Zoo Tycoon (2001)

 PC
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
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  1. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    It's a benchmark for finely tuned balance, interface, and polish. It has nearly all the little features we cry out for in these types of games but never overwhelms or frustrates.
  2. Media and Games Online Network
    80
    A fresh breath of air for the management style of gaming genre.
  3. GameZone
    80
    An addictive experience for any animal and zoo lover who may or may not be accustomed to sim games. Unfortunately, experienced simmers may find the game lacking in complexity or motivation.
  5. Game Over Online
    78
    A little repetitive, and it’s lacking in strategy, and the scenarios can take forever to play.
  6. Electric Playground
    75
    The zoo theme is a lot of fun. Newcomers to sim gaming may get more bang for their buck, but oldtimers with a Noah (as in the Ark) complex will enjoy it as well.
  7. Game Informer
    75
    Fun for what it was worth, but I didn't have a problem walking away from it when the time came. [Dec 2001, p.117]
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  8. Gamezilla!
    72
    Once they fix the problems, and I’m sure they will, the game will be a great diversion for kids and adults alike looking for a good, educational and more-or-less non-violent game.
  9. GameSpot
    71
    Caring for a zoo full of your own miniature animals has its own charm, and despite its visual flaws and less-than-spectacular sound, Zoo Tycoon conveys this charm well.
  10. Yahoo!
    70
    In choosing to take their inspiration from such a strong game ["RollerCoaster Tycoon"], the developers have invited comparison with it, and, perhaps inevitably, it's a little wanting in that context.
  11. Computer Gaming World
    70
    There are only two view levels, and they’re both fairly distant. This makes it not only hard to find animals or workers in a crowded zoo, but also, frankly, less fun to watch. [Feb 2002, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. IGN
    69
    I just think you'll be bored by the average graphics and sound and the sad lack of real creativity that makes some real world zoos absolutely amazing.
  13. GameSpy
    67
    More often than not, the gameplay mechanics and the zoos themselves are just plain dull. Watching animals circle around in cages while guests amble around on sidewalks offers little to hold your attention or capture your imagination.
  14. TotalGames.net
    66
    Shows a total lack of innovation and desire to improve the gaming experience, but it does have cute animals in it. If you can accept the fact that you are here to manage tigers rather than whatever the focus is in any other management game then you can have a lot of fun.
  15. All Game Guide
    60
    Beyond basic maintenance, you'll mostly just watch and wait for the next rush of action.
  16. Next Generation Magazine
    60
    A pleasant diversion, but it’s about as deep as a puddle, and frustratingly finicky. [Jan 2002, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. ActionTrip
    57
    Zoo Tycoon is somewhere on the verge of turning from nice fun for long winter nights into arduous work that would make your eyes, hand and brain hurt.
  18. PC Gamer
    48
    This game has the imaginative spark of a wet napkin. [Jan 2002, p.76]
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  19. Adrenaline Vault
    40
    Due to severe problems in graphics and gameplay, this title cannot hold a candle to "RollerCoaster Tycoon," still firmly at the head of the class.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
19
#19 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 92 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 92
  3. Negative: 9 out of 92
  1. DigitalShark1
    Jan 19, 2014
    0
    I can't express my horrible hatred for this game. It's plain broken. Certain animals are literally impossible to make happy, the system isI can't express my horrible hatred for this game. It's plain broken. Certain animals are literally impossible to make happy, the system is confusing and nothing is explained. Do not play this game no matter what anyone says.… Full Review »
  2. WireRage
    Dec 15, 2013
    0
    This is a terrible, terrible game. Everything about it is wrong. It's horrifyingly tedious, severe lack of customization, and terribleThis is a terrible, terrible game. Everything about it is wrong. It's horrifyingly tedious, severe lack of customization, and terrible glitches. I hate this game.… Full Review »
  3. Edaphosaurus
    Jun 1, 2016
    10
    There is no doubt, that within the Zoo Game genera, this is the Model T ford. While Tycoon games had been established for a few years withThere is no doubt, that within the Zoo Game genera, this is the Model T ford. While Tycoon games had been established for a few years with Roller Coaster Tycoon, this was the first attempt at zoo simulation.

    Do the graphics hold up today? Not really. Can the gameplay be at times frustrating? Without a doubt. Does that make this a bad game? Not in the slightest.

    The range of animals in the game has yet to be matched, especially when the expansions and DLC are taken into account. There are those who scorn this game due to its confusing gameplay, but they have not really understood how the game is meant to be played - trial and error. You will have to estimate how large to make an enclosure, and which ground types they will need, and then change those ground types based on advice. This is not particularly hard when you have played the game for enough time.

    The missions are admittedly limited, but this game was breaking new ground, so it can be forgiven for its few shortfalls. It may be overshadowed by its sequel, the Goliath that is Zoo Tycoon 2, which has more expansions and fans and mods than you can shake a stick insect at! However, it should not be forgotten that favourites such as ZT2 and JPOG, as well as little known gems such as Wildlife Park owe their existence to this innovative little game    … Full Review »
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