Review Game PC Buying Guide: Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #20734 in Video Games

Brand: Vivendi Universal

ESRB Rating: Rating Pending

Platforms: Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows 2000

Format: CD-ROM

Features

Create your own dinosaur theme park, from designing and constructing the park, to cloning and caring for the dinosaurs, and entertaining, protecting and rescuing visitors

Play 12 unique, action-packed missions

Easy-to-use world builder lets you create a lush jungle environment and dramatic effects like twisters and tropical rainstorms

Features 3-D dinosaurs the hunt, fight, feed, and flock realistically

Multiple game play modes and camera views

Customer Reviews

Amazing !
In this game you have to earn money to build a dinosaur park. The best dinosaurs you can get are Spinosaurus, Velociraptor, Tyrannasaurus, Brachiasaurus and Triceratops. I like the graphics because all the buildings and dinosaurs look realistic and I feel like I'm really there. You can get twisters that add excitement to the game and there are dinorampages, when the dinosaurs break out. I like making lots of money. My best park has made half a million pounds.
Jurassic Park has really inspired me to run my own business and make as much money as I can. I would really recommend it to other people. It is really cool!!!!

Addicting and imaginative
Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis (JPOG) simulates the theme park of the first JP movie, but to your own design specifications. You pick the island, and then start with a set amount of funds to build your park. Assign scientists to research technologies to improve your park, buy and assign dig teams to recover fossils around the world, and expand your park as it gains popularity. In addition, there are missions (photo safaris, tourist rescues, carnivore rampages, etc) to complete. Finishing these unlocks "Site B", an unpopulated island where you create dinosaurs and let them interact without fences or human interference.

JPOG is a fascinating alternative to the first person shooter games that dominate the market today. The concepts of building/managing a park are quite instructive, though in simple terms... the player will find that he/she must strike a balance between amenities (rest rooms, kiosks, souvenir stands, etc), attractions (balloon rides, safaris, viewing platforms, etc), and the mix of dinosaurs on display (there are about 20 to choose from). Proper fences must be put up (higher security is more expensive), and cleaners must be hired to keep the park clean. Even the type of food must be set depending on the species selected. The unpredictable nature of the dinosaurs, availability of fossils, and even the weather make the game a major time killer without using body count as a score/goal.

The missions (10 total) go by quickly, but can be replayed. JPOG was made in 2003, so while graphics are not the most current, they are still quite good and make for an immersive gameplay experience. User communities have built expansion packs for JPOG (search for "Modding Genesis") so the replay factor is high. Even without modification, the organic dynamics in the game make it fascinating time after time. It will run well on a modestly equipped machine (download the demo if you are uncertain) and is priced well due to its age. Ultimately, this is a game that never gets old. With almost unlimited variability and loads of charm (you'll find you have "favorite" dinosaurs based on their behaviors), it's certainly worth adding to your collection.

Great game. Already own and liked so bought as a gift.
My boys enjoyed when I bought for them. I bought this one as a gift.