SimPark-

Have you ever been driving through a national park and wondered why the people running it couldn't figure out a better way to control traffic flow, stop vandalism, or allow access to the public? Well, now is your chance. "SimPark" from Maxis allows you to build your own park from the ground up. Maxis has long been known for it's simulation programs. This program is more educational than any of it's predecessors.

When you begin, you must choose where you will build your park. Are you looking to build a retreat in Vermont, or a desert refuge? Once you have decided upon a location, you need to choose the layout. It is up to you where the water well be and what the general layout of the terrain will look like. Of course your park has no trees yet, so you had better start planting. "SimPark" allows you to make every decision from what plants and animals to place in your park to when and where humans will visit. Easy reference tools help you to make wise purchases. Along with that freedom comes responsibility. Make foolish choices with your resources or your money and you will reap disaster.

A feature which is different from other Maxis simulations is the reference material and games included. As you continue to develop your park you will have to identify plants and animals, learn to recognize bird calls and develop your knowledge of the great outdoors. If you want to plant a tree you can access a databank of information which will tell you about the tree you have selected. As with other Maxis programs, your park has a 'life of it's own.' Animals will reproduce, forests will burn, creatures will move across your screen and you will see life played out on your monitor. As you become more proficient at "SimPark" you will be given promotions. When you have reached the level of "Elk Class" a tree will be planted in your honor in the Greater Yellowstone National Forest by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The "Sim" programs have always been popular around here. I was especially pleased to find the educational value increased in this new product. A teacher's guide is included which will give you as a parent or teacher many ideas for outside projects and activities. If you have a child who is eight or older and enjoys the out of doors, this program will be a winner at your house too!

Grading:

Educational value- 4
Entertainment value- 4
Use of medium- 3
Dollar value- 3 1/2
Age- 8+

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