[joveian]

I have mixed feelings about that one. The building is much better than RCT (1-3, the ones that I've played) both coasters and buildings, however I don't like the art style at all and the terrain is mostly flat and much less interesting. Also the additional goods movement and service building hiding aspects that they added somewhat detract from the fun in my opinion. In the first RCT only the entrance (and possibly exit, I don't remember) had to be above ground, so with a bit of coaxing you could build rides that are underground except for a hole above the entrance, which was neat. Also, unlike RCT3, Parkitect doesn't let you move the camera to a path view (grid layout and isometric view are not really related), which is something I like to do.

One thing RCT does better than other sim games I've played is having a ton of customization options (Parkitect does this too). I like Timberborn also and wish it would have more customization possibilities like the RCT games. There are some limitations in the RCT games, like setting up a free monorail system doesn't cause anyone to use it to get to the next ride they are heading to, but in terms of decorations there is quite a bit you can do with it.

[Aeolun]

I don’t think the original RCT would let you build underground at all? Seem to recall that starting (or becoming practical?) from RCT2 onwards.

[arkadiytehgraet]

Original RCT most definitely had underground building, both for paths and attractions. I think 1 or 2 parks in the 'campaign' was even centered about being mostly underground.

[chippiewill]

You could definitely build underground in the original game.

I only ever had the original one when growing up and did stuff underground a fair bit. One of the early campaign parks came with a bunch of rides and stuff underground off the bat.

I think there were some practical changes to make it a bit easier in RCT2, but it was never hard.