Zoo Simulator: Prologue

For anyone who's dreamed of running their own zoo and caring for exotic animals from around the world, Zoo Simulator: Prologue provides a tantalizing first look at realizing that goal. This free preamble to the upcoming full release serves as both a generous preview and proof of concept for the vision of zoo management simulator developers Games Incubator has in store.

While light on content compared to what the final game will offer, the Prologue still gives players a meaty vertical slice of the core gameplay experience. And what's here is extremely promising for fans of management sims and tycoon games.

A Zoo Reborn

Zoo Simulator kicks off by putting you in charge of renovating and relaunching an abandoned, dilapidated zoo that has fallen into disrepair. The opening hours are spent using a variety of tools to clean up trashy areas and repair broken facilities like pathways and buildings.

It's immensely satisfying work that lays the literal groundwork for bringing the zoo back to life. The cleanup mechanics are straightforward but deliver a cathartic feeling of renewal and progress.

Once the handyman tasks are complete, it's time to start acquiring animals and assembling their habitats. The Prologue features a selection of animals to choose from, including meerkats, flamingos, pandas, and more. Each species has unique needs in terms of their enclosure setup and amenities like food dishes and toys.

Animal Observers

Watching the different animals you've brought in explore and inhabit their new homes is equal parts cute and compelling. The simulated animal AI does a great job of seeming intelligently reactive to their surroundings in subtle yet realistic ways.

While building out the zoo is engaging, the Prologue's standout aspect is the visitor management side of things. You'll need to construct various facilities like bathrooms, seating areas, and food stalls to accommodate the waves of guests flowing in to see your animal exhibits.

It's incredibly satisfying to watch your staff and guests move organically throughout the zoo grounds you've designed as a living, breathing ecosystem. The smallest details, like watching a hungry visitor grab a hot dog and then hunt for a place to sit and eat it, make the sim feel alive.

In that sense, Zoo Simulator displays strong similarities to classics like RollerCoaster Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon. It absolutely nails that addictive loop of building, attracting guests, resolving issues, and expanding based on their needs.

Review: 8/10

The Prologue is impressive but can't help but leave you wanting more - thankfully that's still to come with the full game. This small slice features just a couple of scenarios and animal types compared to the extensive variety promised for the final release.

Pros:

• Immensely satisfying sim and construction gameplay loop
• Relistic visitor and animal AI brings the zoo to life
• Cathartic renovation and customization tools
• Addictive tycoon/management progression
• Tons of potential for more content in the full release

Cons:

• Relatively limited scope for a prologue/preview
• Some ambient clutter and performance hiccups
• UI and controls can be fiddly at times
• Still has some half-baked elements to improve