Zoo Tycoon 2001

Is it still worth playing?

You create a thriving zoo by building exhibits that suit the animals and keeping guests and animals happy, in this 2001 business simulation from Blue Fang Games. A lion, for example, suits a savanna, and rocks, terrain, foliage, shelters, fences, toys and zookeepers all contribute to an animal's happiness. Guests are happy because of the animals you choose, the buildings and the scenery, which include attractions, restaurants, gift shops and animal houses. Keeping both happy earns awards and a steady income, and you can employ maintenance workers, zookeepers and tour guides. If animals escape they can attack guests, and incompatible species placed together will fight. Fences decay over time, so you have to replace them. Two expansions, Dinosaur Digs and Marine Mania, came out in 2002. Animals that fight and fences that decay still keep the zoo something to tend.