Planet Zoo

Frontier Developments, the creators of the popular Roller Coaster Tycoon and Planet Coaster games, is getting into the zoo business with their new Planet Zoo, slated for release later this year.  Think of it like Zoo Tycoon, but upping the ante in terms of detail.  It is the intent of the creators to make a game that is as realistic as possible, both in capturing the behavior of the animals and in exploring the level of care they receive.  This was done in part by interviewing zookeepers in order to learn as much as possible about the animals and their welfare in a zoo.  In fact, the designers boast that, unlike the original Zoo Tycoon, which was more a matter of formulary ("Lion exhibits require 80% savanna, 10% water, etc...), it will be impossible to master this game without really getting to understand the animals involved.

I really hope that this takes off to the point where they continue to add new animals.  Currently, it appears to be featuring classic zoo animals, such as lions, chimpanzees, and African elephants, with a few more unique species, like pygmy hippo, African wild dog, and Komodo dragon, thrown into the mix.  If this becomes a hit, maybe they'll continue to add more and more unusual species and add more feature - walk through aviaries?  interactive exhibits? - to the mix.  It would be great to have a game where the only limits are your imagination - and when it comes to zoos (though maybe not other areas), I know I've got a lot in that department.

In Planet Zoo, You Can Only Get Good By Learning Facts About Animals

Screenshot: Frontier