RCT1 - Most people view this with rose tinted glasses. And they aren't to blame for it either. I mean in reality, it's a phenomenal game and there wasn't anything but Sim Coaster and Theme Park to compare it to, really. Has some of the most highly regarded scenarios.
RCT2- I would start with this one if you are looking for the full-on RCT experience. It introduced block brakes, many new coaster types, the Six Flags license. If this would have been released as the first game, well it probably would have blown our minds to pieces. The only reason this game got criticized is that we already had the first game and graphically, they are nearly indistinguishable. There are improvements in the path-finding and I think they actually increased the render frame-rate for track rides, making them smoother (maybe just increased frames of animation, not sure).
Let's put it this way, this game has more content than RCT1 and both it's expansions. Then it had two expansions of their own. It's got everything that made RCT1 great (except it's scenarios) and then some.
RCT3- Personally, this one is my favourite. One issue I had with RCT1 and 2 is when building coasters, the isometric view could occasionally make it look like two pieces of track are connected when they aren't (although rotating the view would show a better angle, of course). The graphics were done in a way that they have aged really well even if they are a bit basic. If you've ever played Startopia (if you haven't then you should) you will know what I mean. You can tell it's not a new game but it's presented in a way that even 10 years from now they won't detract from the fun.
The interface is not very well regarded, and it really isn't the greatest example of streamlining but once you are accustomed to it you should be able to find your way around it.
This version has all the expansions included. There are a ton of Roller coaster types, water rides, pools, zoo type things. It's a very fun game. It's got it's quirks, but like the first two games, once you know them, it's still a joy to work within them. Your peeps grouping and path-finding abilities are much appreciated. No more queueing single file but in clusters, like at a real amusement park, so you don't need long and winding queue paths like before. It does seem a lot harder to get peeps on the ride, but the patched version makes it easier than it was in the retail release.
I definitely suggest it. The first and second game aren't going up in price and you can (and should) grab them any time as well.
And like I said earlier, check out Startopia while you're at it, you can thank me later.
