Zoo Tycoon DS

 DS
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Oct 11, 2005
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
44

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 11 out of 19
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  1. Worth Playing
    60
    There is some redeeming value and fun to be found in this cartridge, but it could've been so much better had they really taken the time to get the interface right and improve the graphics a whole lot. As it stands now it's a slightly below average PC strategy game that's been hacked up and stuck on the Nintendo DS.
  2. Game Informer
    60
    About as much fun as giving an elephant a suppository. [Jan 2006, p.157]
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  3. GameSpot
    54
    Zoo Tycoon DS captures the basic idea of what a Zoo Tycoon game is all about, but in the end it feels more like a cheaply made imitation than an engaging strategy game.
  5. GameZone
    53
    The forced or rushed feeling of this title just weighs too heavy on me. And with the lacking graphics and clunky gameplay, this title just fails on all levels.
  6. Next Level Gaming
    50
    Now that this review is done I’m going to try my best to forget that I ever played this game or even worse, had to spend enough time on it to write a review about it.
  7. Game Over Online
    50
    This could've been a fun game, but the poor touch screen implementation, annoying menus, and tedious gameplay do a pretty good job of shooting it in the foot. Give it a miss.
  8. BonusStage
    50
    So unless you enjoy waiting on an almost silent, graphics diffuse gaming experience, or are the largest Zoo Tycoon fan in existence, stay far away from this title.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best DS Game of 2005
29
#29 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
27
#27 Most Shared DS Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 28
  3. Negative: 7 out of 28
  1. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 3, 2023
    5
    Basically Theme Park with animals, this is a resource management strategy game where you construct a zoo from a menu of available ingredients.Basically Theme Park with animals, this is a resource management strategy game where you construct a zoo from a menu of available ingredients. Competently enough done if you like that sort of thing but it all looks very "16 BIT".… Full Review »
  2. fsdu
    Oct 9, 2013
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. The controls of this game are infuriating. I guess it's a successful port but the fact that it takes so much tapping to do anything really sucks the fun away.

    Be prepared, this is one of the games that will destroy your bottom screen if played a lot.    … Full Review »
  3. KaitlynM.
    Oct 13, 2007
    7
    Welll, its ok, but its so freakin whaked! my Giraffes started acting like Elaphants, being happy with an elephant shelter, not a giraffe Welll, its ok, but its so freakin whaked! my Giraffes started acting like Elaphants, being happy with an elephant shelter, not a giraffe shelter, and its just bad! Its fun to a point but then all your animals are not happy or dont like their exibits, FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON! i cant figure out how to name the guests either, but apparently everyone else can! And please, can someone tell me how? PS Sorry if I made Zoo Tycoon sound horrible, its actually pretty fun, but it just frustrates me :D.… Full Review »
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