Genius [Old Version]

by Viva Media

Product Features

• Complex strategy game based on real people and discoveries
• Take a start-up company to a massive multi-national conglomerate
• Over 40 types of buildings; stunning real-time 3-D graphics
• Solve and apply 100+ challenging physics puzzles
• 5 locations around the globe; excellent replay value

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000B628OE
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,385 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Be the entrepreneur; take a small start-up to a multinational company as you combine invention, innovation, and luck. Witness key inventions of the 19th and 20th centuries and see first hand how they changed the world. You’ll make the decisions, take risks, and reap the rewards!

Are You The Next Geniu$?

Features:

• Five locations around the globe: Detroit, Pittsburgh, London, Berlin, and Melbourne
• Solve and apply over 100 challenging physics puzzles
• More than 40 types of buildings
• Stunning real-time 3-D graphics
• Take your start-up company to a massive multi-national conglomerate
• Complex strategy game based on real people and discoveries
• Excellent replay value--enjoy a different game every time

Product Description

Genius Quotes and Awards 2006 Children's Technology Review Editor's Choice (92%) "This is one of the best science programs for 2005" 2006 Recommended Award -Parent's Choice Iparenting Media Award, 2005 "A bargain price for the tremendous value built into this marvelous game that will be fun for players of all ages." -Golden Triangle PC Club "Genius: The Tech Tycoon Game really lives up to its name and will challenge even the brightest amateur scientists." -The Washington Times "...it might just be one of the few simulation titles that can be played as a whole family; Dad can balance the budget, Mom can design the layout, and the kids can build and terra-form to their heart's content, all the while educating everyone in the process." -Game Chronicles Magazine "I would highly recommend this game for any Physics and strategy game lover." -CCGR "...Geniu$ is chock full of... well... genius ideas." -Gamespy "The game is bursting with historical accuracy." -Gaming Horizon "The simulation 'Geniu$: The Tech Tycoon Game' will tax your brain." -The Washington Post

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have never seen a game like this ever before. It's so intelligent!!!, December 1, 2005

By 

Trish L. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Genius [Old Version] (Video Game)

First of all, I want to make the point that this is a strategy based tycoon game and a sim game. It is really well done using superb graphics and animations. You get to apply new discoveries in your factories so you can make a better product and out sell them to your competitors. It all seems to be based on real history so you get information from real sources like the Wright brothers, Edison and even Einstein. And you also have to worry about the people that work in your factories, your scientists, and accountants and even worry about industrial espionage. If you like business, engines, buildings, science and physics, you'll be getting hours and hours of play out of this game. You also get to play in a bunch of different cities in the world. Each one has different challenges. It's fresh every time you play since you can do things differently and see how the results vary.

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow.... A real award winner!, September 23, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Genius [Old Version] (Video Game)

This is by far one of the most suprising games I have ever played. The graphics aren't spectacular, but they're pretty good. No, the aspect of the game that amazed me was the gameplay, and the puzzles. I came across this game a year ago, and having played many tycoon games decided to buy it, expecting the typical mudane tycoon game that has some crippling bugs (game that come to mind include cruise ship tycoon, mall tycoon, airport tycoon, etc.)

However, this is not like a ordinary tycoon game. Far from it. You need to complete complex puzzles to improve your products, get more customers,and expand your business, and boy, some of these puzzles are seriously hard! The manufacturers even based everything on history, with real world discoveries such as airplanes, semi-conductors, radio waves, etc.

The tycoon aspect of the game was also outstanding. Product prices go up and down, and you really need to check prices and make sure you're operating at a profit or else you'll go bankcrupt. Wages also go up and down, and you unlock new buildings as time goes on. This isn't a easy game folks-about 1 out of 5 companies I start reach the stage where I can build airplane factories! (Not to mention the 1 out of 15! companies that ever manage to build rockets!)

Unfortunately, this is not a very well known game, and this is why I have decided to write a review. People everywhere, take note-Genius is the type of game that deserves good publicity like RCT, Sims, Zoo Tycoon, and the rest of the great simulation games!

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Really fun for a limited audience; but needs better documentation, December 28, 2006

By 

Margaret P. "mhp2027" (Boulder, CO USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Genius [Old Version] (Video Game)

"Genius" is an educational simulation game, where you're building an industrial complex -- plop down factories, roads, houses, fire departments and such. As the game progresses, you complete physics puzzles to obtain new technologies and product improvements. You subscribe to newspapers, which contain answers to some questions and the knowledge or equations needed to solve others.

The physics problems are entertaining, well designed, well documented, implemented excellently, and can be quite fun. They are presented as problems you encounter during business operation, for example while developing a new product. All of the information you need is provided. The game will appeal to children 8 & up, but these physics problems are more like age 16 & up because they require high school math. So, children & youths may need help from a parent who remembers algebra and preferably physics -- yikes! Some of the questions are easy & fun. Some require you to be comfortable with algebra, converting between units, and applying formulae. A few are very difficult. Fortunately, the questions are the same each time, so after figuring out the answers, you can write them down & just enter the answers next time. Sometimes the game even gives you the correct answer after it is too late, so you can write it down for next time. Unfortunately, I can't find a cheat sheet list of answers on the web -- too bad, this would really help. The level of difficulty of these questions isn't a problem, just be warned.

The simulation side of the game is suffers in comparison. The industrial simulation controls are poorly documented. What each building does and when/why/where it is appropriate/inappropriate and how to run the game is somewhat of a mystery. There's no way to figure out whether building something will be good or bad except trial and error -- logic doesn't always help. Bad decisions spiral out of control, seem to lead inevitably to bankruptcy. Unfortunately, wrong answers on the physics problems can have the same effect. There is a "statistics" report that is supposed to give feedback on whether your company is making or loosing money, but this form doesn't have enough information.

So, expect some trial & error, some frustration, some algebra, some physics, & some reading through magazines looking for obscure clues. "Genius" can be really fun, but could use some interface improvements. Highly recommended for anyone taking physics in high school or college.