Along with a new developer for the series, Mall Tycoon 2 offers new and diverse options for players looking to emulate the building and management of a super shopping center. Seasonal themes (Easter, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Christmas), special events (sales, promotions), a mall with up to nine levels, staff management, consumer reports, food courts, financial strategies, and much more await the virtual mall designer and entrepreneur.

A tutorial helps players learn the controls and many aspects of designing, building, and managing, and a "free build" mode allows unlimited design by shape, size, or style. Specials include atriums, entertainment, restaurants, bars, and services, while objects consist of items like entrances, stairs, escalators, elevators, benches, doors, walls, and floors -- basically, the player designs his or her mall from the ground up, precisely putting every part into place. Success (or failure) depends on the number of customers attracted to the mall and balancing expenses versus income for maximum profit. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide