Way back in the mists of time, a peculiar condition known as theme park-syndrome emerged.

Its symptoms included glazed eyes, the lids of which were propped up by matchsticks, diminishing social lives and incoherent talk of burger stands and roller-coasters.

Theme Park, which came out about ten years ago, was the most addictive management simulation since Sim City and sold by the shedload.

Since then, the game has been updated numerous times and in its latest incarnation for the PC, Electronic Arts (EA) seems to have ironed out all those annoying imperfections to make this regain the title of best game of its type on the software shelves.

Starting with a limited budget and a plot of land, the idea is to build a theme park, make loads of money and see shares in the company soar.

Hire scientists to research the latest rides, build paths to ensure the public can reach them, open the park gates and watch the money come rolling in. There are also plenty of tricks to learn, like putting more salt into the fries so people get thirsty and spend more on soft drinks.

Best of all, the player can actually go on the rides themselves, which is a great touch.

Never has being a hard-nosed businessman been so much fun.

Price: £29.99.

Contact: www.themepark.ea.com Feel good factor: 8 out of 10.