"Fantastic Game!"

Storyline: 7/10
This game is just like the classic pc game-build and maintain a zoo appealing to your guests. I'm a huge fan of the pc game, and now that I can take the game with me wherever I go, I'm a happy person!

Gameplay: 9/10
I was in raptures over this game! There is nothing more fun than creating fun and appealing exhibits along with fancy guest resting areas. It was completely engrossing and the very day I got it, I played until my battery was totally dead (I was on vacation and had left my charger at home. You should have heard me when the power cut off!). Not only that, but there are scenarios for you to tackle. The first couple are for new players; it tells you the basics and the controls, but the rest are tough and challenging! The only negative thing is that the game freezes up. Now I'm not saying it freezes up all the time, don't get me wrong. I've had it for about a month and it's only frozen on me twice. Just save every 5-10 minutes and you'll be all right.

Controls: 8/10
The controls are pretty good. I just took off two points because every so often the touch screen wouldn't recognize my actions, and I always pressed the zoom out button when I wanted to press pause. After you press zoom out, you have to press it two more times to get back to the original screen.

Sound: 7/10
I like that you listen to the actual sounds of your zoo: the people talking, animals growling and chirping, toilets flushing, gifts being bought...I love it. I wouldn't have it any other way. There's just a lot less of it. You mainly hear animal noises and the occasional purchase/vending machine, but not a lot of people chatter. There's also a catchy remake of the title menu song. Nice.

Graphics: 10/10
I loved the graphics. If possible, I'd say they were better than the computer game's! Of course, there's also a light in the DS that lets you see better, too. The only thing I didn't like was that the animals could climb from the lowest part of the land to the highest, unlike the computer game. The animal disappears for a split second and then reappears.
Overall: 9/10
I enjoyed this game thoroughly. I love playing it over and over again and giving friends the tour of what is my best zoo ever. This is a fantastic game for only twenty dollars. Buy it. You'll love it!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/31/07

Game Release: Zoo Tycoon DS (US, 10/11/05)