Publisher: Microsoft
Ages: four & up
Parental
Advisory:
None
Daytrum Editor's Choice
Over the years, there have been lots of "tycoon"-themed games that were mostly variations on the popular SimCity (Daytrum review). Many were doomed from the start with unappealing themes and poor gameplay. Among the most successful, after the popular RollerCoaster Tycoon (Daytrum review), was Microsoft's Zoo Tycoon (Daytrum Review), which challenges players to build successful and profitable animal parks. Now in its second version, Zoo Tycoon 2 offers good improvements as well as challenging play, and offers an excellent, non-violent title for the family.
As in the first game, Zoo Tycoon 2 serves players an empty lot and challenges them to go about building their zoos. Their success will depend on several factors: obtaining exotic animals, providing good animal care, supplying appropriate habitats for the animals, creating entertaining attractions, and building and offering good zoo amenities that include gift shops, bathrooms, and food stands.
Success not only depends on attracting customers, but keeping the animals happy. As in all tycoon games, keeping everything in balance is the key to success. And players get to take on more challenging scenarios in the title's single-play mode that feature time limits and tighter budgets. There's also a free play mode that lets players simply build a zoo with unlimited funds and no budgetary constraints. This mode is perfect for families who want to build their own zoos and view the results.
The game features some 30 animals, a variety of building tools and objects, and 3D graphics that help players keep a closer eye on the action. The best new feature, a Zoo Guest mode, lets players walk around and enjoy their zoos as if they were visitors. This feature also lets players see for themselves how well they've built their zoos and then make appropriate changes. A new Photo mode lets players snap pictures of their favorite animals and guests and share them online with friends. Finally, the Zoopedia, an online encyclopedia, offers animal facts.
The 3D graphics are a vast improvement over those in the prior game. The big advance is that players can zoom in to see close-ups of their animals. On the downside, the animals, when viewed close-up, tend to be a bit blocky and stiff.
For players who want to run their own zoo, or parents with young kids who want to play computer games together, Zoo Tycoon 2 offers the best of both worlds in a non-violent, strategic and entertaining game. It's an excellent family game that we highly recommend.
12/15/04 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
