Zoo Tycoon

"Can you smell the dung?"

If you have played other 'Tycoon' games, you know what to expect here.

Graphics:8
Clear and crisp. The animals all look like they are supposed to, ad a very detailed. They have realistic animations also. The scenary is detailed also and isn't blocky or pixelated. The people are varied, they have faces and all wear different clothing, and are all different genders and ages rather than just people. Obviously a bigger and better PC will make the game more enjoyable, but my 2 year old PC runs it fine, if a little bit juddery at times.

Sound:7
All the animals sound like they are supposed too, there is okish background music on the title screen, and you can hear guests saying 'Wow' and 'AAAAAH!!' when animals are let loose =D. There is adequate sound effects for laying paths and fences down. Not much to get excited about, but it is a bit too quiet at times.

Gameplay:8
This is the best bit of the game. You can play scenarios with certain objectives. It plays just like Rollercoaster Tycoon (Lay path, put down restrooms and food stalls, picnic tables, etc). Getting animals into your zoo involves building an enclosure, putting them in, then seeing what the zookeeper recommends you put down for the animal. For instance, Giraffes like tall trees, a shelter, savvanah grass, and a bit of dirt. You must be careful what fences you use, because some animals can break through.
You must hire cleaners and zookeepers to tidy up and look after the animals. Guests don't like seeing angry animals. You can buy toys for the animals. You can buy indoor exhibits like 'The Primate house' and 'Exotic birds' (Or something).

Controls:9
The controls are as easy as pie. Its just point and click. they are comfortable and everything is readily accessible. To lay paths and fences you click and drag. To lay single objects you just click on the desired location.

Lastibility:10
It will last ages. There are lots of scenarios, and extra animals and items to unlock. When you have completed the scenarios, you can play a 'freeform game' with no time limit or objectives. That is your chance to build the Zoo of your dreams!! You can download new items off the internet.

Rent or buy?Buy!!
Buy it! It will last you ages and give you hours of gun (If you don't like god games, replace fun with frustration).

Overview
Graphics:8
Sound:7
Gameplay:8
Controls:9
Lastibility:10
Overall: 9

If you like god games, get it. If you don't, but would like the chance to build a zoo, rent it. If you don't like god games or if you don't like zoos, leave it on the shelf.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/28/01, Updated 06/14/03