Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species demo

Editors' ReviewDownload.com staffOctober 17, 2013For 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.