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An insidiously addictive simulation game, Zoo Tycoon allows
players to create their own zoo, but not just any zoo. It's
completely free-form: Start with fences for your exhibits, then
pick animals and give them toys, foliage, and anything else you
want. For your customers, you can lay down paths to lead them
around, then add food stands, amusement rides, even s and
t cans. Not sure what you need? The zoo advisors will tell
you how to make the animals happy, and the customers themselves
will tell you what they're looking for, be it snacks, more
animals, or anything else. There's also a vast a of
background information on each critter--its diet, its habitat,
etc.--which can be useful when you're adding a macrauchenia or a
Loch Ness Monster. In all, you can choose over 100 animals, plus
countless habitat and park embellishments.
What makes Zoo Tycoon Complete Collection especially compelling
is its inclusion of the expansion packs Marine Mania and Dinosaur
Digs, so you can add dolphin shows to your zoo, or even a T-Rex
or wooly mammoth. Be sure to maintain those worn-out fences,
though, or you could have big trouble on your hands.
Zoo Tycoon is a great game for kids because while they'll have
terrific fun crafting the zoo of their dreams, they'll also get a
reality lesson about what customers want, and how their choice of
expenditures ultimately affect the bottom line (that nacho stand
sounds tasty, but is it making money?). If you've made a good
zoo, customers will be happy, and the money will roll in. And
it's also the kind of game grown-ups can enjoy, because there are
so many possibilities. Be wary, however, of trying to sneak in 20
minutes of play before bedtime because you'll probably stay up a
lot longer than you planned. (Ages 7 and older) --David Horiuchi
Pros:
* Great game for kids and parents to play together.
* Endless replay possibilities
* Educational value in its animal information and "real world"
economics Cons
* Sometimes tiresome trying to get an animal's exhibit just right
* How much free time do you have to spare?
From the Manufacturer
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Combining 3 top-selling titles, Zoo Tycoon: Complete Collection
includes the original Zoo Tycoon game and the Dinosaur Digs and
Marine Mania expansion packs, allowing players imaginations to
run wild as they care for more than 100 land, aquatic, and
prehistoric animals in the most beautiful and lively zoo
imaginable. Additionally, Zoo Tycoon: Complete Collection comes
with loads of bonus content, including the entire new Endangered
Species Theme Pack. This bonus theme pack features 12 animals on
the endangered and/or threatened species list, such as
orangutans, whale sharks, and Komodo dragons. Zookeepers can tend
to these rare animals using more than 40 new objects based on
four new themes, and can challenge their inner zoo keeping skills
with three new scenarios.
Would-be zookeepers have more than 100 animals and more than 500
building objects at their disposal to create a thriving and
y zoo. They can set up their own aquatic show, launch an
expedition to recover escaped dinosaurs, or build a habitat for
an endangered species. With access to many specialized staff such
as zookeepers, scientists, and marine spets, Zoo Tycoon:
Complete Collection lets virtual zookeepers mix and match animals
and themes to create and manage the ultimate zoo. Fun for kids
and parents alike, Zoo Tycoon: Complete Collection offers players
the most exciting Zoo Tycoon experience next to actually running
a real-life zoo. Zoo Tycoon: Complete Collection is in
development by Blue Fang, the creators of the original Zoo Tycoon
as well as Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs and Zoo Tycoon: Marine
Mania.
- Start out with the original Zoo Tycoon -- you'll have total control over a zoo, and create the animal displays that will impress and amaze people.
- Create concession stands, take care of the animals and handle problems like escaped lions -- all while balancing the book & trying to turn a profit. It's fun AND challenging!.
- Take it a step further with the Marine Mania expansion pack -- all-new exhibit materials, building and attractions for creating a beautiful aquarium display and dolphin show.
- Dinosar Digs gives you the chance to create your own dinosaur park -- bring T-Rexes and brontosaurs to life and keep them from eating the customers.
- Also comes with the Endangered Species Theme Pack, featuring a dozen unique animals, 40 objects, and 3 new scenarios -- plus bonus animals available for download.