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Zoo Tycoon 2 DS

(2008, Video Games - Simulation, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Portable zoo simulation offers impressive depth.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Requires planning and problem-solving; teaches about animals and their habitats.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Zoo Tycoon 2 DS was written by Erin Bell

Parents need to know that this is a zoo simulation game in which kids will learn about all aspects of zoo administration: construction, administration, and animal care-taking. It also teaches kids about animals including which earth "biome" the animal belongs to (i.e. savannah, tundra, boreal) to help them construct the proper habitat. In multiplayer mode, kids can trade zoos with each other or race to build the best zoo in Tycoon Showdown mode.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the roles that zoos play in animal conservation. What are your favorite animals to visit when you go to the zoo? If you could add one animal to your zoo that isn't featured in the game, what would it be?
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More on Zoo Tycoon 2 DS

What’s the Story?

Get ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about running a zoo in ZOO TYCOON 2 DS, a detailed educational simulation that transplants the concepts found in its PC cousin, Zoo Tycoon 2, into a portable package – right down to the impressive graphical close-ups of the animals.

Players can start from scratch and let their imaginations run wild in Freeform mode, or work their way through Campaign mode's increasingly challenging timed scenarios. In both cases you'll have to juggle many responsibilities to keep your zoo running smoothly, whether it's building paths, enclosures, restaurants, restrooms, benches, and other amenities; managing cash flow, investing in research, hiring staff, adjusting prices, and launching marketing campaigns; or getting up close and personal with the animals by feeding and washing them, treating their illnesses, and other one-on-one interactions. Close

Is It Any Good?

Some of the challenges players will face in Zoo Tycoon 2 DS might include designing exhibits for three different horned animals, ensuring that the lions achieve a happiness rating of at least 70%, or creating conditions for an endangered species to mate and give birth. There are 36 animals in the game, from zoo staples like lions, ostriches, and zebras to endangered species and even some prehistoric and "fantasy" animals that are unlocked later on as special rewards. Each species requires different care based on the "biome" they belong to –- such as savannah, boreal forest, tundra, or aquatic, and you must construct an appropriate habitat for them by laying the right ground, foliage, rocks, toys, and shelter.

It might take players a while to get the hang of the controls and the detailed menus while struggling against the imposed time limits, but once the learning curve has been overcome Zoo Tycoon 2 DS proves itself to be an enjoyable and educational game with impressive depth. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 02/04/2008, price $29.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 4.0

    aasdfad

    adf

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    junie b jones

    i am very nice and careful

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    yes

    tv

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

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