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 maps and trash 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 amount 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. (Ages 7 and older) --David HoriuchiPros:
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?
Zoo Tycoon Complete CollectionAmazon Features: Computer Games Action Strategy (Strategic) Simulations World Building (Builders) CD gift shop. Select the right materials, build the correct fences and keep your animals happyyou never know what unhappy animals might do... Who's prey and who's predator? - Life-like Animal Behavior. Who's prey and who's predator? Learn about animal behaviors before you build your exhibits. Putting predator and prey together is a costly endeavor and won't make your animals happy...Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs: Features more than 20 fascinating and awe-inspiring creatures including the T-rex, Velociraptor, and Sabre-tooth cat. Prehistoric themed buildings and attractions, terrain objects such as tar pits, volcanoes, fortified electric fences, and more. Special staff members to include research scientists and a Dinosaur Recovery Team to ensure the nurturing of the dinosaurs and the safety of your guests!
Zoo Tycoon Complete Collection is the CD-ROM version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around 29.99USD.