Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species demo logo

Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species demo

By Microsoft Game Studios Free to try Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Nov 7, 2008

For anyone who loves animals, it's a bit insulting to see endangered species shamelessly promoted for profit, but since the exploitation in Zoo Tycoon 2 is virtual, it's hard to take serious offense. The demo for the expansion to the popular tycoon game introduces new features with a brief tutorial, and allows you to play the Tropical Rainforest level in Campaign or in Freeform Mode. The in-game Zoopedia help section (which incorporates animal information from Microsoft Encarta) is comprehensive, the demo installs easily, and loading times are minimal. Those positives, plus significant additions like sky trams, elevated paths, and Jeep tours, contribute to a top rating.

The name of the game is acquisition, and bigger is better. Buy animals to attract crowds, who can then be monetized through donations or admission fees. Keep your guests happy with adequate concessions, and keep your animals happy with food, water, grooming, a proper environment, and other "enrichment" options. The gameplay is nothing new, nor very challenging in this demo, as the only campaign is quite easy. The Bengal Tiger, Javan Rhinoceros, Crested Gibbon, and Baird's Tapir (a.k.a. "mountain cow") are the four available endangered species. The tutorial introduces the gameplay nicely, and the Freeform Mode allows you unlimted time and funds to experiment with all the available items and animals.

Full Specifications

What's new in version

General

Release November 7, 2008
Date Added October 26, 2005

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows, Windows XP
Additional Requirements Windows 98/Me/2000/XP, 733MHz CPU, 256MB RAM

Popularity

Total Downloads 151,635
Downloads Last Week 2
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4/5
17 User Votes
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Developer's Description

Endangered Species brings some of the world's rarest animals home to your zoo. Treat yourself and your guests to breathtaking overhead views from the new sky trams. Or drive through your exhibits in the new Jeep vehicle tours. Build bridges and observation decks for a refreshing new view of your animals. There are also erupting volcanoes, new endangered-species-themed buildings and scenery, and a whole new set of challenges and campaigns.

This demo for the Zoo Tycoon 2 expansion includes the campaign and freeform modes for the Tropical Rainforest scenario.

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