Tycoon games are a popular genre for PC gaming. There has always been a niche of fans in the build 'em up games market since the release of the first generations of games like Theme Park and SimCity (in the 1990s).This resulted in a flood of Tycoon Games being released over the next few decades, and the games evolved as AI and graphic technology improved. As a result, this caused a wide range of tycoon games to get made that are great fun.
There have been a variety of tycoon games released that explore different business sectors, from theme parks to hospitals. In this article, we will look at the top 15 best tycoon games that are great fun.
15# Best Tycoon Games - Theme Hospital
Released: 28th March 1997
Platforms: MS-Dos/ Windows/ PS1
Theme Hospital is now a nostalgic build 'em up game in which you build a chain of hospitals across a world map. It’s portrayed in cartoon style, with fictitious (and in a humorous tone) diseases like Elvis Presley Syndrome and Bloaty Head.
You’ll start off needing to place the basics, like a reception area, GP’s office, and other needed hospital facilities, eventually expanding to the more advanced operating rooms and numerous departments specialized in dealing with the game’s diseases. It also requires smooth running for the following scenarios:
- Disease epidemics: patients are brought in by helicopter and need treatment ASAP before the timer runs out (or you get penalized for patient deaths).
- Suitable for VIP standards who visit the hospital on occasion and have the authority to shut you down if not met.
- Fending off rat infestations and other disasters like earthquakes, which can put your hospital's services in jeopardy.
Theme Hospital is a classic title. If you’re into tycoon games, then definitely go back to the origins of this genre, even if the graphics are getting out of date by today's standards; it still doesn’t affect the gripping playability.
14# Best Tycoon Games - Two Point Hospital
Released: 30th August 2018
Platforms: Microsoft Windows/ macOS/ Linux/ Playstation 4/ Xbox One/ Nintendo Switch
Two Point Hospital Gameplay: (94) New Game, New Hospital, New Shenanigans! – Two Point Hospital Gameplay – Let's Play Part 1 - YouTube
Only released in 2018, Two Point Hospital is the second installment and has very similar attributes to Theme Hospital. In fact, you could say this title is the modern-day version of Theme Hospital with some small differences:
- When guests die, they come back and haunt the hospital, which causes trouble for doctors and patients (the janitors have the power to get rid of them).
- a wider range of challenges and tasks to complete in each scenario.
- The graphics are more modern, although Two Point Hospital does keep the same cartoon edge as its predecessor.
- There are more diseases and cases that you need to treat.
Building a Hospital Empire is a great fun way to challenge your business mind, and this title is the best way to scratch that itch, especially if you want to play it on your current console or computer.
13# Best Tycoon Games - SimCity 2000
Released: 1993
Platforms: Mac OS, MS-Dos, Amiga, SNES, Sega Saturn, Playstation, Nintendo 64, Gameboy Advance, Windows Mobile
SimCity 2000 Gameplay: (104) Sim City 2000 (1994) [PC Longplay] - YouTube
SimCity 2000 gives you the responsibility of building a huge metropolis from scratch on an isometric game map. Although the graphics may be a bit outdated, it doesn't take away the addictive gameplay. It’s advisable to start off near a water source and to build a power station.
Plumbing isn’t immediately available, but this strategy makes it a lot easier when you incorporate pipes and a water plant. There are three main sectors to develop for residents:
- Residential Housing
- Commercial Premises
- Industrial Plants
SimCity 2000 will always be a great fun classic, and it is one I love to come back to from time to time.
12# Best Tycoon Games - Theme Park
Released: June 1994
Platforms: MS Dos, Amiga, 3DO, Sega Megadrive/ Genesis, Sega CD & Amiga CD32, Mac OS, Atari Jaguar, FM Towns, Sega Saturn, Playstation, Snes, Nintendo DS, iOS
Nothing beats the old Theme Park classic, the first game to introduce strategy build 'em ups to the gaming market.It is still a very addictive game, as you start off by building the teacups and bouncy castles, along with some stalls, to initially launch your theme park.
As the game progresses, you get to include a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and water ride.
The benefits of theme park:
- You won’t get bored, as when you fill up your map, you can move onto new terrain.
- The cartoon pixel graphics aren’t a put-off; if anything, they make the title very nostalgic and fun to play.
- The business simulation is very satisfying and rewarding (especially when you start profiting).
11# Best Tycoon Games - Tropico
Released: April 24th 2001
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS X
Tropico adds a new Tycoon element to the series by allowing you to create your own tropical island in as much detail as possible, including the running and politics of the island community.You can tell the game is very much influenced by Cuba and similar nations, so to lead your civilization, you need to:
- Provide self-sufficient farming, industry, work, and general island economics for your citizens.
- Work out your alliance with either the United States of America or Russia.
- To boost island funds, you can also design a tourist industry that includes pools, spas, and beach facilities.
Tropico kept me occupied for many hours. Not only does it offer very addictive gameplay, but it also has excellent isometric graphics along with "steel drum" music that really sets the scene for this game piece.
10# Best Tycoon Games - Zoo Tycoon
Released: October 17th, 2001
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows Phone, Nintendo DS
Zoo Tycoon is a fun classic title that has you building and managing your own zoo park. You’ll be required to build pathways, enclosures, stalls, and toilets to cater to all of your guests' needs and wants. Most importantly of all, you need to fill the enclosures with animals, and then it’s your responsibility to look after them while they entertain your guests.
Benefits of Zoo Tycoon:
- Sharpen your business management skills by running your own zoo park.
- It's refreshing to play something other than theme parks (which still dominate the Tycoon Games industry) from the same creators as Rollercoaster Tycoon.
- There are numerous animals to obtain, ranging from African elephants to Arctic penguins.
9# Best Tycoon Games - Planet Coaster
Released: 17th November 2016
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Playstation 4, XBox One, Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 5, macOS
Planet Coaster is the most modern installment of theme park management to date. You start off with four types of gameplay, each with different levels of difficulty. If you follow the main sandbox, you’ll start off with a few scenarios with challenges and missions, and as you progress, you get to unlock more levels to complete.
The benefits of Planet Coaster:
- The graphics and sound are up to date with today’s modern standards. The realism is breathtaking, and you feel like you’re actually looking into a real theme park.
- A massive selection of well-known rides taken from theme parks globally
- When playing Planet Coaster on a PC, the controls and camera angles contribute to a great time.
8# Best Tycoon Games - Jurassic World Evolution
Released: 12th June 2018
Platforms: Microsoft Windows/ Playstation 4/ Xbox One/ Nintendo Switch
Jurassic World Evolution Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elk-ve5T0Bw
Take your business simulation game skills to new heights as you get to build your own Jurassic World theme park. You’ll have great fun researching all of the well-known dinosaurs from the franchise, including T-rex, velociraptors, and the Indominus Rex. The graphics are very detailed, which does a lot of justice in taking you to your own world of Jurassic Park.
Great Fun! Jurassic World features:
- Design and manage your own Jurassic World theme park.
- Interact, feed, and be responsible for all of your own dinosaurs.
- Respond to emergency scenarios, which include dinosaurs escaping and hunting down the guests.
7# Best Tycoon Games - Jurassic Park: Park Builder
Released: July 23rd 2012
Platforms: Android, iOS, Facebook
Jurassic Park Builder Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgja1ulAZIA&list=PLKcc0xOPUy2ERJoErMRhuk3StTyKtNfWk
Jurassic Park Builder is a more simplified and cartoon app game that allows the player to build their own dinosaur theme park through point scoring and XP collecting over a longer period of time. It features all of the dinosaurs and also offers dinosaur battles with other online players.
As you progress through the game, you’ll be able to purchase more premium dinosaurs like T-Rex, Velociraptors, and Brachiosaurus. It's a fantastically entertaining app that also allows you to interact with other online players.
6# Best Tycoon Games - Rollercoaster Tycoon 3
Released: 2nd November 2004
Platforms: Windows, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPrwCPgUY9I
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 gives you the opportunity to build and manage your own amusement park in stunning 3D graphics. The realism is immense, as you can put in all of your favorite classic rides like the Enterprise, the wooden roller coaster, and the inverted drop coaster. This title comes with many types of scenarios:
- Standard plots of green land like Vanilla Hills
- Halloween and abandoned-building-style locations
- Tropical islands and beaches to create your own water theme park—along with swimming pools and jacuzzis to complete the picture of paradise.
The most up-to-date version of Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 can be found on the Nintendo Switch. The controls are manageable, and it still has amazing graphics, which makes this title great fun.
5# Best Tycoon Games - Transport Tycoon
Released: 15th November 1994
Platform: Mac, MS-DOS, Sega Saturn, iOS, Android
Transport Tycoon Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6fyS4LgtQw
Transport Tycoon is a classic management simulation game from the 1990s.You start off in the 1930s, in which you must build your own transport empire through the following means:
- Trains and tracks
- Shipping Industry
- Airplanes and helicopters
The timeline extends up to the year 2030, during which time you will see your transportation evolve and modernize over a century. It’s a great fun classic, where you start off linking neighborhoods with trains in order to begin your mission of profiteering from the industry.
4# Best Tycoon Games - Cities: Skylines
Released: 10th March 2015
Platforms: MacOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Linux, Playstation 4, Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch
Cities: Skylines Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLpjwMIn7Wg
Cities: Skylines is a fun city-building and management game. Similar to Sim City, you start off with a small plot of land in which you must develop residential and commercial areas to entice citizens. It’s also important to provide facilities like water, power, waste, sewage, and transport.
Methods to make a profitable city development:
- Taxes
- Providing services like transport systems
- Government edicts
If you enjoyed SimCity, then Cities: Skylines offers similar gameplay with more modern graphics and features, which takes city building to a whole new level.
3# Best Tycoon Games - Prison Architect
Released: 6th October 2015
Platforms: MacOS, Playstation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox 360, Xbox One, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Android
Prison Architect Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=felc8CYOGo0
Just when you thought Tycoon Games had covered it all, in 2015, it went further and brought us Prison Architect. Play the roles of a prison architect and governor as you manage a profitable prison company. Although this game would have been immense in 3D graphics, the 2D isometric view of the complex definitely does the gameplay justice and makes this a very addictive title.
Features of the Prison Architect:
- Build a prison complex with options for facilities.
- Hire and manage staff.
- Make schedules and routines for your prisoners, as well as look after their hygiene.
2# Best Tycoon Games - Railroad Tycoon 3
Released: October 27th, 2003
Platforms: Microsoft Windows and OS X
Railroad Tycoon 3 Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg2bGUszYbI
Railroad Tycoon 3 is a train-building simulation game that is focused on the 1800s (although it does reach the early 1900s). It's a great fun classic in which you get to connect neighboring towns by ferrying passengers as well as cargo such as food, textiles, mailbags, and cattle.If you’re really shrewd, then you can also buy businesses in the towns and create a monopoly.
It’s also great fun to compete with other railroad businesses, buy shares, and have the goal of dominating the map. You also get to:
- Build across the United States on both the East and West coasts.
- Railroad Tycoon 3 also includes Europe, where you can include the Flying Scots and the Great Express through the Alps.
- There are also more imaginative futuristic scenarios, as you can build inside volcanoes and on space terrain, etc.
1# Best Tycoon Games - The Movies
Released: 8th November 2005
Platforms: Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X
The Movies Gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtsoX8zAkWY
The Movies is an underrated tycoon game that will keep you glued to the screen for hours!If you fancy yourself as the next Steven Spielberg, then this title will give you the chance of running the movie empire.
The movies have the following features:
- Create your own cinematic films.
- Design the movie studio.
- Hire and manage film stars.
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