One of the most original "business" games ever made, DinoPark Tycoon is a great concoction of education and strategy.Fans of Jurassic Park take note, here is the game you've been waiting for :) Construct and supervise your own dinosaur theme park, from the starting funds of $5,000 (yes, those modern dinos are a bit cheap).

Although the box claims "Ages 8 and up," most kids younger than ages 12 or so will probably find DinoPark Tycoon too difficult and daunting, because there are many variables to keep track of, and managing the park's finances is not easy. You are in charge of borrowing money, buying dinosaurs, building fences to keep them in, hiring tour guides, building parking lots, setting admission fees, and many more. There are many strategies at your disposal to increase revenues, such as adding dinosaurs, selling dinosaur babies, opening concession stands, advertising the park, and raising ticket prices. The game's educational aspect is very strong, as it provides many kinds of information to aid decision making, including a dinosaur fact guide, daily records, quarterly financial reports, and a calendar (with months that tick by). Players will learn graphing skills, estimation, supply and demand, and money management as they track profits. Not to mention a LOT of dinosaur anecdotes. The game includes may innovative ideas, such as the ability to buy seeds so you can grow your own plant life for the herbivores. Every facet of running a DinoPark is factored in, including different prices in meat or plants that you must buy to feed park denizens, different kinds of fences, etc. Knowledge of each dinosaur's characteristics is important to success. For instance, you have to know how strong and aggressive of a dinosaur you have to determine if they need an electrified fence. Fail to contain a T-Rex, and you?ll have mass panic on your hands.

As a business sim, DinoPark Tycoon is very enjoyable as a "light," humorous sim that is quite addictive. As an edutainment title, the game offers a lot of crucial dinosaur-related information, and kids will learn basic skills of economic management in a fun environment. Overall, this is one of MECC's best releases, and a must-have for practically everyone. Highly recommended.