Let's Build a Zoo
" Deep simulation strategy with extensive micromanagement and DNA splicing but grindy late game "
Let's Build a Zoo Review
Let's Build a Zoo is a detailed and engaging zoo management simulation that appeals strongly to fans of classic titles like Zoo Tycoon and FarmVille. Players appreciate the extensive control over zoo elements, from animal care and breeding to staff management and ethical decisions. The game features lively NPC interactions, a unique morality system allowing for both ethical and ruthless playstyles, and creative genetics options including animal DNA splicing.
The pixel art style is charming and suits the game's tone, while the management mechanics offer depth for micromanagers. However, some players find the gameplay grindy and occasionally tedious, with a steep learning curve that contrasts with the cute visuals. Bugs and occasional crashes have been reported, and the need for DLCs to unlock all achievements has been a point of contention. Overall, the game is praised for its creativity and addictiveness but can overwhelm less dedicated players.
Highlights
Players love the high level of control and micromanagement over animals, staff, and resources, making it a perfectionist's dream.
The pixel art graphics are widely praised for their cuteness and charm, enhancing the immersive atmosphere.
The unique morality system and animal genetics mechanics add depth and replayability, allowing players to craft ethical or ruthless zoos and create bizarre hybrid creatures.
NPC interactions are lively and dynamic, with special visitors and events that bring the zoo to life.
The farming and resource production aspects provide a satisfying layer of self-sufficiency and strategy.
Criticisms
Some players find the game grindy and repetitive, especially in later stages where animal care and enrichment feel like chores.
The steep learning curve can be intimidating, conflicting with the cute and simple art style that suggests a more casual experience.
Bugs and crashes, although not game-breaking, detract from the experience, and some research unlocks do not function as intended.
The requirement of DLCs for full achievement access frustrates some users, feeling like content gating.
UI elements such as tiny fonts on handheld devices and graphical clipping issues reduce accessibility and polish.
Pros
- • Extensive micromanagement options satisfy perfectionist players fully.
- • Charming pixel art style creates a cute and immersive zoo environment.
- • Dynamic NPCs and special visitors add lively, engaging interactions.
- • Morality system offers unique ethical or ruthless gameplay choices.
- • Animal genetics and DNA splicing provide creative and humorous features.
- • Farm and resource management adds depth and self-sufficiency.
- • Staff management, pricing, and product quality control enhance strategy.
Cons
- • Gameplay can feel grindy and repetitive, especially in late game.
- • Steep learning curve may overwhelm players expecting casual experience.
- • Bugs and crashes sometimes disrupt gameplay flow and immersion.
- • DLC requirement for achievements frustrates players wanting full access.
- • Tiny fonts on handheld devices reduce readability and comfort.
- • Graphical clipping issues detract from visual polish.
- • Some research unlocks fail to work as intended.
Rating Criteria
It's time to Build a Zoo! Construct and decorate enclosures, buy and breed animals, hire zookeepers and vets... then try your hand at DNA splicing, and stitch together over 300,000 different types of animal. This can only go smoothly...
