The Sequel to the Terrifying PS2 Game 'Rollercoaster World' That Has Gone Unnoticed

In 2004 a very unique game was released on the PlayStation 2. Rollercoaster World was a theme park simulation game, which allowed players to build a park of their dreams, and ride their own attractions using the "Free Walk" option. While on the surface the title didn't seem like much, those who gave it a chance were greeted to one of the most horrifying mini games in existence—the haunted house.

The haunted house wasn't anything too crazy in theory, but it was a dark maze where ghosts would chase you while chanting disturbing sayings. For a game that was marketed to everyone, including kids, the inclusion of such a side game was extremely shocking. It is because of this mini game that Rollercoaster World became infamous among those who took the time to play it, and is something that would later be discussed by gamers online. 

Still to this day this "PS2 Classic" is looked back on simply because of the haunted house, but what many may not realize is, this game actually returned in 2016 for PlayStation 4 with PlayStation VR support.

Where it Began:

Although Rollercoaster World is the title that gained infamy, the first title in the series was actually released in 1999 in Japan. It was developed by Bimboosoft and released on the Dream Cast as Coaster Works. It would later come to the West in 2001, with a sequel releasing in Japan in 2000. This release never made it to the West, but in 2004 Rollercoaster World (now developed by Takara) would get picked up by D3 Publisher and released for PS2. While many might've assumed this was a one-off game, it was truthfully the 3rd entry, in what would eventually become a four game long series.

Rollercoaster Dreams:

Following a 12-year gap, Bimboosoft would return once again to develop Rollercoaster Dreams—a PlayStation 4 title that would make use of the newly released PlayStation VR. The game is fundamentally the same as Rollercoaster World, but with some updates for the modern platform. Due to it mostly being a direct port, however, graphically it is one of the worst-looking PlayStation 4 titles, but it did in fact function with PlayStation VR flawlessly.

The real difference with this release is the inclusion of the online mode, which allows players to create their own parks and share them with the world. Even in 2025, parks continue to be uploaded, with different crazy rollercoasters being constructed all the time. While the game is playable in 2D, just like World, the real draw here was the VR support. Despite looking outdated and having other weird issues, it was possible to look past them simply due to the rush felt when jumping on a coaster with a headset on. Unfortunately, even for those who have become very acquainted with VR, the game is still very nauseating.

Putting aside the crazy rides players have created, many of the built-in attractions involve a lot of spinning and very up-close and personal moments. These induce motion sickness quite easily, making a good chunk of the attractions simply not worth it in VR. There are some basic mini-games that can be played as well, which have a certain novelty to them, but they do get boring after a while. It wasn't a bad thing back in 2016 when PlayStation VR was so fresh, but in today's world where VR games are quite common, there isn't really anything here worth it outside of the rollercoasters themselves. Unless you want to treat yourself to 2004's horror, that is.

The Haunted House Returns:

Surprisingly, the haunted house returns once again, and it is still identical to how it was back in the day.

Dark hallways that make up winding mazes, an exit you must reach, and countless ghosts that chase you while chanting evil sayings. It is still just as surprising today as it was back in 2004, and now it is in your face in VR (if you choose). 

Outside of Here They Lie and Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, this was one of the first horror experiences on the PlayStation VR. While it actually isn't as scary as a "true" horror game, there is no denying how disturbing the whole experience is. Mix in the fact that many of the in game trophies are locked behind this mode, and you have something most owners of the game will simply not want to ignore—even if it bothers them. Simply turning your brain off and seeing it as a cheap carnival haunted house ride helps things a lot, but not everyone will be able to see through it as easily. It is something kids may want to avoid, as it will for sure give them a scare.

In addition to the haunted house, there is also a zombie mansion where the simple goal is to avoid bouncing zombies, but this is more silly than anything. Again the zombies might disturb younger children, but overall it is nothing compared to the haunted house. 

Outside of this mini game however, one could argue other parts of the game are just as disturbing. While it cannot be seen normally, here's a quick look at your "player character" when you physically step out of their body in VR.

Looking back at that was a bit of a jump scare to say the least.

Is the Game Worth Looking Into? 

For those looking for a PlayStation VR (not PSVR2) game that allows you to ride rollercoasters, then Rollercoaster Dreams isn't a bad deal. It was dirt cheap on release and can be worth it for the rides alone. Those nostalgic for Rollercoaster World on PS2 might also want to check this one out, and it is also an easier way for those who missed out on World to give it a chance. Outside of these reasons, however? The game is simply not worth it.

The bare-bones simulation mode, the basic mini-games, and the clunky creation tools make this one a chore to play. It is also a strange design choice to use the d-pad over the analog stick for placing structures. The menus also make it hard to locate the specific facility or attraction you are looking for, with some of the grouping mixing decoration along with actual functional buildings. On the plus side, the game does offer a lot of extra "for fun" items to help with the immersion of it all—such as buying stuffed animals—but they do nothing in-game at all. You can't keep anything you buy, so ultimately there isn't a point.

But with that being said, the game is still an interesting title, and one I personally got a lot of enjoyment out of during my early days with VR. It could've been so much better, sure, but it also did its job. It was a cheap way for the developers to cash back in on their old series, but it was also the perfect time to do so. It did, however, completely fly under the radar for most, and many never even realized it was a part of a series—let alone a return of 2004's infamous ghost mini-game. That alone still makes this one an interesting release, but it isn't one that can be recommended for the gameplay alone.