Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania
© 2006 Microsoft Corporation
Developed by Blue Fang Games LLC for Microsoft, this expansion pack requires the original Zoo Tycoon 2 disk to play. Note there was an earlier 2002 version of this expansion pack for the first Zoo Tycoon. Content features 20 new aquatic animals, including the orca whale, bottlenose dolphin, and green sea turtles. Players can teach the animals tricks and choreograph marine shows for the zoo's guests. Children are also challenged to rescue and restore marine animals to health and release them into the wild, in addition to photographing specific events and creatures. There are new exhibit materials, themed buildings, guest attractions and toys, allowing players to construct and shape different types on in-ground and above-ground tanks. In addition, players can broaden their knowledge of the animal kingdom and improve their zoo keeping skills with the Zoopedia. Eleven-year-old Colleen, who happens to be a Zoo Tycoon fan, noted, "This is the best expansion pack yet!" She particularly liked how realistic the water looked and the fact that you can "swim" either above the water or underwater with the marine mammals.
$30, Windows XP, Windows 98
Teaches: business, animals, biology, science, logic, creativity