Zoo Tycoon 2 takes a more icon-based approach to feedback so that even non-readers can work out what their animals want. The previous game relied on plenty of text, which made it difficult for pre-schoolers. The behaviour of the animals has been made more complex, and the interface has been given a major facelift. The slick 3D graphics are not the only improvement in Zoo Tycoon 2. In this mode you can perform all the tasks of a zookeeper: grooming the animals, restocking their food and water, administering medicine to sick animals and even cleaning up their droppings. And for the ultimate interaction you can go into zookeeper mode. There are also snapshot-based challenges available within the game.
You can even take snapshots with your camera and include them in an album. You can zoom right down in visitor mode and walk around your zoo just like one of the crowd. The graphics have a bright, cartoony look that should appeal to kids but there's also plenty of detail in the animals.
Instead you get smooth hills and troughs, letting you create much more natural enclosures for your animals. Gone are the blocky cliffs of the old 2D terrain engine. Zoo Tycoon 2 revamps the game with an all-new 3D engine. It's spawned several add-on packs and now it's about to get a complete makeover with Zoo Tycoon 2.
Zoo Tycoon is one of those rare games that transcends age barriers - it can be played by six-year olds and thirtysomethings with equal passion.
