Summary
- Release Year: 2013
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Developers: Asobo Studio, Frontier Developments
- Publishers: Microsoft Studios
Zoo Tycoon (2013): A Comprehensive Review
Zoo Tycoon is a business simulation video game developed by Frontier Developments and published by Microsoft Studios. The game was released on 22 November 2013 for Xbox One and Xbox 360. It is the fourth installment in the Zoo Tycoon series, and the first to be developed by Frontier Developments.
Gameplay
Zoo Tycoon is a business simulation game in which the player takes on the role of a zoo manager. The player’s goal is to build and manage a successful zoo, while also taking care of the animals and educating the visitors.
The game features a variety of different animals, each with its own unique needs. The player must provide the animals with food, water, shelter, and enrichment activities. The player must also hire staff to take care of the animals and the zoo grounds.
In addition to taking care of the animals, the player must also manage the zoo’s finances. The player must set ticket prices, sell food and drinks, and manage the zoo’s expenses. The player must also research new technologies and attractions to improve the zoo’s appeal to visitors.
Features
- Over 100 different animals: Zoo Tycoon features a wide variety of animals, from lions and tigers to elephants and penguins. Each animal has its own unique needs and behaviors, and the player must learn how to care for each one.
- Realistic animal behavior: The animals in Zoo Tycoon behave realistically, and they will interact with each other and their environment in a variety of ways. For example, lions will hunt zebras, and elephants will play in the water.
- Detailed zoo management: Zoo Tycoon gives the player a lot of control over the management of their zoo. The player can set ticket prices, sell food and drinks, and manage the zoo’s expenses. The player can also research new technologies and attractions to improve the zoo’s appeal to visitors.
- Educational value: Zoo Tycoon is an educational game that can teach players about animals and their habitats. The game includes a variety of educational features, such as animal fact sheets and videos.
Reception
Zoo Tycoon received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics praised the game’s realistic animal behavior and detailed zoo management, while others criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation.
- IGN: “Zoo Tycoon is a solid zoo simulation that offers a lot of depth and variety. The animals are well-modeled and behave realistically, and the zoo management is detailed and engaging. However, the game’s repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation may put off some players.” (7.5/10)
- GameSpot: “Zoo Tycoon is a fun and challenging business simulation game that allows you to build and manage your own zoo. With a variety of animals and buildings to choose from, you can create a zoo that is both profitable and educational.” (8/10)
- Polygon: “Zoo Tycoon is a competent zoo simulation, but it doesn’t do much to improve upon the formula established by previous games in the series. The animals are well-modeled and behave realistically, but the gameplay is repetitive and the lack of innovation is disappointing.” (6/10)
Overall
Zoo Tycoon is a solid zoo simulation game that offers a lot of depth and variety. The animals are well-modeled and behave realistically, and the zoo management is detailed and engaging. However, the game’s repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation may put off some players.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
