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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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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