The lion may be the king of the jungle, but in Zoo Tycoon you must be king of the zoo! Maybe it’s a bit too much Animal Planet, or the fact that I was a card carrying member of Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo for too many years – but I couldn’t resist the prospect of this game.
A traditional sim at heart, Zoo Tycoon, published by Microsoft and developed by Blue Fang Games, takes the simulation genre to a new realm. With over 40 different animals and over 125 buildings and building materials to choose from, this game will easily appeal to those looking for something new and unique in the sim realm.
It also has two modes of play – a freelance type mode where you can just start from the ground up with no rules, or a more rigorous "scenario" mode which increases in difficulty as you progress.
If you’re normally not a sim player and your interest has been lured by the concept of being a zoo mogul, have no fear! The tutorial for Zoo Tycoon is a work of art. You can choose to be tutored on gameplay as much or as little as you like - and you’re even given a head start with vibrant and easy-on-the-eyes basics in the installation process! What’s even better is a good serving of humor to go along with that education. After all, where else would a tutorial instruct you to remove a piece of the lion’s enclosure while the guests are in attendance, and then shortly after give you an amusing scolding for your blind obedience (all the while you’re hearing the screams of your fleeing visitors)? It’s fun from the very first minute you play and even with all the hectic activity that will be coming your way, the good feelings never really end.
Now – here’s the nitty gritty to building your zoo – the "bear" essentials, if you will (sorry for that!). First, of course, you need your animals and the cages to put them in. Then you have to keep them happy. This could be anything from trees and grasses from their native habitat, to rocks, and even toys! Social or anti-social? You need to know that about your choices or else you might have some disgruntled residents. Also, you can match-maker and give your guests the chance to see some young ‘uns amongst the bunch. And don’t forget the bait, I mean zookeeper, to take care of your zoo’s most prized possessions! Your zookeeper is actually a helpful little tool as well as an animal caretaker, as he/she will become essential in advising you what items will keep your critters happy. Do a good job, and eventually you will be awarded the chance for a wider selection of animals. As you go along, you can even win awards for being an excellent caretaker - adding more money to your projects. After that, you have to start providing for the care and feeding of the most dangerous creature of all: Your guests!
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