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
undefined - HRS Rating: /10 - This Victorian themed hotel enjoys direct and free access to ... more
PortAventura Theme Park. When you stay at the Hotel Gold River® you will travel back into the Gold Rush era of North America. The entrances to PortAventura Park are included for all days of the stay and the Hotel Gold River has direct access to PortAventura Park
Just as in the originalTheme Park game, you're placed in the position of the manager ... more
of--you guessed it--a theme park, and it's up to you to build the rides and attractions, manage your staff and get the pint-sized punters pouring in to enjoy themselves.Theme Park Worldhas a spin in that you're not limited to one park: you progress through--you guessed it--a world of theme parks, each one having a different theme (jungle or space, for example) and different targets to meet to gain your golden tickets. These are the currency of the game, with which you can open other parks and--if you accumulate enough--actually go into the park you've built.Games like this are normally a little difficult to play on the PlayStation: you have to navigate through a series of menus (which are nevertheless clear in this game) and select options as you scroll around the park. On a PC, or with a PlayStation mouse, gameplay such as this is easier--but bless the creators ofTheme Park Worldfor developing an embarrassingly simple way around this: actions are carried out using just the four keys of your controller, which do different things depending on what is currently in the centre of your screen.If you're into world-building games, but are after something a bit more light-hearted and less complex (although the management of a park can be quite a challenge), thenTheme Park Worldcould be the game for you. The ease of gameplay, teamed with graphics and a fun concept, make it perfect company for a rainy afternoon. --David Bailey
Postage & Packaging:£1.94 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The latest instalment in a long-running success story for Bullfrog and EA. The "Inc" in ... more
the title shows the business bias--you start off at the bottom end of the corporate food chain and must work your way up to the top by pulling in the punters and keeping them happy while attending your park. That's also while you either satisfy all your immediate directors who have their own (five) departmental demands, or play one off against the other while you try and rise through the ranks yourself.Satisfying them earns you Golden tickets, which serve as a second currency and allow access to the other Artic/Polar and Arabian areas of the park you are expected to run, along with their rides. Like the previous instalments, preventing people from being sick on your rides, especially the roller coasters, is a constant challenge, or if you're not playing properly, an excellent unintentional source of fun.There's an element of the Sim Games that keeps you glued to the screen, namely that these areas must be closely managed to stop your visitors coming to physical or gastric harm. The roller coaster design section is more of an improvement toTheme Parkthan a total challenge to the gameRoller coaster Tycoon, as you have the extended business to run--less than 50% success and you fail.Mix in 18 different coasters to start with before you even build your own, three different customer types who might hate your star attraction and must all be pleased in their own way, and there's plenty to keep you entertained. It's also quite spec-friendly: 2-year-old machines (PIII/550 or Athlon/650) with 128Mb RAM and good 3-D cards can handle the graphics and any gore is likely to be cartoonist bodily fluids rather than Quake-style blood and gore.It's good that an element of Bullfrog still exists at EA, and this shows the benefits of gaps between sequels for gameplay improvement, though fans may miss the fourth Zone fromTheme Park World. If you enjoyed any of the Sim Series as well as previousTheme Parkepisodes, pick up your latest instalment here.--Kenneth Henry
Postage & Packaging:£1.94 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Just as in the originalTheme Park game, you're placed in the position of the manager ... more
of--you guessed it--a theme park, and it's up to you to build the rides and attractions, manage your staff and get the pint-sized punters pouring in to enjoy themselves.Theme Park Worldhas a spin in that you're not limited to one park: you progress through--you guessed it--a world of theme parks, each one having a different theme (jungle or space, for example) and different targets to meet to gain your golden tickets. These are the currency of the game, with which you can open other parks and--if you accumulate enough--actually go into the park you've built.Games like this are normally a little difficult to play on the PlayStation: you have to navigate through a series of menus (which are nevertheless clear in this game) and select options as you scroll around the park. On a PC, or with a PlayStation mouse, gameplay such as this is easier--but bless the creators ofTheme Park Worldfor developing an embarrassingly simple way around this: actions are carried out using just the four keys of your controller, which do different things depending on what is currently in the centre of your screen.If you're into world-building games, but are after something a bit more light-hearted and less complex (although the management of a park can be quite a challenge), thenTheme Park Worldcould be the game for you. The ease of gameplay, teamed with graphics and a fun concept, make it perfect company for a rainy afternoon. --David Bailey
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
undefined - HRS Rating: /10 - Inside the PortAventura Resort and with the entrances to ... more
PortAventura Park included, you will find the Hotel El Paso, ideal for families, the Hotel El Paso is a traditional Mexican hacienda where cosy facilities and charming gardens will carry you away to the days of colonial Mexico. Lie back and relax next to the hotels enormous pool which features a sunken pirate ship where children can splash around for hours. Enjoy the simple charm of spacious room sand lush gardens and the enticing variety of cuisine as its various bars and restaurants. Relax in sumptuous lounges as you discover all of the excitement of this hotel just in front of the gates of PortAventura Park and Caribe Aquatic Park. PortAventura is situated 6 km south of Reus airport, 5 km south-west of Tarragona and only 2-3 km to the beaches of Salou and La Pienda. Good transport connections. Direct train to Barcelona 1 h 20 min.
undefined - HRS Rating: /10 - Enjoy the included entrances to the PortAventura Park. ... more
Discover the Hotel PortAventura, the perfect holiday village with all the charm of the Mediterranean. Sit back and relax in comfortable rooms, magnificent gardens and large swimming pools. The hotels wide range of restaurants will delight you with their sumptuous Mediterranean dishes. And with direct access to the PortAventura theme park this is the ideal combination for theme park lovers of all ages. No long trek home, no tiring bus ride, no drive home, your room is 5 minutes from the park. PortAventura is situated 6 km south of REUS airport, 5 km south-west of TARRAGONA and only 2-3 km to the beaches of SALOU and LA PINEDA. Good transport connections. Direct train to Barcelona 1 h 20 min.
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)
Advantages: Just like the original and totally addictive Disadvantages: No challenges to work towards
...was delighted when I found Theme Park as I always loved this game when playing it on the PC when I was younger. You have to design your own park with rides, shops and features whilst keeping your visitors happy. Employing staff and servicing rides is also a key feature. It is very easy to play on the DS as you use the pen to place items that you need. I was a little disappointed that there are no challenges or objectives to complete as with the newer ... ...when buying this game. However, Theme Park on the DS is the total classic version and is brilliant. I would recommend this game to anyone who loves Theme Park or to anyone who has never played it before but loves simulation games. It is totally addictive as you are trying to make your park bigger and bigger to make massive profits. ...
skipper6 05.08.2008
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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
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.
