Zoo Tycoon: Xbox Game Preview

Oct 16, 2013

Zoo Tycoon, developed by Frontier Developments and published by Microsoft-Studios, follows in the foot steps of other games such as Roller Coaster Tycoon. At its core, Zoo Tycoon is a business-simulation, where you'll build and maintain your own custom zoo. But Frontier Games is letting players get closer than ever to their virtual animals, allowing for more interactive fun than most simulators of this type offer.

Need a new Giraffe? Have one flown in!Courtesy of Microsoft Game Studios

Zoo Maintenance

Start with a blank canvas and let your imagination run wild. Zoo Tycoon allows you to start dropping down animal exhibits instantly. You're then able to customize the look of the exhibit by changing things such as the railings, trees, shrubs, water and food placements and more. Don't forget about the customers either, since all your zoo visitors will need food stands, washrooms and possibly first aid; it's up to you to make sure all those amenities are available.

The overhead view of your creations.Courtesy of Microsoft Game Studios

Reach Out And Touch

Thanks to Kinect, players will be able to get up close and personal with the exotic animals. If you've ever played Kinectimals, then you know how satisfying it can be to interact with something so cute. Elephants, Giraffes, Lions and more will all be available and you'll have to make sure they stay happy with loving attention, always making sure they have enough food and water.

Get closer than ever with Kinect.Courtesy of Microsoft Game Studios

To keep on top of things, you can build feeding stations at the edges of your animal exhibits and these feeding stations can be played with the controller traditionally or in first-person with Kinect. Grab an apple and reach out, the hungry animal will come over to you and eat the food right out of your hands. You can also use Kinect to use the water hoses to give those elephants that were rolling around in the mud a good cleaning.