children's computer game review

zoo tycoon 2

Rating: 

 

Product Overview
Zoo Tycoon 2 is the latest edition of an exceptional simulation game that allows children to build and manage their very own zoo. 

Children take on the role of zookeeper and, now, zoo guest as they attempt to build a successful zoo complete with fantastic exhibits, animals that act much like their real counterparts, guests, staff members, and more. 

At players' disposal are plenty of exhibit and zoo materials, such as waterfalls and hotdog stands, with which to create unique zoo setups. Zoo Tycoon 2 includes more than 40 zoo animals — from common peafowl to giraffes — all waiting for a perfect home in the zoo. And this is where some of the game's educational value is strongest: players need to set up exhibits that make sense for the zoo animals. It doesn't take long before players discover that their giraffes will need more than just sandy terrain. Replacing the sand with grassy terrain will help, and a water hole makes sense too. Hiring a zookeeper is a vital step simply because the zookeeper offers important advice about appropriate shelter, terrain, and foliage for the animals. The term "biome" is used throughout the game, and children learn about the specific communities of plants and animals in different climates, such as the savannah, tropical rainforest, and tundra.

There are plenty of other details that need attention as children build their customized zoo. While players are busy creating a suitable exhibit for their giraffes, for example, they might notice that the zoo's visitors have been throwing their trash on the ground. The next logical step is to purchase and position trash cans throughout the grounds. Players can see their guests' thoughts (one guest might be thinking, "I really like this candy bar!" while another's thought bubble reads, "I wish I had a place to throw my trash!"). As children progress, new animals and objects are added to their inventory. Decisions range from pure aesthetics (changing the color of the drink stand, for example) to essential economics (changing the prices of the drinks). 

Weighing pros and cons and engaging in balancing acts are skills that are exercised as kids play any kind of simulation game, and Zoo Tycoon 2 is no exception. For example, children will learn that although guests of the zoo appreciate close-up views of the animals, the animals' privacy must be respected in order to keep them happy. 

This latest edition adds Zoo Guest mode, which allows players to walk around the zoo in the first person. Also new is Photo Safari mode that involves snapping photos of animals (such as the one pictured above) and arranging the pictures in a photo album.

This edition makes it especially easy for younger children in the suggested age range with options that allow players to use a "biome brush" to quickly populate an exhibit with appropriate landscaping, and a "freeform" mode that offers an unlimited budget and immediate access to all of the animals, scenery, and buildings the game has to offer. This takes the pressure off younger players, although playing the game exclusively in this mode reduces the overall educational benefits.

If children are not playing in "freeform" mode, they will need to unlock the game's animals and objects as their "zoo fame score" increases. Players need to focus on meeting the needs of the animals, and they will need to do some research in order to determine each animal's specific preferences and preferred environments. Players can release animals into the wild, and they get rewarded if they do so! 

Just as the animals need attention, so do the zoo's guests. They not only want to see wonderful (and varied!) exhibits, they also need food, drink, and bathrooms! They don't want to spend too much money, and they do appreciate beautiful and clean surroundings. 

Of course, a competent staff needs to be hired and maintained in order for the zoo to run efficiently. Balancing the budget is, at times, a formidable task as well! 

The program is exceptionally easy to use. Although tutorials are available, our testers jumped right in and learned to play by trial and error.

Our kid testers had only one complaint about the game: the animals die. It's realistic, but some of our testers were discouraged nevertheless.

Making guests happy, keeping animals well-fed and healthy, and making enough money to maintain the zoo is quite a balancing act — but it's a fun and educational undertaking.

Technically Speaking
Minimum system requirements for Zoo Tycoon 2 are Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP, 733 MHz, 256 MB RAM, 900 MB of available hard disk space, Quad-speed or higher CD-ROM drive, and 16 MB 3D DirectX9.0 or later. 

Skills Covered
Strategy, animal science, logical thinking.

Educational Value
As children play, they pick up a variety of animal facts. They need to employ logic and strategic planning in order to successfully build and manage their zoos. This simulation program offers unique educational value in that learning is active and unforced.

Entertainment Value
This program is outstanding in its appeal to virtually every member of the family. It is a game that truly engrosses and engages the mind. Children are thrilled when their zoo animals have babies and new species of animals are added to their inventory.

Design
The interface is very intuitive. Tutorials are available for walking new players through the basics of the game.

Replayability
Because of the nature of this program, virtually limitless replay opportunities are possible. Not only is every game different, the program is involving and fascinating enough to hold interest over time.

Dollar Value
The game carries a suggested retail price of $39.99 US each.

To buy: Microsoft Zoo Tycoon 2  

 
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