Zoo Tycoon for XBox One
© 2013 Microsoft Studios
When does hardware make software better? When it's Zoo Tycoon, running on the new Xbox One game console. As with previous versions, Zoo Tycoon features several modes. You can build your own zoo, or manage the zoo elements, in a campaign mode. There's also a freeform option, in case you want to just explore. The campaign is timed but you're given plenty of time to complete the tasks. If you do, you can unlock new exhibits, concessions, decorations, mini-exhibits, and facilities. Content includes over 100 animal types, with a Zoopedia that contains interesting facts. Taking care of animals is taken seriously in this game. You have to match the animal with the right food and habitat. If you make a mistake, the animals are removed (there's no death element). You quickly learn that the Monkeys will prosper in the tropics; while the bears are best suited for Alpine and Tundra. Fun elements include driving buggies around the looping zoo paths; playing with the voice commands, feeding the animals by reaching into the screen, washing the elephants with a hose, and mimicking an animal's actions using a mirror mode. When in Zoo mode, you can see a beautiful landscape that matches the habitat. For example, Alaska lets you look at beautiful mountains. I also like the interactive mini-games such as washing, feeding, and looking through animals at exhibits. Weaknesses include long loading times, and some tasks that start to feel tedious. Also the Kinect controls can be picky, requiring careful adjustment. Finally, we noticed that there were some menu options pertaining to animal and zoo sharing that requires an Xbox Gold subscription. This is vaguely labeled on the back of the jewelcase, but not on the menus themselves. Note that there are some significant differences in both game play and content between the Xbox One and Xbox 360 versions. All in all, this dazzling zoo sim raises the bar for bringing a sense of realism to a business/science sim, in part due to the Xbox One's motion and sound sensing abilities.
$60, Xbox One*, Xbox 360
Teaches: strategy
CTR Rating: 94%