Zoo Tycoon (2001)

 PC
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
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  1. 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 terrible glitches. I hate this game.
  2. 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 is confusing and nothing is explained. Do not play this game no matter what anyone says.
  3. TomS.
    Jan 12, 2002
    9
    Great graphics and endless amounts of animals, shops and features but some animals make the game hard and frustrating (i.e- the chimps that multiply in 10s every hour)
  4. TatiO.
    Sep 8, 2002
    10
    O jogo eh muito legal, mas se torna cansativo com o tempo, se voce nao fizer novos downloads. Acho que vale a pena ter o jogo, nao me arrependi. Quem quiser me escreva.
  5. Shannon
    Jan 26, 2002
    10
    This game rocks! It is so much cooler than any other game I have ever played! The graphics are fantastic, and I love getting a huge choice of animals to have! I play it at every possible moment a day (about 5 hours)!
  6. MarkD.
    Apr 9, 2002
    5
    Standard Fare for a tycoon game. I doubt that I'm alone when I say that there is a lot of ratsh*t swimming in the Tycoon Pool. The concept is original, but this is just another developer trying to rip off Chris Sawyer's Excellent game. The graphics are also pretty average, the sound track could be improved, and there are lots of tiny bugs.
  7. RyanU.
    Aug 25, 2003
    10
    I luv this game so much it is so cool dont think any other microsoft games can beat it.
  8. JoeK.
    Dec 28, 2001
    10
    THIS is the best tycoon game in history. It is as good as "RCT," if not better. It is so SWEET.
  9. TimL.
    Nov 27, 2007
    10
    Old graphics but sweeeet. So many options, specifically downloading new stuff.
  10. AnonymousMC
    Apr 12, 2009
    8
    it is airly avarage and some times abit boring. creating the park is fun bit after you do that and everythings ok you just sit there until somthing happens liike the gests are unhappy or an animal has died or escaped or givin birth. but saying that it is alright i suposse
  11. AlexanderG.
    Dec 28, 2001
    10
    I love this game! The graphics are great. This is the best game since "Rollercoaster Tycoon!"
  12. J42Hmusic
    Apr 5, 2011
    7
    The best thing about this game was having the responsibility of looking after all the animals, but at the same time learning a lot about them. However, the graphics were undetailed, the sound kept going wrong and I became bored incredibly easily.
  13. Kurtz
    Dec 22, 2011
    7
    Excellent game for those who sim city type games. Tons of animals, buildings and the two expansions are also quite good. Honestly I wouldn't go back to the game as I did play it when I was alot younger. Children would really enjoy this game. Once you make a zoo big enough though it starts to get boring and micromanaging gets to be a pain. Imagine literally hundreds of animals that all needExcellent game for those who sim city type games. Tons of animals, buildings and the two expansions are also quite good. Honestly I wouldn't go back to the game as I did play it when I was alot younger. Children would really enjoy this game. Once you make a zoo big enough though it starts to get boring and micromanaging gets to be a pain. Imagine literally hundreds of animals that all need attention and happiness..but if that's your thing- you'll love this game.… Expand
  14. Frenchchef
    Nov 17, 2012
    7
    The game is fairly old-school and was a fun game to play a long time ago and I enjoyed it, aside from a few bugs. The newer one is much better and has fixed many of my problems though.
  15. sil3nt_nick
    Mar 24, 2013
    7
    Overall, not bad.
  16. Aozz101x
    Jan 17, 2014
    5
    one of the least fav game that i enjoy

    this isnt bad orm good it an ok game the game would be more worth as a 3d game
    the animals are awesome to use and play this still one thing that bugs me and it the gameplay on this game the way they use this just does not smeen interested in my fav game of all
  17. DominikCZE
    Nov 10, 2013
    7
    A solid game. The graphics could have been better for its time, the gameplay was decent. It was riddled with multiple tiny bugs that took a bit away from the experience. To sum it up, basically a Sim City the zoo edition.
  18. 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 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    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 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    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. All Game Guide
    60
    Beyond basic maintenance, you'll mostly just watch and wait for the next rush of action.
    Read full review
  2. PC Gamer
    48
    This game has the imaginative spark of a wet napkin. [Jan 2002, p.76]
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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