Theme Park
Theme Park is a 1994 business simulation developed by Bullfrog. Players build and run their own amusement park, placing rides, shops and scenery, laying paths, hiring and negotiating with staff, and setting prices, and even tuning details like the saltiness of the fries to encourage thirsty guests to buy more drinks.
The game blended management depth with a playful, lighthearted presentation, letting players research new attractions, handle finances and stock levels, and eventually sell up and move to a fresh location to build again. Its mix of strategy, simulated guest behavior and whimsy, including rides that could break down or make visitors sick, made it a standout in the simulation genre and a hit across many platforms.
Theme Park was an influential entry in the management-sim tradition that paved the way for later park-building games. The original can still be found through digital re-releases on modern platforms.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Theme Park, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Parkasaurus Indie
€ 24,99A charming indie dinosaur-park management sim with tycoon depth.
Parkasaurus runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Planet Coaster 2
€ 44,99The spiritual successor with deep, modern coaster and water-park building tools.
Planet Coaster 2 runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Untested.
Parkitect
€ 24,99A charming, management-focused park builder that closely echoes the classic Theme Park feel.
Parkitect runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition
€ 19,99Park management with rides, staff and pricing, in the direct line of descent from Theme Park.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition runs on PC, Mac, Switch. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Planet Zoo
€ 44,99Frontier's zoo management sim, the same building toolkit as Planet Coaster applied to animals and visitors.
Planet Zoo runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
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