Zooty fans rejoice! Blue Fang and Microsoft have brought the Zoo Tycoon franchise back to your computers with a new version and all new features. Zoo Tycoon 2 is a fundamentally better game than its predecessor in every aspect.

But the best part, the very best part, is that Zoo Tycoon 2 is exactly like the original Zoo Tycoon. Yes, this sounds like a contradiction, but it’s still the truth. How many times have we seen an excellent game spawn a sequel that falls flat because it departs from the formula that made the original so successful? There are far to many to recount here, but suffice to say that this is an all to common occurrence.

When I say that Zoo Tycoon 2 is exactly like it’s highly successful predecessor, I mean it’s base, it’s core, it’s heart is still intact. Habitats are everything. Sure aesthetic design and amenities for your guests are very important to the success of your zoo, but it’s the habitats that really make a zoo. Well designed animal areas create great zoo aesthetics and make for happy animals. Happy animals make happy guests and also breed more happy animals.



But we knew that right? After all, isn’t that the premise for the original Zoo Tycoon? Yes it is, and Zoo Tycoon takes the heart of the original to a whole new level.

The interface has been gently redesigned to feel like the original so that users should be instantly familiar with the controls, but it also encompasses the new features, namely, navigation in a fully 3D zoo. Many of the other interfaces have been subtly overhauled as well. The one that had the biggest impact on my gameplay was the Zoo Keeper information screen. Simply by selecting an animal and clicking the Zoo Keeper icon in the animal information screen a new screen will open that contains only the objects and biome data related to the animal. No more trying to figure out what kind of biome best suits an animal, you can simply select the biome from the Zoo Keeper information screen and use the cool new biome brush and start “painting” a habitat.

Of course all the rage is about the new 3D aspect of the zoo. And it is cool. It also lends itself well to two other new features, Guest Mode and Picture Safari Mode. Basically these modes take you into a first personal perspective of your zoo and you can walk around like any guest. The Picture Safari Mode is basically the same except that now you can snap screens of the animals or guests enjoying your zoo. But to be honest, I didn’t think this was such a great addition. Sure it makes for good screen shots, but the 3D models of the animal really aren’t that good. We’re not talking about Half-Life 2 quality models and textures here.

But what the 3D engine does do is allow for the coolest feature in the game. Fully customizable habitats. Want to make a hippo habitat that is shaped like a butterfly? No problem, select the fence tool and use the freeform brush and get to work! This is awesome stuff. Now you’re zoo is not only aesthetically pleasing to your guests, but it also looks good to you. Even better, the fences aren’t the only thing that flexes. Pathways can also be freeformed around your custom habitats. I can’t stress enough how cool I thought this feature was. It allows from some really creative, yet functional habitats.



In just about every way Zoo Tycoon 2 is bigger and better than the original, but is still holds true to the heart of what made Zoo Tycoon such a great game.