The best business simulation games

Business simulation games have a rich and varied history. From the classic Lemonade Stand on the Apple IIc to today's Lemonade tycoon, these games have provided entertainment as well as education for years. Here are some of the best business simulation games available today:

* Rollercoaster Tycoon. In terms of sheer enjoyment, the Rollercoaster Tycoon series leads the pack. This is the best simulation game, overall. Whether it is hiring janitors to clean up soda pop spills or figuring out how long queue lines should be for a given ride, Rollercoaster Tycoon gives you the opportunity to manage nearly every business aspect of owning a theme park. Sim Theme Park is based on the same premise, but fails to provide the many levels of excitement and experience of Rollercoaster Tycoon. The latest version, Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, is produced by Atari and can be purchased at most retail outlets.

* Lemonade Tycoon. This game by Hexacto is simple, straightforward, and fun. Lemonade Tycoon is the best flash-based business simulation game. Because Lemonade Tycoon is flash-based, it can be played by virtually anyone with a web browser. Best of all, the basic version of this game is free. There is an expanded version of Lemonade tycoon available for download at an extra fee. If for no other reason than nostalgia, Lemonade Tycoon has to be on the list of best business simulation games.

* Everquest. While most people don't immediately think of this Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game as a business simulation, the fact remains that it has a distinct economy. Everquest gold pieces (the basic monetary unit of the game) have specific values. Everquest gold has even been sold in real life. There are players who, rather than completing quests or socializing, play Everquest solely to buy, sell and trade goods within the game. Everquest is the best unintended business simulation game.

Other simulation games, from Cruise Ship Tycoon to Restaurant Empire, provide their users with a variety of business-related experiences. Each has its merits, and in many cases your favorite business simulation game might have more to do with the particular industry or setting of the game, rather than the actual game play or the economics of the game.