Zoo Tycoon

"Wondered how unicorns make babies?"

Another addition to the famous Tycoon series, this one sees you managing zoos. Tycoon games are always presented from a birds-eye view. You, the player, are in complete control of proceedings.
So, how does Zoo Tycoon differ from the other Tycoon games, and what's new? Read this review to find out!

Graphics: 7/10
Moderately clear with some emphasis on detail, including light-hearted additions like seasonal witches and Santa Claus! However, it's not ground breaking, and the people sprites could be larger - more representative of the population as a whole.

Sound: 7/10
Animal noises are incredibly realistic - how else could we experience the grunts of an ibex? Attraction tunes are appropriate and well-crafted but there could definitely be a larger range.

Control: 10/10
Controls are easy to pick up. How hard can moving a mouse be? The icons are clear and it is easy to see what they represent. Clicking confirms your choice to build - be it fence or toilet.

Gameplay: 6/10
The trick lies in manipulating the perfect habitat for each animal you place in the zoo, with the use of different terrains, toys, food and staff care. This maximises their happiness rating, which in turn increases the happiness of your guests - consequently rewarding you with a zoo rating worthy of a gold frame. Considering that all the recommendations for the contentment of your beloved zoo creatures are sourced from the game's zookeepers, you've got it made, right? Well, in most cases. Occasionally you do get animals who stay grumpy no matter what you do (usually prehistoric beasts), in which case you must sell them faster than you can say ''Dancing Bears.'' One of the cutest parts of the game is the birth of baby animals when you place a happy male-female couple in a pen. This counterbalances the sad deaths of those who have exceeded their years. Next, the cult of corporate consumerism kicks in and you end up overcharging your visitors for cola and fluffy animal toys. The bad side of gameplay is the novelty wears off, and it quickly becomes a struggle; it can be very repetitive and annoying, especially when you try everything to satisfy an animal to no avail, it remains unhappy.

Lastability: 9/10
You have the choice of playing a freeform game or an objective game if you prefer something with more focus. There are plenty of hidden animals which you can download from the Internet, including dashing creatures emblazoned in myth and legend. If you get bored of striving for perfection, unleashing terror on the patrons by releasing dangerous animals is an excellent diversion. There is a sizeable number of cheats and shortcuts if you can't be bothered/don't have the money to go the whole way.

Overall Score: 7/10
You'll be hooked for a few weeks. Worthy of a place in any self-respecting SIM fan's collection. Having said that, it does get repetitive and glitchy sometimes, and will frustrate you.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/16/03, Updated 11/01/04