SimPark is a video game released in 1996 by the company Maxis. The goal of the game is to grow and take care of a successful park. It is similar to another game called SimTown, but it is designed for younger players. The game teaches about the importance of keeping nature in balance. SimPark can be thought of as a simpler version of another game called SimIsle.
Overview
SimPark was a simple game created for children. Players cannot lose the game by being fired or running out of money.
Gameplay
Players must quickly learn how their actions affect the growth of their park. For example, if certain flower types are not planted, bees will not be attracted to the park. Without bees, pollination will not happen, which is important for the park's growth. In addition to managing the number of plants and animals, players are required to identify the types of plants and animals in the park.
Players often receive in-game messages, such as a note from their boss asking them to make the park more diverse or a message from their virtual family sharing news about life at home. Occasionally, the boss's pet frog, Rizzo, appears on the screen to offer advice or remind the player about their responsibilities.
The park can face several disasters, including:
- Garbage Dump: A large pile of trash appears, and rats begin to live in it. To remove the garbage dump, players must either pour water on it or place animals that eat garbage, such as rats or black bears, near it.
- Fire
- Kudzu: This plant grows rapidly and covers the park.
- Alien Invasion: Pink and blue creatures appear on the park's ground and sometimes float on water. When viewed from a distance, these creatures may form shapes, such as the message "Surrender, Dorothy," which is a reference to the movie The Wizard of Oz. The only way to remove the aliens, aside from using cheat codes, is to use the "Bulldozer" tool.
A microphone feature allows players to click on visitors in the park and hear what they say. Some memorable quotes include, "My socks don't match," "I didn't brush my teeth this morning," "Eddie! Oh Eddie! Where are you?" and "My favorite book is Wind in the Willows."
In the game, four minutes of real time equal one year of time passing. The game shows the changing seasons through the colors of the leaves.