For all budding zoo keepers (Zoo Tycoon 2 (PC))

Member Name: custard1975

Product:	Zoo Tycoon 2 (PC)
Date:	23/11/08 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: easy to play, lots of different animals, a number of add ons available

Disadvantages: not as great graphical as some newer games,

Zoo tycoon 2 is a zoo simulation game for the PC (there are other versions for the DS too). It has been out for a couple of years now and there are a few add on packs for it too add to the gameplay including Marine Mania, Extinct Animals, Endangered species and African animals. Even after so long I still really enjoy playing it and so do my kids.

The basic premise is to build a zoo and look after the animals. There are over 100 animals to choose from including the usuals like Tigers, Lions and elephants as well as dolphins, turtles, and some more exotic ones if you invest in the add ons.

You can choose to play either free play, where all animals and objects are available or the scenario or challenge based modes. All are good and offer a variety of rewards. For completing a scenario or challenge game you may receive additional objects etc. Scenarios have set objectives such as raising and breeding certain animals and have limited funds.

Building a zoo from scratch is relatively straight forward. You can adjust the terrain, either lower or higher it, change the type such as tropical forest or savannah, add or remove vegatation and rocks. Once the land is as you want it you need to build a cage for your animal including putting in food and water, enrichment items and shelters. Finally place the animals. Obviously if you want them to breed you will need more than one of each but it depends how much money you have available. There are other items to place in the zoo such as shops and food places, playgrounds, stands all of which will encourage more visitors and therefore more money.

To be successful I have found that it is a good idea to build the cages quite large and have plenty of activities for guests. You can also mix some animals together as long as they need the same environment. So elephants, zebras and gazelles can all go together. Of course you could put lions or cheetahs in too....but its up to you how sadistic you want to be!!

This is a great game aimed at all the family which all animal lovers will adore. Its fun and easy to get the hang of the controls. The graphics are good and there are a number of different animals which each come with some educational information about them too.

Summary: A good all round family game aimed at animal lovers everywhere