3.5/5 ★ – Hazzi's review of SimPark.

A Nostalgic Journey with SimPark Platform Played On: PC Rating: 86/100 For those of us who grew up in the '90s, certain games are like time machines, whisking us back to simpler days of sibling bonding and shared adventures. SimPark is one such game, a charming relic that my sister and I poured countless hours into, pretending to be the ultimate park rangers. In SimPark, you don the ranger hat and get to design and manage your own park in various US regions. The game puts you in charge of choosing plant and animal species, creating a balanced ecosystem, and making sure both wildlife and visitors are happy. It’s a playground for creativity, letting you build your dream park from scratch. SimPark hands you a set of tools to run your park smoothly. You’ve got Rizzo, the chirpy froggy companion, dishing out advice—albeit repetitively—that we both loved and hated. There's also an email system to communicate with other rangers, a budget screen to keep your finances in check, and an information screen to monitor your park’s health. Balance is everything. You’ll be managing predator-prey relationships, preventing overpopulation, and fixing ecological hiccups. The game’s forgiving nature means you can mess up without dire consequences, making it perfect for younger players or for my sister and me to team up and solve problems together. SimPark hits the sweet spot between fun and learning. Even though it’s aimed at a younger audience, it still has plenty to offer older gamers looking for a laid-back, educational experience. Activities like species identification and the in-game email system add an educational twist, helping foster a love for nature while keeping things entertaining. The game’s set park layouts might feel a bit restrictive, but the variety of climate regions keeps things interesting. Navigation can be a pain, relying on a compass-like device for camera movement, but the map feature helps you zip around quickly. Be prepared for unexpected curveballs like Alien Invasions and the relentless Kudzu weed. These surprises kept us on our toes, adding a bit of excitement to our gameplay. If you prefer a more serene experience, you can disable these events and just focus on park management. SimPark's audio is definitely a product of its time, with repetitive animal sounds that can get old fast. But the microphone feature, which lets you interact with visitors, plants, and animals, was a nifty touch. Rizzo’s cheerful chirps, annoying as they sometimes were, are etched into our nostalgic memories. Visually, the game uses sprite animations to bring the park to life. The graphics might not impress today’s gamers, but they have a certain charm that makes me nostalgic for those simpler times. SimPark is a nostalgic gem for those who grew up playing it, especially during childhood. The graphics may be dated, but they hold a unique charm. This game is a perfect mix of fun and education, making it a delightful experience for players of all ages. Whether you’re looking to revisit your childhood or introduce the next generation to simulation games, SimPark remains a beloved classic with timeless appeal. What Could Have Made This Score Higher? SimPark could have used more customization options and a smoother navigation system. Updating the audio quality and expanding the base game’s content would also have enhanced the experience, making it more engaging and less repetitive.