Planet Zoo: Where Wildlife Management and Creativity Collide
A deep dive into the ultimate zoo simulation experience by dedicated wildlife enthusiasts
last updated Dec 15, 2023
Planet Zoo is the apex predator of zoo simulation games, offering both complexity and immense satisfaction.
The Circle of (Zoo) Life
Planet Zoo tantalizes with the promise of intricate habitat construction and detailed animal care, and let me tell you, it sure delivers. Crafting each environment to suit your furry, feathery, or scaly friends adds a layer of complexity that'll have you considering a career change to zoo management—minus the smell, of course. The realism in the behavior and needs of the wildlife isn't purely cosmetic; the game holds you accountable for the welfare of your living exhibits like a virtual PETA watchdog. Despite its depth, there's a fine line between challenge and user friendliness, and unfortunately, the learning curve resembles a cliff face you forgot to add in your mountain goat exhibit.
Symphony of the Wild
Every zoo comes with its characteristically cacophonic symphony, and Planet Zoo's audio landscape doesn't hit a sour note. The animals sound as alive as they look, and the ambiance really sets the tone for utter immersion. The soundtrack swings between 'pack up the car for an uplifting family safari' and 'dramatic life-and-death in the savannah' sequences. Audio-wise, it slots in snugly with the feel of running your own zoo, leaving you to wonder if you should be paying closer attention to birdsong in real life. However, it's not all roaring lions and chirping crickets; the soundtrack can be somewhat repetitive to the point where you consider hiring a virtual DJ to keep the vibe alive.
Menagerie on Display
A feast for the eyes—that's the graphics of Planet Zoo summed up. The game possesses the visual fidelity of a high-budget wildlife documentary, and someone clearly forgot to tell the developers 'it's just a game' because the level of detail in the animals' appearance and animations is borderline obsessive (in the best way possible). Notwithstanding, performance can nosedive into a freefall once your zoo sprawls into a veritable animal kingdom. The choppiness suggests that the game's engine could benefit from a few more trips to the gym to beef up its optimization game. But let's be honest, it's hard to gripe about frame rates when you see a baby tiger cub discovering its paws.
Constructive Critters
Building in the game has its moments where it's more 'fling your mouse against the wall' than 'casual Sunday chilling with my digital capybaras.' The controls have the potential to drive even a seasoned gamer to question their life choices, coming with a side of learning curve that would give a geometry student nightmares. And while we're on the subject of nightmares, let's talk paths. Whoever designed the pathing system clearly had a vendetta against straight lines and simplicity. Yet, when the construction stars align and your creations come to life, it feels like watching your child take its first steps—crooked and fraught with peril, but immensely satisfying.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Frontier Developments
Release Date
November 05, 2019
Verdict & Summary
Planet Zoo is the apex predator of zoo simulation games, inviting you to become the mastermind behind your own wildlife sanctuary. It might overcomplicate things at times—like having to sort out virtual utility bills—but the sheer pleasure of creating and managing your digital zoo makes up for the odd quirky annoyance. The assortment of DLCs may lighten your wallet, but the base game itself already offers a substantial odyssey into the realm of zoo management. Whether it's the laughable antics of your escaped primates or the awe of seeing your zoo come alive, Planet Zoo is likely to carve out a niche in your gaming habitat. Just prepare for a beastly challenge and some teething issues that come with any grand endeavor.