Review of Zoo Tycoon 2 by GameSpot

Microsoft’s Zoo Tycoon 2 is a sequel that builds upon the success of its predecessor by making some real improvements to the formula. The game allows players to build and manage their own zoo, complete with animal exhibits, staff management, and guest satisfaction. The main goal is to keep everyone in the zoo happy – from the animals to the visitors to the employees. By doing so, players can earn money, research upgrades, and expand their park.

The game offers three major play modes: a single-player campaign with 17 missions, a challenge mode with various tasks and goals, and an open-ended sandbox mode where players have unlimited funds to create their dream zoo. The campaign mode is straightforward but requires players to manage their budget effectively to balance the needs of the animals, guests, and park maintenance. The challenge mode offers more advanced gameplay, while the sandbox mode allows for creative freedom in designing the zoo.

One of the notable improvements in Zoo Tycoon 2 is the enhanced graphics and sound. The game features a fully 3D engine that allows players to zoom in close on characters, animals, and objects. The updated editing tools make it easy to build and modify exhibits, while the new photo view mode lets players take photos of their zoo and animals. The cartoon-like graphics are colorful but simplistic, catering to a wide range of computers. However, the game’s performance may lag on some machines, especially during scrolling.

In terms of sound, Zoo Tycoon 2’s soundtrack is sparse, with minimal ambient music. The game relies on animal noises and visitor sounds to create atmosphere, but the overall experience can feel eerily silent until the zoo becomes popular and bustling with activity. Despite these shortcomings, the game’s sandbox mode and zoopedia feature, which provides educational animal facts, make it a great choice for parents looking to engage with their children in a fun and educational way.

Overall, Zoo Tycoon 2 offers an engaging and entertaining experience for players of all ages. While the campaign and challenge modes provide structured gameplay, the sandbox mode allows for creativity and exploration. With its improved graphics and interactive features, the game is a great choice for parents and children to enjoy together, creating and managing their own virtual zoo.