Zoo Tycoon 2

"Zoo Tycoon 2: Gone to Zoo for AIs"

Hello, its time to goto a Zoo, in this case Zoo Tycoon 2!!!

This might be the first review on this game, so I hope I am going to give you the reader the most truthful impression of the game there is possible. This is a sequal made of the original Zoo Tycoon, which also spawned 2 add-on packs. Which explains why we have a sequel, since once a product is hot, you keep making it, until it ends up in the 50% off bin, and no one is buying it. There have been improvements made, but regretfully, 2 steps forward, 3 steps back. Which this review will prove.

Story Line: 3/10

There is no real story line to this type of game. I am writing this to cover my six. You are building a Zoo, or fixing up a Zoo. The challenge mode, is a tutorial, with a company "X" addon. The rating I am giving this game is based more on the weak effort that was made to give us a story line, than what was actually produce. A story line really doesn't fit into this format of game, since there are no real characters. Except for the ones who act up in your Zoo.;-)

Graphics/Sound: 9/10

For those who played the original Zoo Tycoon, we were limited to 2 dimensional graphics, and they were good. What Microsoft has done with this engine, is what surprised me. I see the low system requirements on the box, and then I get blown away by the game. They have given us a fully interactive Zoo. One where the sounds are nice, and you can see as up close as you want. Mind you the inability to import your own music is a sore point.

Gameplay: 4/10

I know I just raved on how well the graphics were done, and how the sounds are decent. Minor problem, the tools they give you to work the land are horrible. I had Hippo's & Beavers in the same exhibit. Except I could not really level the land, and that since parts of the land were not properly leveled, which means I had to clean up parts of the exhibit manually. Since the Zoo keepers refused to service those spaced they “couldn't reach”, which I find an out an out lie, since I was able to reach lots of the places without a problem. Guess this shows how much “fun” you are meant to have. Just as you are designing a new exhibit, you need to feed/clean/water an exhibit, since you were not given the tools to allow the AI to do the job its suppose to do.

If you recommend putting the Zoo keepers next to the problem, they'll fix it then, but once they leave, they'll forget how to do their job in the area, they can not reach. Which is one of my bones with this game.

Playtime/replay 9/10

Every time you start this game up, in Sandbox mode. You will face a new challenge, just by the choices you make. Replaying the challenges are not as fun, but its doable.

Rent or Buy.

I say wait until the price drops another $15 before this game is worth it to buy. The Demo is good, but the AI flaws really do not show up until after you have a full version, or plenty of animals.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/05