Zoo Tycoon is the first game in Microsoft’s long-running zoo management franchise to be released on a console platform. In the Challenge mode, the player must construct a zoo from the ground up by completing brief challenges. This entails creating the habitat, constructing displays with crucial components like feeders, bathing stations, and other enrichments, caring for the animals, handling funds, and monitoring visitor satisfaction. The game employs a top-down mode for general administration, a third-person mode for visiting the zoo on foot or via buggie, and a first-person perspective for specific activities, including snapping pictures while exploring, similar to the previous Kinect: Disneyland Adventures by the same developer. The performance is monitored using distinct status bars in three primary colors: red, orange, and green. Training mode (ten missions), Freeform mode (no pressure for money or research), and Campaign mode (twenty stages with long-term goals) are the additional game modes available in addition to Challenge mode. Up to four players can collaborate in the three primary modes to create and manage the zoo, including voice chat capability. By doing so successfully, experience is acquired, allowing you to level up (get zoo renown) and unlock new opportunities. Many animals and structures must be studied before being employed (just one at a time), and only then can they be used in the zoo. After putting structures in place, paths are automatically built logically and cannot be changed.
Animals include antelopes, bears, binturongs, elephants, flamingoes, fossas, giraffes, hippopotamuses, komodo dragons, iguanas, lemurs, lions, lizards, macaws, meerkats, mongooses, monkeys, pandas, peafowls, rhinos, sloths, snakes, tigers, and tortoises. A single species can be found in several variants. The Xbox 360 version has around 65 creatures, whereas the Xbox One version has over 100. The Zoopedia has information on every sort of animal. All adoptable animals have a level ranging from two to fifteen. Gamers can release them into the wild when they reach the most significant level. Buildings have levels (up to three), which allow you to recruit more people and provide enhancements. For various tasks related to specific animals, the game supports Kinect. You may bathe animals with a hose and pick up fruit to feed them, and newborn chimpanzees or lions will try to replicate your facial expressions. Voice commands are also available.
