
Tycoon games are extremely popular among children as well as adults. With so many of them available these days, it may be difficult to decide which one is the best for you. This Techspirited article therefore presents a compilation of the top 10 business simulation games. These games are interesting and a ‘must-play’ for every simulation games lover.
Simulation games such as Tycoon games, are influenced from day-to-day activities and are meant to help the player in decision-making, by taking him through real-life situations in the virtual world.
The word ‘game’ is most commonly associated with fun and light entertainment. But there are certain games that hone your thinking ability in a fun way, by simulating real-life scenarios and having you decide the course of action. Tycoon games are among such games. They simulate business situations and need the player to plan, take decisions, and act quick in order to win.
Tycoon games are business simulation games. They help improve decision-making skills of the players by having them think and execute their plans in limited time and with access to limited information. They also help in developing a sense of predicting the outcomes of a decision and also analyzing its potential benefits. The tycoon games that we have enlisted below will not only let you have a good time, but will also teach you how to think strategically, maintain finances, and analyze the market.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Macintosh
A single-player game produced by Chris Sawyer, RollerCoaster Tycoon is a construction and management simulation game series. In this game, the player is supposed to build roller coasters in the theme park, with as many loops as he desires. He should also hire staff and make the theme park attractive to the visitors. The player should pay keen attention to the construction details so that the chances of the roller coaster crashing are nil. In case the guests die in a roller coaster crash, then the park is rated poorly, which will keep new guests away from visiting the park. For maintaining the park tidily with well-built trash cans and toilets, the player will be rewarded. The series has 3 games for desktops and laptops, one game for Nintendo #DS, and one for Apple products (iPhone, iPad, and iPod) and Android devices.
Platforms: GNU/Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, PlayStation, Dreamcast, PowerPC
This game focuses on the management and construction of trains, railways, railway stations, and the methods to schedule the train timings. In short, the player acts as a railway entrepreneur who can start his railroad company with a capital of one million dollars. Building the railroad on or before time is a criterion to win the game. In this single-player game, the player will be competing with other railroad companies, and the one who builds better railroads in a shorter time span, is declared the winner. Being one of the first games to be launched under the tycoon series, Railroad Tycoon was greatly appreciated on its release.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Android
The player is considered to be a character named Armand LeBouf. He is a culinary school graduate and is given a chance to own a restaurant. Once he takes charge of the restaurant, he has to make sure that he serves good food without keeping the customers waiting for too long, thereby making money to open a bigger chain of restaurants. The main characteristic of this game is that it is played in a story mode. The challenges whirled your way help you make more money and improve the empire. This a perfect business simulation game where you have a variety of activities to do, ranging from cooking and hiring staff to deciding on the designs and the menu.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows 7/XP/Vista
This game is all about managing and building a traveling carnival. The player is not only in charge of building the rides and serving good food to the customers, but he also has to make the crowd happy and keep them engaged. This game gives you a variety of choices and will keep you away from boredom. You have to mint as much money as you can and compete against the clock and the bank. Money has to be wisely managed, only then, will you be able to build better rides, serve better food, and buy things for the bathrooms and ticket stalls. And you better be quick, otherwise the customers will be angry and never visit you again.
Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS
Hoodwink your way in this business simulation to be the greatest cinema tycoon. The developers of this game have given great attention to minute details, with a variety of interesting characters and an attractive storyline. Few of the challenges in this game are the competitors who constantly want to pull you down and the soda fountains which unexpectedly splash on you. Apart from focusing on which movies to play and how many seats to allot to a screen, you also have to decide if the projector has to be upgraded or if new staff needs to be hired. Being the best business simulation game so far, it is very easy to understand for beginners.
Platforms: Windows XP/Vista/7/8
This free game allows you to compete with other players online. The competition is about building the best car, buying share in other teams, making money from dividends, and dominating the stock market. Initially, you have to take off as a lone investor, and thereafter, build a team and a fortune. You also have to take charge of the research and development sectors and kick out the competitors to attract contracts. You can also play this game for free on mobile phones.
Platforms: Windows
This management simulation game allows the player to construct and design his own international airport. This game simulates the real world because of the 3D graphics induced in it. The best part about this game is that, as you create your airport, you can see your creation while sitting in a high-flying helicopter. You will have a fun time building custom-made terminals, control towers, and runways. Managing contractors and the staff of the airport, overbooked flights, bottlenecks, and airplane collisions are some of the challenging tasks involved in this game.
Platforms: PlayStation Portable
There are different levels to play in this game and the objectives vary as per the level. The player is in charge of 3 squads of zombies to whom he has to supply brains with the help of a flying camera. The zombies have to follow these brains in order to survive. The main task of the player is to increase the number of zombies and not let them die. When all the zombies die, the game is lost.
Platforms: PC, iOS device
This game is about choosing a recipe and price, and selling lemonade in different areas and locations. The task begins when you have to earn supplies like ice, lemons, sugar, and lemonade cups. So, you also have to keep the customers happy by cutting out their waiting time. You can do this by appointing a clown who would keep them entertained, but you also have to pay for the clown. It’s a fun game and a complete entertainer.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
In this game, the player chooses an area of land for his zoo, which can be over the hills, or in valleys, cliffs, ditches, basins, and lowered terrains. The size of land allotted to the player is different in different areas. Keeping in mind the size of the land, the player has to choose animals accordingly. These animals have to be given enough space, food, and water. Other than this, there are goals to be achieved which include, successfully breeding tapirs, rescuing abused animals, and training dolphins.
- Monopoly Tycoon
- My Free Zoo
- Fish Tycoon
- Youda Fisherman
- Plant Tycoon
- Corporation Inc.
- Sim City
- My Fantastic Park
- Coffee Tycoon
- Shopping City
- Youda Camper
- Fairy Godmother Tycoon
- Oiligarchy
- Imperium
Now that you have a few good options to choose from, pick your favorite, and start building your own virtual empire.