Theme Park DS is one of those games that appeared quite randomly. As far as I could see there was no advertising for it whatsoever, and I probably wouldn't have known it even existed if a friend hadn't mentioned it to me. With that being said, did they keep the game hidden for a reason, or ... Read review
Theme Park Hotel displays a spectacular ambience of colour, pomp and pageantry. Grandeur ... more
is reflected in its gaily decorated walls where crests and coat of arms extend a warm welcome to guests. Across the road is the ever-popular Genting Theme Park (outdoor) with its myriad attractions for the young and old alike, making this a popular accommodation choice for those visiting with families.
Postage & Packaging:refer to website Availability:Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Advantages: Identical to the PC version, complex Disadvantages: Graphics
Theme Park DS is one of those games that appeared quite randomly. As far as I could see there was no advertising for it whatsoever, and I probably wouldn't have known it even existed if a friend hadn't mentioned it to me. With that being said, did they keep the game hidden for a reason, or is this actually a worthwhile copy you should definitley consider picking up?
I can guarantee the majority of you will have played the PC version ... ...believe. You run your own theme park. You control what rides you want, where they go, what shops you want, you restock them, you set the prices, you hire and manage the staff. It's the game that was basically the foundation for more advanced and graphically beautiful games such as Rollercoaster Tycoon, and it definitley could be considered a classic.
But how does it fare in a more modern world in it's new portable format?
more
Theme Park DS is one of those games that appeared quite randomly. As far as I could see there was no advertising for it whatsoever, and I probably wouldn't have known it even existed if a friend hadn't mentioned it to me. With that being said, did they keep the game hidden for a reason, or is this actually a worthwhile copy you should definitley consider picking up?
I can guarantee the majority of you will have played the PC version of this game at some point - and the DS version works in exactly the same way. For those that haven't, the game is exactly what the title leads you to believe. You run your own theme park. You control what rides you want, where they go, what shops you want, you restock them, you set the prices, you hire and manage the staff. It's the game that was basically the foundation for more advanced and graphically beautiful games such as Rollercoaster Tycoon, and it definitley could be considered a classic.
But how does it fare in a more modern world in it's new portable format?
Well, it depends really.
GRAPHICS: The graphics are exactly the same as they were back then. They are flat, and in some cases it can be quite hard to work out what exactly things are supposed to be. This is great if you loved the classic game, but personally I believe it could have done with a bit of updating. As much as I loved the original, such old graphics just don't really work in todays gaming industry. Knowing the kind of graphics the DS is capable of (and indeed, watching the short video at the beginning with fantastic 3D graphics) it's quite disappointing in a way to have such basic and quite confusing graphics. If the graphics don't matter to you at all or you know you're fine with the original PC games graphics, this won't be a problem for you.
CONTROLS: This game is very easy to control. Navigating the menus is extremely easy using the DS's touch pad, and using the stylus you can place things exactly where you want them. Unlike some other games the touch pad is implemented very well - it doesn't seem like they've just added it at random because they can, it actually fits and improves the quality of the game.
STRATEGY: There is a lot of strategy involved in this game. From monitering the number of staff you're hiring, restocking your ice cream, choosing how much money to spend on research, altering the prices of stuffed animals - if you do anything wrong, it can be very quick for you to decline into the minuses! It took me quite a while to get this right and I was constantly in the minuses, but once you've worked out a strategy it becomes a lot easier. With that being said it can be a very hard game, particuarly if you choose to be in control of EVERYTHING yourself like I did. If you'd rather not deal with constantly having to restock etc, you can choose a different option so it's never too much work for you if you don't want it to be. If you're looking for a strategy game, I think you'll find this one satisfactory.
REPLAYABILITY: This game definitley has a lot of replayability. I know in the first week I restarted it about ten times because I was never quite happy with my parks layout. There is a huge amount of choice for ride and store placement so there's plenty of oppurtunity for you to restart and place things somewhere completely different. Even though the order you get rides etc always remains the same, the fact that you can plonk things down whenever you feel like it stops it from feeling too repetitive.
Overall, if you loved the original game then you'll certainly enjoy this. If you never played it but are a fan of strategy games, this is still worth picking up. Personally, this is an 'ok' game, I can see why some people love it and I can also see why some people hate it. For me, I'm pretty much indifferent. Though I love that they ported it exactly as is, I feel it could have really benefited from a quick graphic upgrade and maybe some extra rides or shops that weren't available in the original.
Advantages: As addictive and entertaining as ever Disadvantages: A couple of weird bugs, only one save slot.
...as it's easier to read) Theme Park DS in terms of the game as a whole, rather than in comparison with earlier versions:
NOTABLE GOOD POINTS
- Once you work out the controls, it's fairly easy to get into without having to read the instruction manual, especially if you've played the original.
- The advisors, although a bit rubbish (see below) are useful for reminding you to restock, raise ticket prices, etc.
- You can choose from three different ... ...end.
- It's the Theme Park that you remember from back in the day! And now it's portable!
NOTABLE BAD POINTS
- Despite the simple, old-school graphics, there can still be confusion when placing paths, rides, entrances, etc on the grid, due in part to the graphics, and part to the 'looseness' of the stylus when dragging....
- ...Although paths are free, this is particularly annoying when it comes to laying rubber tubing, rollercoaster track, etc.
...
sakura_latte 27.05.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Theme Park (Nintendo DS)
Advantages: Endless amounts of features, great replay value, easy to pick up & play Disadvantages: Far too much to think about & rather out dated graphics
Theme Park on the Nintendo DS is a mildly exciting port of the classic game franchise from the PC. This is the original outing and has been followed by many sequels, and even inspired many separate series. Big names such as Rollercoaster and Zoo Tycoon, all spawned from this game's humble roots. As you would expect the game has been updated with touch controls, a nice interference, a tutor (to guide you park building) and has just been generally ... ...business skills to keep your Theme Park ticking over. Far from being a walk in the park (if you could please excuse that awful pun) the game will have you constantly tapping the screen to make sure litter is tided up, rides stop exploding and customers are happy.
The good points are much the same as would have been with the original game. There is very little new content to review, so this is essentially a review of original game. However even having ...
surveyboy999 13.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Theme Park (Nintendo DS)
Advantages: Addictive and fun game to play Disadvantages: Can get repetitive, needs missions and challenges
...for the Nintendo DS game, Theme Park, developed and published by Electronic Arts. The game, like its predecessors on other consoles and on the PC, is to build a theme park including the rides and infra-structure and keep your guests happy as they explore your new park. The concept of this game is quite simple, research and build rides, build infra-structure such as paths and food outlets in your park, and then open up your theme park to the paying ... ...be able to sell your theme park before buying another bigger one, with more rides and facilities available. You start in the UK and work your way around other countries, but unfortunately, every country is really the same challenge, so it can get repetitive after playing for a while. Controlling the game is easy enough, using the d-pad to move around and view your park, the touch screen and stylus are used to be able to build rides, place paths and ...
julwhite 09.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Theme Park (Nintendo DS)
Theme Park for the DS is a game where you can build and run your very own theme park, you manage money, rides, advertisement and also researching new rides and surroundings with the main goal of making a profit and making your customers happy to do so. This game was first released for the snes and other platforms around 1994 but now its been re released with its same great charms for the Nintendo DS. This is a great game with lots of hours of game ... ...if you can move on and create another one in another country and the game gets harder as it progesses. It can get very repetitive when you start a new game over and over as rides are the same mostly in all countries when you develop in the game and it gets harder. I think that this is a great game to buy if you enjoyed it in the past or any similar simulation games. ****Also posted on dooyoo under lorrainek858*** ...
lorrainek90 20.11.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Theme Park (Nintendo DS)
Product Information for "Theme Park (Nintendo DS)" »
Product details
Publisher
Electronic Arts (EA)
Developer
EA Studios Japan
Release Date
15th March 2007
Age
3+
Genre
Simulation; Kids/Family
Sub Genre
Management Sim
Max Number of Players
1 Player
Platform
Nintendo DS
EAN
5030935055429
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since
09/04/2007
Manufacturer's product description
Enjoy the challenge and excitement of the bestselling Theme Park series on the go for the first time on Nintendo DS! Create manage and develop your very own fun-filled park packed with amazing rides enticing shops and addictive sideshows then add staff and entertainers - all via an intuitive Touch Screen interface. Throw open your gates and let the public judge your efforts. Use your management skills to maintain an exciting varied and safe park and your takings will soar - broken rides bad planning and a messy environment will keep visitors away. Balance the budget keep shops stocked and develop new rides and features to ensure your park's success then take your skills on a world tour with unique attractions and staff to add a local flavour. With three difficulty levels and three game types to choose from plus exclusive features and unlockable extras Theme Park delivers all the fun of this unique simulation in the most accessible format yet.
Lots to do 
