A launch title for Xbox One and I didn't think I would be playing Xbox One but it turns out I just did. Zoo Tycoon is a zoo simulation game that puts you in charge of a zoo.
Zoo Tycoon has Campaign, Freeform, and Challenge modes. Campaign modes have you completing certain tasks for each scenario leveled Easy to Hard. The campaign is timed but you'll have plenty of time to complete the tasks before the time runs dry. Successfully completing a scenario will unlock new locations for free mode and new scenarios. Each scenario is part of a sub-campaign which will dictate the tasks such as Prevent Animal Abuse which has you completing tasks relating to the care of animals. Regardless of mode, there's the matter of increasing the Zoo's notoriety which will unlock new features for the zoo such as exhibits, concessions, decorations, mini-exhibits, and facilities.
As this game is a simulation game, you can adopt and breed as many as from over 100 animal types reining from Giraffes, Monkeys, Rhinos, Elephants, Bears, and Zebras. Each category has several sub categories of animals. Taking care of animals is taken seriously in this game as the right Animal Care, Enrichment, and even interactive tourism are required as well as the right landscape such as Tropical, Alpine, Tundra, Savannah, and Grasslands. For example, Monkeys best habitat is Tropical while Bears are best suited for Alpine and Tundra. Don't forget to hire staff such as Zoo Keepers, Janitors, and Breeders. Research is also key in this game as you will need in Campaign mode to start research and wait for the specific time(usually under one minute) before you can choose the item. There are three levels for each Zoo item such as upgrading facilities, concessions, and exhibits.
In campaign mode, things cost money wheres freeform mode you can spend how you like without financial repercussions. What I like about this game is the variety of locations for zoos taking place in nearly every continent on Earth. You can play in either Zoo or Tycoon mode when playing in-game. Zoo mode has you controlling the head zoo keeper who can walk around the zoo, see the outer landscape, and even drive buggies which work much like low speed electric cars(GEM). I liked driving these zoo themed buggies and they were a lot of fun in this game. You can't run over people as they will simply be swept away without harm.
I really like the variety of visuals and animals as this game has great graphics and I like how you can choose from many different zoos worldwide such as North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The animals look as real as can be which is great since what's a zoo without animals? When in Zoo mode, you can see the landscape which varies depending on zoo selected. For Alaska, you'll see beautiful mountains. This is what makes the game great. I also like the interactive mini-games such as washing, feeding, and looking through animals at exhibits. Don't forget to look for interesting animal facts.
I do feel however that it's loading times are tedious and some tasks can feel like a boring chore. Kinect controls are too picky with movements and adjusting them can be heck. You might as well usie the controller for menus as doing it Kinect style will frustrate you. I like Kinect 2.0 improvements over the prototype feeling Kinect.
The Xbox 360 version has some watered down differences such as no mulitplayer, inferior graphics, and only 65 types of animals.
I'm going to give this game a final verdict of 7.4/10
+Amazing Strategy Based Zoo Keeping
+Excellent Visuals and unique features such as animals and locations
+Great Animal Detail
-Some tasks are boring chores
-picky Kinect controls
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