Interview with Mike Robbins

In this interview, Red Phoenix interviews Mike Robbins, Head Moderator at RCT Station.

Red Phoenix: Where did your first hear about Hasbro's Rollercoaster Tycoon? And what did you think of it once you played it?

Mike Robbins: I first saw Roller Coaster Tycoon in March of 1999 at a Wal-Mart. I have never heard of it before since I was new to computers at the time but decided to give it a shot. I can't remember my first thoughts about it, but they must have been good because I still play it today.

Red Phoenix: What do you think of all the "anti-cheat" code Chris Sawyer placed in the RCT games?

Mike Robbins: Obviously, I'm against it. Having the patches and trainers have obviously kept the game interesting. I would have put the game down a long time ago if we didn't have anything more than the scenarios to play. With Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 released, the scenario editor is a good feature, but Chris Sawyer has once again limited our abilities with a ride and object cap.

Red Phoenix: What's your opinion of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2?

Mike Robbins: I like RCT2 better than RCT1. I seem to have a good grasp on it and my style fits nicely in it. More features would be better and some of the old tools and options from RCT1 are missed, but to sacrifice those few things are worth it in RCT2. Hopefully a new expansion pack will bring us what was missing and then some.

Red Phoenix: Will you be redoing any of your parks with RCT 2?

Mike Robbins: Long term plans do include a remake of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. With the bigger map sizes available, I can fit everything on one entire map, which was something I had to break down in two maps with RCT1. Of course, I will also collaborate with Steve Franks on getting the perfectly made coasters too. Another remake will be Seven Wonders of the World. Those two parks have been two of my most popular works over the years and it will be nice to make these with RCT2 also. A Steve Franks Tribute Park Map 3 is also in the plans.

Red Phoenix: You once helped out 'Cav' at Cav's RCT site a long time ago. What did you do there?

Mike Robbins: I mostly helped out with track files. I would test each track out sent to Cav, get all of the stats, and take a screenshot and edit the photo to the correct size. I also hosted a couple of contests there too.

Red Phoenix: It looks like an RCT 2 expansion pack will be released in May 2003. What would you like to see specifically in the game?

Mike Robbins: Like I mentioned before, old tools from the first game. Also more flat rides, coaster building options like different descent angles and drops, large corkscrews, etc., and a workbench editor. This would differ from a scenario editor by having all rides and scenery available, more money to play with, no park boundaries, and no scenario goals to fulfil.

Red Phoenix: What sort of RCT/RCT 2 utility would you like to see developed that isn't already available?

Mike Robbins: The workbench editor I mentioned before. This can also include an in-house trainer in the option pull down menu. It could be to keep the park tidy with a mow grass option, water flowers, etc.

Red Phoenix: What RCT sites do you visit on a regular basis?

Mike Robbins: RCT Station is the number one site for me. I also browse around on occasion New Element, RCT2.com, RCT Headquarters, and Danimation.

Red Phoenix: We know you're a Sergeant in the United States Air Force, and currently stationed in the UK. On TV, we've been taken through Marine and Army boot camps and shown what's involved in it - what's training in the Air Force like?

Mike Robbins: The same basic principles are involved. But the Air Force uses more classroom time in training. There is also a lot more attention to detail in your basic work environment. The Air Force is known more as the brains of the operation while the Army or Marines focus more on combat ground situations.

Red Phoenix: What other games (besides RCT) do you play?

Mike Robbins: RCT has put most of my games on the shelf. On occasion I will play Risk II, Madden 99, NHL 99, and my Sega Genesis.

Red Phoenix: If you could be someone (alive or dead) for one day, who would it be, and why?

Mike Robbins: Whoever is the starting goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs for that night!