Zoo Tycoon DS

 DS
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Oct 11, 2005
  • Also On: PC
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
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  1. [Anonymous]
    Jul 17, 2007
    7
    Good game but had flaws should have waited before rushing to relese it.
  2. gamemaster
    Mar 10, 2006
    9
    i think zoo tycoon DS is great just like the pc 1ns, i mean the graphics arnt amazing bt i think its a great, fun, challanging game for any age.
  3. RachelT.
    Apr 16, 2006
    4
    The animal animations are quite realistic and sweet, but that's about it. It seemed like a rushed game, as there were many things to fix and improve that microsoft should have picked up on if they would have spent more time on the game. The controls are tedious and often unresponsive, and I would not recommend it to anyone with under average patience as it has no end, and is The animal animations are quite realistic and sweet, but that's about it. It seemed like a rushed game, as there were many things to fix and improve that microsoft should have picked up on if they would have spent more time on the game. The controls are tedious and often unresponsive, and I would not recommend it to anyone with under average patience as it has no end, and is repetitive and boring. Saying that, it was fun for the first few days of owning it due to the players role as a zookeeper and giving the player responsibilities that would apply to real life. Sorry if you liked the game, but this is purely my opinion of it. (After swapping it twice after discovering faults in the game, I traded it for Mario Kart DS, which is a much better buy.)… Expand
  4. CloeD.
    Aug 4, 2006
    10
    I think its a great game full of suprises for every age!!!
  5. RaulB.
    Nov 1, 2005
    8
    This is one of the most addictive games on the ds, this game isn't as good as the pc games but it is still a great game. the graphics aren't that good, they should of atlist made it better, but they didn't. graphics are the down side, but the good side is the gameplay and how this game will not disapoint you in terms of enjoying a good sim,creating, fun kind of game.
  6. ColleenH.
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    I love the original and this one as well!! Its also easier to use in my opinion!
  7. JuanP.
    Oct 15, 2005
    10
    Awesome game. This roXXors. Totally PWNs.
  8. 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 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 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.… Expand
  9. RobinG.
    Aug 21, 2007
    5
    I loved this game but, it had so many bugs that I had to take it back and get another 2-3 times. ... I just kept my money. I wish it worked.
  10. fsdu
    Oct 9, 2013
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand 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.    … Expand
  11. 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. Competently enough done if you like that sort of thing but it all looks very "16 BIT".

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Nintendo Power
    75
    Faithfully reproduces the ZT experience, from building exhibits and guest facilities to managing cash flow. [Nov 2005, p.112]
  2. IGN
    40
    There's very little to redeem a generally poor effort to create a tycoon game for the DS that has any personality or creates any real fun for the player.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »