Sim Theme Park
© 1999 Electronic Arts
While it takes some perseverance to figure out each aspect of the program, this 3D theme park construction kit is amazing. Players design rides like roller coasters, log flumes or go-cart tracks and then try them out from a first person perspective. They also take on the responsibility of park management as they set admission prices, hire staff and so on. Developing the park using the Instant Action mode is relatively easy. You are given a small, pre-existing park, a bit of cash and numerous options for rides, entertainment, food and staff. Ratings of each ride's features and staff qualifications help you make critical decisions, as do customer happiness meters and a full-time research department! Soon, your theme park is teeming with visitors, and before you know it, the money is rolling in. Not everything is rosy, however. Overly rambunctious visitors set off stink bombs and other hazards to annoy bystanders, and you have to find janitors and security officers who can take care of the messes. Using this Instant Action mode of play, kids as young as eight found it fairly easy to get a successful park in place. Each of these testers raved about the simulated action of the rides. With the more challenging Full Simulation Mode, you can build your park from scratch. You create paths from the entrance, build the rides, hire each staff person and open the park when everything is ready. You have to conduct your own research, and you may need to borrow some money. Smart business moves result in keys to additional theme parks, a great incentive to keep your park going. Our biggest complaint lies with the software's installation. The program wouldn't load on systems with less than 400 MHz and a 3D accelerator card, so check your computer specs carefully. A PlayStation version is also available.
$39.95, Win, PlayStation
Teaches: economics, creativity, setting up and running business