Park Beyond - What We Know So Far
Move over, "RollerCoaster Tycoon." There's a new theme park sim coming onto the scene, and it promises to be a physics-defying sensation. Any 90s kids who grew up playing tycoon-style sims will likely have a soft spot for the upcoming title "Park Beyond." The game was announced during Gamescom 2021 Opening Night Live with a nearly 2-minute-long reveal trailer. Even more juicy details became available afterward on the official game website. If you love theme park games, game-themed parks, or both, this title may be right up your alley.
"Park Beyond" is developed by Limbic Entertainment, a German company that has published 80 games in over a dozen countries since it was founded in 2002. Publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment has a ton of games on the market, and it's likely you'll recognize quite a few, like "Pac-Man," "Dark Souls," and "Warhammer." If the previous work of both Limbic and BANDAI NAMCO is any indication, "Park Beyond" should be solid. Without further adieu, here's all the key intel out there so far on "Park Beyond," including info on the release date, trailer, and gameplay.
What's the release date for Park Beyond?
According to the trailer, the release date for "Park Beyond" is sometime in 2022. There's no word yet on any more release date specifics, though it is confirmed that the game will release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. However, the game's site lists the release date for "Park Beyond" as "Coming Soon," which is a bit vaguer than the trailer suggested.
While the "Coming Soon" release date could easily line up with the 2022 release window advertised in the trailer, it also leaves open the possibility for an early release. At the very least, the word "soon" likely implies that "Park Beyond" will be available sometime in early- to mid-2022 as opposed to a late winter or Holiday 2022 release window. That being said, there's no way to know for sure until the game actually comes out or gets a more specific release date, but things look pretty promising for it to come out sooner rather than later.
What does the trailer reveal about Park Beyond?
The "Park Beyond" trailer opens with two park execs (identified as Phil and Izzy on the game site) discussing some outdated rides. Phil is excited, sharing that "they haven't made most of these rides since the 80s." Izzy is not convinced, as she responds, "the reason is nobody wants to ride them anymore, but it's OK. I think we just need a little help." The fourth wall is broken as both characters look into the camera, suggesting that you, the player, are the one to provide the help needed to transform the park.
A third character is introduced as Izzy and Phil are seen in a planning meeting. This new character crashes into the room with a jetpack with big roller coaster dreams and the first mention of Impossification, which seems to be a way to make incredible roller coasters that would otherwise not be possible. The rides that are shown next transform from blueprints into vibrant creations that are much more exciting than the standard ones shown earlier in the trailer, with an epic human cannonball ride, an octopus that slings guests into the air, mind-bending intense coasters, and more.
The trailer wraps up as Phil proclaims, "Our success depends on your creativity, my friend." The end screen reveals the 2022 release date, platforms, and the game's website: Impossify.com.
How does Park Beyond gameplay work?
Gravity won't be an obstacle in "Park Beyond," as the official game website spells out. You'll play as a "newly-hired visionary architect for a struggling company," and it'll be up to you to create "mind-twisting theme parks." The main campaign of the game is plot-driven. Players will "learn the ropes of park management and build increasingly crazy rides and modular coasters" that give even the craziest "Minecraft" roller coasters a run for their money.
"Park Beyond" promises "accessible controls" so that players with disabilities can be included in the fun. As far as the possibilities for your rides, there are literally thousands of choices and combos, so no two players will have the same experience. On top of building coasters and more, players will take part in park management and work hand-in-hand with Izzy and Phil, as well as other exciting characters along the way. From recruitment and marketing to research, stats, and shop design, it seems there is more than enough to keep players busy with a healthy dose of variety.
Whether you're ready to Impossify rides ASAP or you're holding out for more details before you decide if the game's for you, details about "Park Beyond" should be incoming within the next year. While the game isn't currently available for preorder, you can sign up to receive updates about it.