"The PC Classic comes under the radar to Nintendo's DS"

I think just about everybody has played Tycoon games. Micromanaging tycoons, such as Roller Coasters, Zoo's, Cruise Ships, even Lemonade Stands, have all been out for a long time on the PC. They worked very well on the computer because of the mouse and keyboard set-up. Some tycoon games have come to consoles, but they were usually awkward and hard to use with analog controls. In comes the Nintendo DS. A handheld powerful enough to handle these types of games and with control's so close to the PC's, it begs for Tycoon and RTS type games.

Gameplay 9 out of 10

Zoo Tycoon is just what it sounds like. You build a Zoo with animals, buildings, etc.. Simple right? Well it gets more tricky than that. Managing a Zoo is a lot harder than it sounds. You have to make sure animals are happy, people are happy, consession stands, everything you see at Zoo's today. It gets very addicting. Anyone who has played Roller Coaster Tycoon or any Tycoon game knows how simple things get complicated fast. Zoo Tycoon DS starts off with easy to understand tutorial levels. You will become familiar with the controls, items, and basically learn how to do everything there is to do. If you've played the PC version you won't need these because everything is basically the same with few additions. On the bottem screen, you choose what to put in your zoo, options, and just organizing everything. The top screen is used for viewing the Zoo you are creating. Trust me, this game uses both screens very well. The only problem I had was with the camera angles (you can change them like in the pc version) but sometimes it takes a couple tries to get the perfect angle. All in all, the gameplay is still great after these many years with Zoo Tycoon on the PC except now I can play it on the go.

Graphics/Sound 7 out of 10

Eh, what can I say? The animals, people, and objects look pretty generic. Slightly worse graphics than the PC version, but they work. It's a tycoon game, it isn't really supposed to have pretty graphics (unless your expecting something like The Sims 2 quality graphics, you won't find them here). The sounds are pretty simple too. Theres no music, just sounds of animals and people going through your zoo. Not much to complain or compliment here.

Replay Value 10 out of 10

Zoo Tycoon DS is very addicting. Not only that, but even after you beat all the scenario modes (which are a lot I might add) you can just spend time building the best and biggest Zoo ever. I'm still playing old Tycoon games such as Roller Coaster or the Sims, and playing Zoo Tycoon DS on the go just adds more to the Replay Value.

Overall 9 out of 10

The gameplay is fantastic and addicting. Zoo Tycoon DS is worth $30 and to me is the surprise hit of the year thus far. I can tell I'll be playing this game for a long time on my DS. I highly recommend it.

Rent or Buy?

Rent if your not sure you'll like it or have never played a Tycoon game before. Buy it if you enjoy tycoon games or anything of the sort on the PC. It's a great game thats worth every penny.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/17/05