The key to success is to make the public happy, which is done through a variety of means. A happier public spends more money, so you want to make sure that nothing offends them, such as the noise or smell of your complex. If you build an electrician’s hut near your hotel, the public will become unhappy with the amount of noise generated by the electrician. This, in turn, hurts your reputation among the populace. Likewise, a smelly trash can in the middle of your casino will cause people to avoid that area. You’ll also want your complex to look nice, as a barren complex won’t attract as many customers as it could if it had some shrubs and greenery.

You start the game with an empty lot, and build your complex from there. Once you’ve completed the construction phase, it’s time to maintain and improve it. Aside from the previously mentioned filters, you are also clued into what you need to work on by the thoughts bubbles above the heads of your guests. If there are a large number of guests with a booze icon above their head, you may want to consider building a bar. Of course, you may have to remove some objects to make room for that bar. Be careful though, if you want to remove an object, you have to pay half of its purchase price.

What’s really impressive is the sheer amount of options you have. This is not your typical casino simulator. You control the entire lot, and have a wide array of buildings to help fill it in. In addition to your hotel and casino, you can build a live music venue, arcade, helipad, arena, circus, museum, and an aquarium, just to name a few. Of course, the more side attractions you have, the happier the public will be.

There are two main gameplay modes, Campaign and Sandbox. Campaign includes 10 different objective based scenarios, such as attracting more business than your rivals. Sandbox is just for fun, as there are no restrictions, so you’re free to do whatever you want. There are 12 different locations to play around with in Sandbox mode. The lack of objectives causes Sandbox mode to be much more relaxing and enjoyable than the Campaign mode.

The graphics are extremely well done, especially given that this type of game focuses more on gameplay than graphics. Textures are sharp and crisp, even when you zoom in as far as possible. The lighting engine is nicely done, with realistic shadows that encompass your complex as the day ends.

The sound is exactly what you would expect in this situation. The chatter of crowds and the sounds of slot machines help to immerse you in the game, while light music plays in the background. The sound certainly does an excellent job recreating the atmosphere of Las Vegas.

Vega$ Tycoon is one of those 'love it or hate it' games. Some will find the process of building and managing a functional casino complex a deeply enjoyable and rewarding experience. Others will become quickly frustrated by the multitude of stipulations and complications inherent with building a simple electrician's hut near your hotel or keeping your complex attractive enough. Vega$ Tycoon is not for those who crave instant gratification or casual gameplay; rather, it is geared towards those that can sit for hours and immerse themselves in the world of the game. If you find yourself a member of the latter group, do yourself a favor and pick up Vega$ Tycoon. You won’t be disappointed.