G-forces

A G-Force is a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated. By definition, any accelerating object will experience g-force. In RollerCoaster Tycoon, g-forces are simulated for tracked rides as 3 different values. Generally speaking, good designs will minimise the g-forces experienced by guests. High levels of g-force are dangerous, and in game will result in rides with low excitement ratings and ultra-high intensity ratings.

The graph tab on a ride window includes tabs for vertical and lateral Gs, and can be used to identify problem area of tracks.

Vertical Gs
Vertical Gs are generated on sections of track that push riders down into their seats. Cars/trains travelling through these sections at high speeds generate higher vertical g force.

Track sections that generate negative vertical gs include banked curves, flat to upward-sloped and downward-sloped to flat tracks and vertical loops.

Tracked rides should not exceed a maximum vertical g over 5.

Negative Vertical Gs
Negative vertical Gs are also known as "air time" and refers to the times when riders experience weightlessness. They are generated on sections of track that push riders out of their seats. Cars/trains travelling through these sections at high speeds generate higher negative g force.

Track sections that generate negative vertical gs include the crests of hills and flat to downward-sloped track.

Tracked rides with unattached cars, such as Dinghy Slides and Bobsleigh Coasters, are likely to Crash if their maximum negative vertical G exceeds -0.96. Covered sections of track (where available) can slightly lower this risk. For other tracked rides, the maximum negative vertical G should not exceed -2. Air Powered Vertical Coasters experience extreme levels of negative g force but this does not affect the excitement rating the same way as other tracked rides (i.e. the ride will still be exciting) however it will still have extreme intensity ratings.

Lateral Gs
Lateral Gs are generated on sections of track that push riders to the left or right. Cars/trains travelling though these sections at high speeds generate higher lateral g force.

Track sections that generate lateral gs include turns, s-bends and corkscrews.

Tracked rides should not exceed a maximum lateral g of 2.75. In most circumstances a roller coaster you have constructed that has a low excitement rating and ultra-high intensity rating will be due to an excess lateral g force. High lateral Gs can be reduced by using banked corners (which "converts" lateral Gs to vertical Gs) or reducing the speed of vehicles (brakes or, where applicable, shortening the height of a lift hill) during sections of high lateral Gs.