Vega$ Tycoon cashes in

Global Star, Take-Two's budget-game subsidiary, is hoping to cash in on the tycoon game craze with Vega$ Tycoon, which shipped to stores today.

Released in Europe as "Vega$: Make it Big," the Empire-developed PC simulation puts players in the loafers of an aspiring Las Vegas casino boss who must grapple with the gaming industry's challenges. Rated "T" for Teen, the $19..99 game costs a lot less than your average gambling excursion, and has the following features:

• Broad management control allows players to fully customize the inside and outside of their resorts.
• Gamers can view their fully 3D casino in a number of ways, from panoramic views to interior detail.
• Build attractions to draw in guests including hotels, casinos, bars, clubs, rides and stage shows.
• Manage an establishment that can cater up to 5000 hard to please guests, each with their own agendas, desires and budgets.
• More than 20 distinct guest types ranging from freeloading cheapskates to snobby high-rollers.
• Customizable game play that allows players to adjust goals, competition strength and difficulty level.