Its your Zoo and you're in charge! As a control freak myself and a huge fan of the "Tycoon" series of games I found the Zoo Tycoon Complete Collection extraordinarily good fun to play. But then again I could be a little prejudiced in that regard as Roller Coaster Tycoon is one of my all time favourite games. But I digress ... The Zoo Tycoon Complete Collection consists of the original Zoo Tycoon and the two add-on packages Marine Mania and Dinosaur Digs, and also incorporates an Endangered Species bonus pack. What does this mean? Well, think of an animal, any animal, past or present and there is a good chance you can put that animal into your electronically assisted Zoo. Think T-Rex ... Think Big Foot ... Think Loch Ness Monster ... or even just the endangered Panda ... or Lions and Tigers and Bears.

What I have always loved about the Tycoon games is the online support available not only from the creators of the game but from dedicated fans who voluntarily put up Websites where other fans can download resources. And Zoo Tycoon is no different from the others as there are loads of fan sites out there heavily packed with resources, tips and tricks. I've been told by a few people that Zoo Tycoon is considered a "girl game". But in researching I asked quite a few men about the game and most reluctantly admitted to not only playing but enjoying Zoo Tycoon. I was asked more than once not to mention this to their friends :)

Given the "girl game" tag ... what is not to like about a game that allows you complete control over the outcome. You pick the animals, create their habitats, hire and fire the staff, decide what other amusements will be in the Zoo and plan all guest amenities right down to bathroom size. Its a blast, even when the guests don't like what you've done and you have to start readjusting your ideas. Zoo Tycoon comes complete with 30 scenarios which each have their own goals and objectives to complete. There are also 40 or so Free Form games to play, which come without any restriction except money. And if you go to the right fan Website there are many tips for making that money restriction disappear.

The Marine Mania package adds the appeal of building your own Aquatic shows. You can have performing seals, dolphins, orca, otters and even sharks. There are manatau, beluga and giant squid ... which makes a great learning experience for children getting to know new animals, their habitat and diet all at the same time. On the Dinosaur Digs side of things you can mess with a T-Rex (a very ferocious animal to have in any Zoo - mine kept escaping and scaring the guests) or pander to a nice calm Herbivore.

 

As you have already probably suspected, given my glowing review, I heartily give this game a thumbs up and recommend it to everyone who will listen. I know the game has appeal over all ages as I have seen just about everyone in this family happily playing it at one time or another. I'll leave you with a secret tip (well hardly a secret anymore) ... look for a mermaid statue in amongst your Zoo Scenery then plonk one into a tank full of water ... and watch with delight at what happens.

Graphics: 9/10
Music: 10/10 (Very Funky)
Game play: 10/10
Overall: 29/30