- Platform: IBM PC Compatible
- Release Date: November 01, 1996
- Genre: Simulation
- Style: World-Building Sim
- Similar Games: SimTower (Macintosh), Theme Park (Macintosh), SimTower (IBM PC Compatible), Theme Park (IBM PC Compatible), Theme Park (Sega Genesis), Theme Park (Sega Saturn), Theme Park (PlayStation), SimCity (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), SimCopter (IBM PC Compatible), Theme Park (Atari Jaguar), SimCity (Commodore 64/128), SimCity Classic (Hybrid Windows/Mac), Theme Park (3DO), SimCity (Atari ST), SimCity (Commodore Amiga)
Game Description
SimPark is a simulation game in which the player creates his or her own park, full of animals, plants, and hopefully, if your park is good enough, people. The game starts off by letting you choose whether you want to start a new game, load an old one, or watch a tutorial that will help you learn how exactly you play. Once you decide, you are presented with your park. It's basically just a big empty plot of land (much like Sim City) and you have control of everything that goes into it.The player can choose what kinds of animals he or she wants in his or her park. There are tons of different animals, from snakes to alligators to eagles. Next, the player chooses from lots of different plants. There are many flowers, trees, bushes, and so on. The way to lure people into the park, however, is to have "human things." For example, you can put swings, slides, and an outhouse in an area, so that the humans can come to enjoy the animals in their own comfortable space.
~ Mark Kanarick, All Game Guide
Roots & Influences
Sim City influenced this game. It opened up the floodgates to all simulation games.~ Mark Kanarick, All Game Guide
Review: Overall
Sim Park is a fun game. Although it says ages 8+ (making it seem like a kids game) older audiences will also find it to be quite enjoyable. It is interesting to see how all the different types of animals interact with each other, as well as the people that eventually visit your park. You start off with a limited amount of money, like always, and all of the materials do cost a substantial amount. However, you will not have a problem starting off a park where people will come in and you will soon make your money back.The graphics are adequate, but nothing spectacular. You will know exactly what type of animal or plant you are putting into your park and you can't really ask for much more from a simulation game like this. They are somewhat cute however, and do get on the nerves of an older player at least a little bit, but younger players may find the graphics to be perfect.
A cool feature in the game is the disasters. You can choose to have you park be subjected to a number of disasters, ranging from tornadoes to alien invasions to kudzu. Why would one want to be hit with these disasters? Just to see the aliens spell out, with their pods, "Resistance is futile," visible only from the park map. It's things like this that make the game fun.
Another cool detail to the game is the ability to learn about all of the things being put in your park. If you click on the animal or plant when you have the microphone option pressed down, it will tell you a little bit about itself.
~ Mark Kanarick, All Game Guide
Review: Enjoyment
It's fun to make a park.~ Mark Kanarick, All Game Guide
Review: Graphics
Cute, somewhat plain~ Mark Kanarick, All Game Guide
Review: Sound
Adequate.~ Mark Kanarick, All Game Guide
Review: Replay Value
You'll keep comin' back for more.~ Mark Kanarick, All Game Guide
