Here is another casual game that might get you glued to your computers for hours and hours. Carnival Mania is relatively new tycoon game that challenges the player to create his own fair ground. The basic concept is fairly simple – just like all the other tycoon games. The difficult part is in actually achieving all the goals. I have only tried the demo version but based on that, I think that I shall buy the full version some time soon – when I have the spare time to spend on playing. Anyhow, since I only played the one hour free demo, I didn’t encounter the really difficult parts yet. Let me just share Gamezebo’s review, which is quite comprehensive:
Of course, all of these elements belie a surprisingly tricky economic ecosystem which hides underneath, whether in sandbox or story mode, the main attraction. Assigned specific goals in each of 54 timed scenarios (build X many of a certain structure, reach Y income level, save up Z amount of cash) and six individual locations in the latter case, to meet them, you’ll need to think several steps ahead.
Managing money and resources like building materials and employees is just the beginning. As play progresses, you’ll also need to buy blueprints for newer, more expensive attractions, acquire land to build them on, sell off underperforming acts and upgrade various park elements. Never mind mechanical repairs that can shut down your cash flow as quickly as they can a hot streak in one fell swoop.
I can’t wait to actually play the whole game!