If you love animals and zoos then Zoo Tycoon 2 is a must for your collection. The world’s most popular zoo simulation game has been a hit since its first version for the pc which was launched in 2004 and since then several versions have followed. Due to the popularity of Zoo Tycoon for the pc Nintendo decided to try its luck by producing the game for its Nintendo DS, the first DS version was then released in 2005 and was again equally a hit. Zoo Tycoon was not only produced as a game for players but its format also proved to be useful for children when being used as an educational tool. Yes, I said educational tool. It’s true; Zoo Tycoon has received recognition from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Children’s software and media revue, along with Parent’s Choice & Scholastic Parent & Child.
Zoo Tycoon 2 is not only fun playing but can be a challenge for children and their thinking abilities depending on the game mode chosen. For example the game mode Zoo Designer allows the player to create the entire zoo, place the animals, structures, landscapes, and staff in whatever fashion they choose. This mode is the main feature of the game and as the zoo becomes more successful then more new and different items can be unlocked and purchased for further improvements.
The next mode is the Zoo Director which is directed toward management of the zoo. In this mode the player can get information to use for marketing and managing the zoo. During play you can also allocate more funds for research and investing and also by getting sponsors. The more funds you get the more items that can be unlocked and the more projects that can be completed. This mode teaches the basic fundamentals for managing but at the same time makes it fun. When I say manage I do mean completely manage and that means also having to get needed supplies for the zoo to operate like food for the animals and the items that are sold throughout the park for profit. Pricing adjustments may also need to be done from time to time when profits aren’t at the level they should be. When I say manage I do mean manage and not just financially but as director you also have to get food and supplies for the parks shops and also for the animals. Price adjustments are also needed from time to time when profits aren’t up to par.
The third mode is the Zoo Keeper in which your job is doing exactly what it’s called Zoo Keeper. When having the job of zoo keeper one must be able to maintain all the animals completely. This means providing affection, feeding, cleaning, brushing, and nursing those back to health when needed. To do this one must actually get their hands dirty especially when cleaning the animals living area, can one say pooper scooper. The chores are arranged into five mini-games in which you select the chore by icons. Some of the chores are timed and some of them require using your brain to figure out which food is appropriate to feed which animal. All of these modes are not only fun but are actually perfect for children as a learning experience because all of the skills of managing and providing care also require thinking abilities in a creative form that make it enjoyable for whoever is playing along with also learning individual animals.
Players can also choose from the main menu either Campaign Game or Freeform Game. The campaign mode is a timed section that provides a challenge for players by requiring them to complete some basic varying tasks within a given time period. These tasks stimulate the mind in several different forms in varying levels for any age, but of course they are directed more toward children. These games can also be beneficial for adults and elders since studies have shown that stimulating the mind is beneficial for all ages. Freeform game mode allows the largest variety for play. This mode allows the player to build and do whatever they want in building the ultimate zoo. This mode also allows one to use the trophies they have earned in the campaign mode to unlock very neat and different animals/creatures that aren’t available in your average normal zoo. For example, unicorns and dinosaurs, and saber tooth tigers which are all really neat.
Another game option is the Dolphin Show which can be obtained after you complete level three in structure research and level four in animal research along with the dolphin research show. By completing these levels this allows you to purchase all items required for a dolphin show exhibit, since very little is free in this world today. The dolphin show is like most others you have seen but you also have to keep the dolphin happy to maintain success. The happier the dolphin is the more successful the show will be, sadness causes failure, and we don’t wan’t that. A good dolphin show means more business success, so keep the dolphin happy!
Zoo Tycoon 2 can be single player of multiplayer. If multiplayer is chosen you can select between Trade a Zoo or Tycoon Showdown as your selection. Trade a Zoo mode may be chosen if you or a friend thinks they can run the others zoo better. After trading you might even learn a few tricks from the other to help run your zoo better for future games. In Tycoon Showdown each player starts out the same in the beginning and then tries to out build and out manage each other to ultimately end up with the best park possible. The winner is determined by whoever had the highest number of guests, exhibits, and whoever was able to spend the most money successfully.
Zoo Tycoon 2 is definitely not a game for everyone and like all others it has good and bad aspects throughout. While reviewing this game I have to put myself in a child mind setting (which isn’t altering myself much really) to really give the game fair credit. If I look at this game from a parent’s perspective then this game would be great for any child and actually provides gaming fun and learning all in one. The good thing is that when buying this game for the child it doesn’t even have to know that you getting it for learning reasons rather than gaming fun, but if you can have both then why not.
The controls are simple and operated by the buttons and the stylus with the touch screen. The animal sounds are pretty neat and realistic and the option to leave sound on or off during play is at the players discretion. Test option is also available from the main menu and can be used for learning the many different sounds that animals make. The neat thing also about the animals is that all animals are viewed in 3D and most look pretty good at least for being viewed on a handheld game console.
The player also has the option to change the time from day to night if desired, but not that it makes much of a difference of course. I have to say if I were a parent looking for neat little game that is both fun and educational then Zoo Tycoon 2 would be at the top of my list.
