? Is this a good start at learning these type of games or is it suited for the more experienced management players? Also, if I'm wrong and there's an in-game tutorial please point out where.

I started feeling overwhelmed when I went into the first career mode map with the pirate cove and the game was asking for me to manage the food vendor and do something else without even explaining how to take care of them. I kept clicking things and more menus popped up and I was so lost.

All information and help is appreciated!

[Sombrero]

Originally posted by Illidan:

So I played the game for about 30 minutes and maybe I just wasn't paying attention but there doesn't seem to be an in-game actual tutorial only those youtube video links. Personally I'm a hands-on learner so I feel like I'm gonna be spending a lot longer to learn though someone else doing it (the videos). As someone who has zero experience in manage/building games, how would you rate the learning curve? Is this a good start at learning these type of games or is it suited for the more experienced management players? Also, if I'm wrong and there's an in-game tutorial please point out where.

I started feeling overwhelmed when I went into the first career mode map with the pirate cove and the game was asking for me to manage the food vendor and do something else without even explaining how to take care of them. I kept clicking things and more menus popped up and I was so lost. :2016imnotcrying:

All information and help is appreciated! :happypolice:

I had exactly the same feeling as you and I almost asked myself if I should go for a refund. I'm glad I didn't though.

I very strongly recommend you look at all the in-game videos as they are actually excellent tutorials. They are very short, very detailed for each topic and really give you all the ropes. Once you've done that try to do a couple of career maps to get the hang of things. Each map kind of teaches you one aspect of the game. One will be focused on building good coasters, another one on managing staff and so on. Then they get more varied or specific and less tutorial-ish but it's a good place to start.

Then you can also just mess up with sandbox/challenge modes and do trial and error. But the videos should really make you get what the core mechanics of the game are. When you understand that (which is actually not that complicated once it's explained to you properly) you are good to go and it gets easy from there.

Feel free to add me if you have specific questions about the game I'd be happy to help.

[Cloakevan]

For new players this game can be overwhelming. It's user interface is not the most welcoming or logical, but thankfully there is a lot of help to find outside of the game. There is no traditional tutorial, only some tips on controls and such - and I am unsure if newer features are handled in this fashion. But, stick with it. Don't get overwhelmed, take it step by step. Tinker and try around in the sandbox or feel free to ask for specifics on the forums. :)

[ScruffyBamboo]

Originally posted by Cloak:

For new players this game can be overwhelming. It's user interface is not the most welcoming or logical, but thankfully there is a lot of help to find outside of the game. There is no traditional tutorial, only some tips on controls and such - and I am unsure if newer features are handled in this fashion. But, stick with it. Don't get overwhelmed, take it step by step. Tinker and try around in the sandbox or feel free to ask for specifics on the forums. :)

I second everything here. Yes, it's a bit overwhelming, but then it needs to be, because you can do SO MUCH. Once you start digging a bit, you'll find a game that has almost no equal, creativity-wise.

Also, what's cool is that a lot of the complex systems can be either switched off or simply ignored. Don't want to deal with rotating staff? Turn the feature off. Don't want to mess around with triggers and animated scenery on rides? No worries - your guests won't really mind.

SO yeah, maybe watch an hour's worth of Let's Plays (beginner stuff), and see if you can wrap your head around some of the UI. If you can get past the initial learning curve, you'll have a blast.

[Sytech]

Overwhelming? After 30 minutes? I can't understand how you find it overwhelming after so much time spent playing. If only there were some videos of the game which could help you... :(

[Messa]

Originally posted by Cloak:

For new players this game can be overwhelming. It's user interface is not the most welcoming or logical, but thankfully there is a lot of help to find outside of the game. There is no traditional tutorial, only some tips on controls and such - and I am unsure if newer features are handled in this fashion. But, stick with it. Don't get overwhelmed, take it step by step. Tinker and try around in the sandbox or feel free to ask for specifics on the forums. :)

^^This - I couldn't agree more.

I've played a fair number of sim games and, in my opinion, this game has a slightly higher learning curve. The controls and interface are awkward for me, but I still think it's worth pushing through, adapting and learning the mechanics. There are also some pretty good guides on Steam, but if you really want to try something similar - albeit simpler - I'd suggest one of the Rollercoaster Tycoon games. Last I checked, all three are available on Steam. Either way, good luck.

[Alice_1n_Ethrland]

I would definitely recommend watching some of the 'Let's Play' videos on YouTube, personally I found Geekism the most helpful when I started out, but there are plenty of good ones and I'm sure you will find one which suits your learning preferences.

[Romfullmetal]

I have played coasters sim since RCT1 and find it hard to understand the Planet Coaster interface. But believe me, when you see it, you will be already familiar to it.
Just try not pay to much attention on decorations at first.

[HeatherG]

the worst part is no tutorials. Trust me, my frustration level was very high.
There are great beginner tutorials on youtube. Even if a video isn’t necessarily a tutorial just watching videos lets you know whats possible within the game when it comes to building things. Be patient you’ll get there it just takes time.

some of my favorite people to watch on tourube are Deladysigner, Geekism, Rudi Rennkamel, Pause games, Silvarret, Uthris, Keralis.....there are others that you can find through a search.

[cerealfruitcake]

Some of you guys keep mentioning watching youtube videos but Illidan has said they want more of a hands-on tutorial system, and I definitely agree. It's very rare for a tycoon game like this to not have some kind of tutorial level that walks you through all the basics of the game.

I didn't personally mind and it felt right at home for me when I started playing during Alpha...but one of the most often complaints about Planet Coaster is how complex and overwhelming everything is. An in-game tutorial level that takes you through the UI, management, basics of paths, scenery, building & building a coaster, etc. would be hugely beneficial to the game and new players.

Until then though, yeah you gotta check out videos or just play through experience. Some games just take time to adjust to and figure out through playing, PC is one of those games.

[The Met4l God]

Originally posted by Illidan:

So I played the game for about 30 minutes and maybe I just wasn't paying attention but there doesn't seem to be an in-game actual tutorial only those youtube video links. Personally I'm a hands-on learner so I feel like I'm gonna be spending a lot longer to learn though someone else doing it (the videos). As someone who has zero experience in manage/building games, how would you rate the learning curve? Is this a good start at learning these type of games or is it suited for the more experienced management players? Also, if I'm wrong and there's an in-game tutorial please point out where.

I started feeling overwhelmed when I went into the first career mode map with the pirate cove and the game was asking for me to manage the food vendor and do something else without even explaining how to take care of them. I kept clicking things and more menus popped up and I was so lost. :2016imnotcrying:

All information and help is appreciated! :happypolice:

When in doubt, just press all the buttons and figure it out on your own. That's how I've learned a good bit of things on my own. Sandbox mode would be nice as well for learning the game since you can do things without the constraint of money.