Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis Xbox

In the tradition of such games as SimCity and Theme Park, Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis challenges players to do what the movie's John Hammond could not: design a dinosaur theme park from the ground-up and maintain its economic viability by keeping things safe and stable. Of course, that may be easier said than done when the "attractions" include velociraptors, tyrannosaurs, and 23 other fearsome creatures. In addition to creating the park, players must complete a series of 12 missions, ranging from dinosaur control to endurance of the ravages of nature.

Building types include kiosks to sell merchandise and food, automated feeders that dispense bales of plant food or livestock, hatcheries for cloning species, ranger stations for protection, safari depots for tours, visitor centers, sentry turrets, viewing platforms, and restrooms. Inclement weather in the form of tropical twisters and rainstorms will occur from time to time, increasing the danger that the dinosaurs will escape from their pens and start rampaging. As players assemble their park, they'll be able to listen to ten songs from John Williams' Oscar-nominated film score.

The game offers several ways to play. Players can jump right into the simulation, which simply has them trying to stay profitable as they construct the park however they want. Missions have players inside the Range Rover, helicopter, or a hot air balloon to snap pictures or shoot at the dinosaurs (using a first-person sniper scope) to bring them down or to vaccinate them from one of six types of disease. Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis also features several pre-set exercises that challenge players to follow specific objectives, such as constructing a specific number of building types while maintaining a certain percentage of satisfaction. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide