Theme Park (Nintendo DS) > Reviews (15)

Price and Availability

When I was younger I always used to enjoy games like Rollercoaster and Zoo Tycoon, I loved building a little virtual world where I could make everything how I wanted it and earn money as people visited my attractions. I was in CeX a couple of months ago looking for PS3 games when I spotted Theme Park for Nintendo DS for just £4. Now, being from CeX, the game was second hand, but it was in good condition as the games usually are in there. Online the same game will set you back just under £25 new, which I couldn’t really justify paying as I hadn’t really heard of the game before and knew that it would probably only be something I used for a few weeks.

Playing the Game

The basic idea of the game is of course, to build a theme park. This includes everything though, from paths to rides to food kiosks. The theme park also needs to be staffed, and the theme park needs to be kept in good condition, rides need to be looked after and new ride ideas need to be developed. The game consists of numerous locations around the world, each with its own set of targets which need to be met. The game starts easily with a theme park in Great Britain; it’s quite an easy level but gets you used to the game which is good. When the first theme park is completed there are a few different locations you can move onto as I said before each with different targets and economies.

One of the things I really enjoy about this game is just how many options there are whilst playing. Of course there’s the general premise that you gradually build up your rides and food stalls, working your way up and watching your money grow. Whilst playing though there are so many different things you can change. For example of the Hook a Duck stall you can change how much the prize costs you, how much the game is to play and the percentage chance of players winning. All the different varieties lead to different outcomes which change your visitor’s happiness. There are so many different elements to game which make for many hours of enjoyment.

A great feature which really makes the most of the Nintendo DS is the way the screens are used; the top screen is an overall map of the park which the bottom is a closer up view which can be navigated easily with the buttons. The stylus does most of the work when it comes to selecting and changing things on the bottom screen. I have to say that the actual graphics of the game aren’t the best, they seem a little old fashioned to me, I know that Theme Park was previously a PC game but I would have thought they would have updated it a bit for the DS version.

Overall

Initially I thought that Theme Park would be a game more suitable for children however I think it can be enjoyed by anyone. The game is intended for anyone above the age of 3, and the game could be played by a child of this age, however I think to get full idea of the game I think you’d have to be a bit older. Having said that though there’s so many different elements to the game that I think many adults would be shocked by how much they’d enjoy this game if they give it a go. An expensive buy if new, but it can be picked up second hand for a great price.