Zoo Tycoon (2001) PC

Zoo Tycoon (2001) Image
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 67 Ratings

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  • Summary: Build, manage, and maintain the most healthy and vibrant zoo possible with over 200 animals, exhibits, and zoo materials. Plan wisely, and all of your animals will be happy. Plan poorly, and those lions, tigers, and bears may find a new found interest in you! [Microsoft]
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. All Game Guide
    60
    Beyond basic maintenance, you'll mostly just watch and wait for the next rush of action.
  7. 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.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. 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    … Expand
  2. 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 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)!… Expand
  4. RyanU.
    Aug 25, 2003
    10
    I luv this game so much it is so cool dont think any other microsoft games can beat it.
  5. 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.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.… Expand
  6. 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 aA 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.… Expand
  7. 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 betterThe 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.… Expand
  8. 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.… Expand

See all 20 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

#27 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001
#39 Most Shared PC Game of 2001

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