Zoo Tycoon Reviews

Zoo Tycoon is ranked in the 37th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
5 / 10.0
Dec 9, 2013

I wouldn't bother with this. It's pretty and tries to be delightful, but there's not much of a game here.

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5 / 10
Nov 17, 2013

There's definitely a zoo, but where's the tycoon?

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IGN
Top Critic
5.5 / 10.0
Nov 21, 2013

Building exhibits and interacting with animals in Zoo Tycoon isn't much fun when you're fighting with this menu system.

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6 / 10.0
Dec 30, 2013

Zoo Tycoon is challenge free but a fun, fuzzy, warm experience that could just be the change of pace that some gamers would welcome, particularly those with small children. Reasonably deep and utilising the Xbox One pad really well, Zoo Tycoon can be fun if severely limited in challenge. It remains one of the most random launch titles of all time but is well worth a purchase if you are looking for something that isn't a first person twitch fest.

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6 / 10.0
Dec 1, 2013

Keep in mind that Zoo Tycoon will most likely keep your kid's attention way longer than it will keep yours, and that's fine, it's that type of game. But where Zoo Tycoon cuts corners to appeal to a wider audience, it also alienates it with overly cumbersome menus.

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Nov 24, 2013

Zoo Tycoon is a game that knows its target market and embraces it wholeheartedly. It may not be the deepest or most challenging simulator out there, but it's a great option for those with young children and its charm is simply undeniable.

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Nov 25, 2013

Zoo Tycoon is a great casual game with plenty of enjoyable animal moments, but the experience is marred by an over-emphasis on simplicity and a terrible menu interface.

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Dec 3, 2013

Though creating a zoo is pleasant and breezy, after building several zoos with all of the animals, you've pretty much experienced the lion's share of what Zoo Tycoon has to offer.

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6 / 10
Nov 24, 2013

Zoo Tycoon's animals are adorable, but a clunky interface prevents this management sim from reaching its potential.

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6 / 10
Nov 17, 2013

A fun demonstration of the Xbox One's capabilities but unfortunately much more a stealth sequel to Kinectimals than it is a proper Tycoon game.

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7 / 10
Dec 5, 2013

Lots of things are done very well in Zoo Tycoon. The animals have real character and the educational elements are delivered in perfect, bite size chunks. You can lose hours just walking around the zoo, taking photographs and enjoying the animal interactions. Initially there is genuine delight when a new species or enclosure type is unlocked but unfortunately, this wonder wears off all too quickly.

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Dec 5, 2013

Zoo Tycoon overcomes a weak first impression with effortless charm and hidden depths: a colourful blend of management and playful fun that puts its animals first and foremost. A surprisingly capable launch title for more relaxed players, animal lovers, youngsters or just the young at heart. Granted, that's a cheesy cliché, but it holds true here.

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3.5 / 5.0
Dec 1, 2013

Zoo Tycoon may be one of the lesser known Xbox One titles, but it's not one of the lesser quality ones. With four modes, a deep interface and multiple activities, it's clear that a lot of effort went into its development.

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7 / 10.0
Dec 16, 2013

Cutesy, zoo management sim is let loose on the new Xbox One

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EGM
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Nov 25, 2013

From a mechanical standpoint, Zoo Tycoon works quite smoothly, but a ridiculously low agent cap severely detracts from the game's longevity.

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7 / 10.0
Dec 4, 2013

The good ideas in Zoo Tycoon aren't developed far enough to warrant top marks, but Frontier Developments have delivered a capable game that will delight gamers of all ages.

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7 / 10.0
Nov 26, 2013

... Zoo Tycoon is an addictive effort that rides in with just enough content for a good play.

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70 / 100
Dec 10, 2013

After playing Zoo Tycoon I have to admit that it is quite time consuming, has a long learning curve and is more ideal on a PC platform compared to a console experience. That being said, it is a game that provides a robust zoo experience perfect for any zoo enthusiast, a veteran "sim" player, or perhaps even for a parent looking for a game without any violence whatsoever.

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Dec 15, 2013

A rewarding business simulation for all types of players, though one that eventually boxes in the player a little too much.

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7 / 10
Nov 17, 2013

Frontier Developments caught my attention with a game that promised "Tycoon" style sim management and, yes, the ability to play with adorable animals. What I didn't expect was how deep and satisfying the sim would be.

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