After installing Zoo Tycoon to your Xbox One, the game will load to the Zoo Tycoon start screen. It is here that you can choose rather to play the game alone in Single Player mode or build a Zoo with a friend in Co-op. You can also adjust your sound, controls, and gameplay notifications based on personal preferences in the "Options" section before beginning your game. A great highlight of Zoo Tycoon is the ability for players to be involved in the game by voting on the next Community Achievement under the "Community" section.
In Single Player mode, players have several options in which to play that includes Training, Freeform, Challenge and Campaign modes. Gamers can utilize the Training mode to learn how to become a Zoo Tycoon by starting out with the basics in very simple scenarios Freeform mode allows players to join up to three friends online where money is no object and certain animals and zoo items are already unlocked. If you want something a little more advanced, then Challenge mode allows you to join up to three friends online to create a zoo together with limited funds while overcoming the challenges of zoo management. Lastly, once you have learned the ropes, then players can venture into Campaign mode which allows players to finally prove themselves as Zoo Keepers by playing through over twenty scenario-based zoos in six categories and become the ultimate Zoo Tycoon. Players who complete each scenario will be awarded a special item to use in Challenge and Freeform play.
Zoo Tycoon features an in-depth tutorial that will teach you everything you need to know about running a Zoo and gives you the confidence to proceed into more challenging game modes. Don't worry about forgetting anything, because players have the option to access the Zoopedia in-game to refresh their memory about the various aspects of the game. The first thing that stands out about Zoo Tycoon is the beautiful visuals and simple, responsive controls.
Once you enter the game world, you will be able to interact with the animals using the interaction stations which are placed on the edge of the stations. These stations really add a great deal of immersion to Zoo Tycoon by allowing you too get up-close-and-personal with the animals by feeding them, giving them baths or even playing games. You also have the option of taking photos to add to your animal photos collection.
Zoo Tycoon features a great deal of customization such as the ability to customize exhibits by adding trees, paths and benches alongside the option to rename each exhibit to your liking. It is also fun to customize your character by changing your gender, hair color, hair type, face and outfit. Once you have everything like you want it then you can now view each exhibit needs by holding down the "LT" button to bring up the exhibit’s info panel. The panel will show the animal and habitat happiness, alongside hunger, cleanliness, social and the amount of animals in each exhibit. Based on the level of each need then you may need to add certain items to increase the animal's happiness such as feeding stations. Some animals can be fed by hand, like elephants, which means you can interact with the feeding station and then either wait for the nearest animal or pick one to feed. However, some animals are too dangerous to feed by hand. You will also use washing stations to clean the animals with a hose, increase the animal's social through sensory play, and even have to clean up their feces. Zoo Tycoon is a true simulation game and it doesn't spare any details for creating a realistic zoo experience. After the happiness bar is completely green for all of the exhibit’s needs, then you can progress to the next exhibit to check on the next batch of animals. You have the choice to travel on foot around your zoo or use a buggy that you can drive.
While you walk around taking care of the animals, then you can also build onto your Zoo by adding new exhibits, mini exhibits, decorations, concessions and facilities. As you progress, your Zoo Fame will increase, which unlocks new items, activities and animals. The dashboard at the top of the screen lets you know how well your zoo is doing, and if your doing well, then it will have a high fame level, guest rating and be bringing in a ton of money. If you are doing poorly then it will be the opposite of that and needs some improvements such as adding items to the exhibits. You may also need to edit your main gate by adjusting admission prices, advertising or completing more research. Players have the option of viewing the "Economy Breakdown" section here as well to see their cash flow, zoo capacity, guests graph and much more to see if any improvements need to be made. Notifications will also pop up to keep you updated on the conditions of your zoo, as well as, any problems that need your immediate attention. Also, besides the ability to utilize Kinect in sensory play, it can also make taking care of animals easier through the game's voice command system. You can use specific voice commands to see your animal's happiness or even order maintenance on your facilities. The optional voice commands make taking care of your zoo fast and simple.
Another great aspect of Zoo Tycoon is the ability to create more attractions, facilities, concessions and other items as you gain more and more fame. You can also fully upgrade many aspects of your zoo and add in everything to make yours really special including breeding and zookeeper centers, janitor's offices, restrooms, mascots, balloon and souvenir shops, alongside various concession stands that include yummy burgers, pizza, milkshakes and more! While the core concept of Zoo Tycoon is to build a successful zoo, the amazingly fun gameplay will keep you playing long after you reach the highest pivotal point of your zoo keeper success. Frontier Developments has managed to seamlessly balance all of the elements of the game and has created an easily accessible pick-up-and-play experience that can enjoyed by novice and hardcore gamers alike.
CLOSING COMMENTS
In the end, Zoo Tycoon is a great simulation game that delivers on creating a realistic zoo experience well besides the part that has animal fecal matter bursting into confetti when you clean it up. Zoo Tycoon has a high degree of replayability due to the amount of variety across its multiple game modes and the multiplayer portion that allows you to play with up to three friends online to build a zoo together. Zoo Tycoon features beautiful graphics, fun visual effects, top-notch sound, and engaging gameplay that will keep you playing for weeks on end. If you are looking for a fun game to play with the family this holiday season, then look no further with Zoo Tycoon!
Zoo Tycoon is now available for purchase from most major retailers for the MSRP of $59.99 for Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Zoo Tycoon is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is generally suitable for all ages. For more information on the game, check out the official Zoo Tycoon website.
Game Features:
- Single Player
- 2-4 Multiplayer
- DLC Support
- Trophy/Achievement Support
Game Information:
Developer: Frontier Developments
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Available for Xbox One (reviewed) and Xbox 360
Release Date: November 22, 2013
Pros:
- Great game for the whole family
- Fun, immersive gameplay
- Exquisite graphics and sound
- Mundane tasks, such as cleaning up animal fecal
matter, which explodes into sparkling confetti when
it is removed.