“Planet Zoo” Game Review

As we settle back into the flow of things now a few weeks into the semester, and (if you are like me) are finally starting to get a handle on integrating classes and homework back into the routine, I wanted to share a game that took over my winter break.

“Planet Zoo” is a simulation game from Frontier Developments, a large game development company based in the United Kingdom that has also released games such as “Planet Coaster,” “Planet Coaster 2” and “Jurassic World Evolution.” They produce many different simulation games, more specifically games focused on strategy and management.

“Planet Zoo,” predictably, is a game focused on building and managing a zoo. This includes creating appropriate habitats for a variety of different animals, setting up many different methods of educating guests on the animals and the environment and maintaining food/drink/merchandise shops to earn money to keep the zoo running.

The game has several different game modes including Career and Timed scenarios, in which the player is given a set/pre-existing zoo or landscape along with specific tasks to complete in order to receive three stars. There is also Challenge Mode, in which the player is given a limited amount of money and conservation credits (a specific game currency gained primarily through conservation efforts) and must generate more money to keep the zoo running. Additionally, there is the comparable Franchise Mode, which is the same as Challenge Mode, but is online, so the player can trade with and visit other players’ zoos. Finally, Sandbox Mode is exactly as it sounds: unlimited money and access to all building materials immediately.

I, personally, bought the deluxe version of the game that includes a few more animals (in addition to the base game animals such as lions, giraffes and tortoises) as well as the “Aquatic Pack”, a DLC that includes otters, penguins and seals. I have had a lot of fun playing the game for the past month. I highly enjoy the level of intensity called for in the management system in addition to the extremely complex and detailed build options. The controls took some time to get used to, but they could eventually be adapted to.

The main concern I have in recommending this game at all is the price. I have been aware of the game for several years now, though I was hesitant to purchase it due to it being a different type of simulator game than I usually play (“Planet Zoo” is more in line with “City Skylines” than “Sims 4” or “Stardew Valley”), but especially because of the price point. 

The main reason I bought the game at all was because a Steam-wide winter sale had reduced the price to roughly $14.00 rather than the usual $55.00. With the DLCs also being on sale for about $3.00, I was much more willing to make a purchase of almost $20.00 than almost $70.00. 

I do really enjoy the game, but unless you are a person who REALLY, REALLY loves these types of management simulators, I would strongly recommend waiting until the game is on sale to buy it for yourself.

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