Metascore
68 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 18
  2. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. 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. 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. A fresh breath of air for the management style of gaming genre.
  4. A little repetitive, and it’s lacking in strategy, and the scenarios can take forever to play.
  5. 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.
  6. Fun for what it was worth, but I didn't have a problem walking away from it when the time came. [Dec 2001, p.117]
  7. Once they fix the problems, and I’m sure they will, the game will be a great diversion for kids and adults alike looking for a good, educational and more-or-less non-violent game.
  8. Caring for a zoo full of your own miniature animals has its own charm, and despite its visual flaws and less-than-spectacular sound, Zoo Tycoon conveys this charm well.
  9. In choosing to take their inspiration from such a strong game ["RollerCoaster Tycoon"], the developers have invited comparison with it, and, perhaps inevitably, it's a little wanting in that context.
  10. 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]
  11. 69
    I just think you'll be bored by the average graphics and sound and the sad lack of real creativity that makes some real world zoos absolutely amazing.
  12. 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.
  13. Shows a total lack of innovation and desire to improve the gaming experience, but it does have cute animals in it. If you can accept the fact that you are here to manage tigers rather than whatever the focus is in any other management game then you can have a lot of fun.
  14. A pleasant diversion, but it’s about as deep as a puddle, and frustratingly finicky. [Jan 2002, p.93]
  15. Beyond basic maintenance, you'll mostly just watch and wait for the next rush of action.
  16. Zoo Tycoon is somewhere on the verge of turning from nice fun for long winter nights into arduous work that would make your eyes, hand and brain hurt.
  17. This game has the imaginative spark of a wet napkin. [Jan 2002, p.76]
  18. 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.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. 7
    Excellent game for those who sim city type games. Tons of animals, buildings and the two expansions are also quite good. Honestly I wouldn't go back to the game as I did play it when I was alot younger. Children would really enjoy this game. Once you make a zoo big enough though it starts to get boring and micromanaging gets to be a pain. Imagine literally hundreds of animals that all need attention and happiness..but if that's your thing- you'll love this game. Full Review »
  2. 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. Full Review »
  3. AnonymousMC
    8
    it is airly avarage and some times abit boring. creating the park is fun bit after you do that and everythings ok you just sit there until somthing happens liike the gests are unhappy or an animal has died or escaped or givin birth. but saying that it is alright i suposse Full Review »