The nation's most popular marine life theme park now rests in the hands of gamers with the release of SeaWorld Adventure Parks Tycoon from Activision Value Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision, Inc. The simulation game puts the player in charge of creating all of the aspects of a real-life theme park, from roller coasters and water rides, to animal attractions and shows. SeaWorld Adventure Parks Tycoon is available for the PC at retail outlets nationwide for a suggested retail price of $19.99 and carries an "E" (Everyone) rating by the ESRB. "Our SeaWorld Adventure Parks Tycoon game features many of the same rides and attractions one would find at the real SeaWorld parks," states Patrick Kelly, Vice President of Studios, Activision Value. "Gamers will be soaked with fun when they build Shamu Stadium, and watch as Shamu performs."
SeaWorld Adventure Parks Tycoon brings a new realm of the sim genre to life, combining the real-time methodology of running a marine-life theme park together with the cyber world of video games. As the game begins, players are presented with a map and enough money to get the ball in motion. Gamers begin by creating rides, attractions and amenities for potential guests. As the park grows, customers arrive in greater numbers, challenging players to keep their park running in tip-top form. Gamers tend to every detail from hiring enough maintenance workers, grounds keepers, security staff and animal caretakers, to managing guests' opinions, likes and dislikes. In addition to the guests and employees, players must also take care of the park's animals, monitoring their moods, habits, and preferred diets.
SeaWorld Adventure Parks Tycoon features two different gameplay modes: "Sandbox," a free play mode that allows players to indulge their fantasies in building their dream theme park from scratch and at their own pace. This mode has no time limits or restrictions other than the fact that gamers will need to remain within the budget. Then there is a challenge or "Scenario" Mode, where players need to meet several pre-set objectives to win the game. During Scenario Mode, gamers have several challenges to choose from. The challenges are split into three difficulty levels, allowing easy challenges for kids, and tougher challenges for the kids at heart. Parents and their kids will enjoy the animal browser where they can learn all about their favorite animals and even hear animal sounds.