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Zoo Tycoon

Game that lets the user build and run their own zoo

6.6

2283 Votes

  • Category Strategy
  • Program license Trial version
  • Version 2
  • Size 27.76 MB
  • Works under: Windows 98
  • Program available in English
  • Program by Microsoft

Create and Manage Your Own Zoo

Zoo Tycoon was released in 2001 and is the first in a series of games that give players the chance to design and create their very own zoo. This zoo comes complete with a full collection of dangerous animals that can easily turn on their keepers if not managed correctly. The aim of the game is to build the most interesting and healthy zoo and keep everything under control so that visitors have a good time rather than being eaten alive. Sounds simple? Read on to see if the game is as exciting as it promised.

There are lots of different elements to Zoo Tycoon, which helps to keep things interesting. Of course, the first and main objective is designing your zoo to make it as attractive as possible. Players also spend time building the exhibits that will accommodate various animals and making sure that visitors to the zoo as well as the animals are content. This means choosing the exhibit that is best suited to each animal and adding extra features to keep visitors entertained.

There are lots of different elements to choose to make your terrain as suitable and attractive as possible. These include the type of foliage that you want to add, shelters, rocks, toys for the animal and zoo keepers to help manage the exhibit. When it comes to the visitors to the zoo, they require elements such as restrooms, restaurants, shops, food stands and entertainment. You also want to make sure the zoo is attractive by adding benches, topiary art and much more.

The different sections of the game are well organised and present a clear picture of how the zoo is working and what needs to be done. Players can switch over to tycoon view to take care of business.

There are three stages to choose from and in the Tutorial stage players will learn how to build and design their zoo. Players are presented with a series of objectives to complete in Scenario mode, while there are lots more options and flexibility to the game play in Freeform mode.

On the face of it, it may feel like this is a full time job, and not the most exciting job at that. Thankfully, gamers also have the chance to play a range of different mini games to bring an extra element of fun to the game. In addition to exploring the zoo on foot, your character can also leap into one of the buggies and speed to the different exhibits if you prefer.

The animals are both adorable and authentic and can make playing Zoo Tycoon a real joy. Animal lovers will be able to interact with cute critters from all around the world and learn much more about them in the research stations. Feeding the animals with fruit and vegetables and watching an elephants, giraffes and other animals eat right from your hand is sure to melt the heart of even the most jaded gamer.

If you enjoy simulation games, you are sure to be enchanted by Zoo Tycoon. This is one of the most richly varied simulation games out there, which helps to keep play fun and interesting. Unlike many simulation games, getting to grips with it is pretty straight forward, making Zoo Tycoon a winner on many levels.

Pros

  • More than 200 animals and 60 variable elements too play with
  • The graphics are very cool
  • There are lots of interesting strategy elements
  • Lots of animal mini games
  • The interface is easy to learn

Cons

  • Not many challenges to overcome
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