SimPark

Infobox VG| title = SimPark


developer = Maxis Software
publisher = Maxis Software
designer =
engine =
version =
released = 1996
genre = Simulation, Education
modes = Single
ratings =
platforms = Windows, Windows 3.x, Mac OS
media = CD
requirements =
input = Keyboard, Mouse

"SimPark" is a 1996 computer game by Maxis. The object of the game is to cultivate and manage a successful park. Similar to "SimTown", it is targeted more towards children than the average gamer. "SimPark" attempts to show the importance of ecological balance. It could well be considered a 'lite' version of "SimIsle".

Objective

Players have to quickly learn how doing (or not doing) various things will affect how their park grows. For instance, if certain flower types aren't planted, the park won't attract bees. If the bees aren't flying around the park, then pollination won't occur, which is an important aspect of keeping the park growing. On top of properly managing the plant and animal population, players are also required to identify the park's plants and animals (gearing this game more towards younger players).

Humor

Players often receive in-game email, such as their boss telling them to make the park more diverse, or their virtual mother telling about life back at home (ex: "I baked you a cake..." etc.) Occasionally, the Boss's pet frog Rizzo will make an appearance on the screen to give the player advice, or nag about the way they're handling things. In addition to having the option to turn him off, one can also turn off any combination of four different disasters. These disasters include:

*Garbage DumpThe Garbage Dump is just a big pile of rubbish. As soon as it is made, rats start to produce from it and inhabit your park. The only way to get rid of the garbage dump is to put water on it or place lots of garbage-eating animals such as rats and black bears, around the garbage dump.
*Fire
* Kudzu
* Alien invasionThe Alien Invasion consists of flat, pink-and-blue creatures that litter the park grounds and sometimes float on the water. If the map is clicked to get a zoomed-out map view, the pattern the Aliens form may be in the shape of letters. One example of this is a message which reads: "Surrender, Dorothy". This is a parody to the movie "The Wizard of Oz". The only way to get rid of aliens, aside from using cheat codes, is to bulldoze them with the "Bulldozer" tool.

External links

*moby game|id=/simpark