I really enjoy playing computer games especially now I am in lockdown as it is a bit of escapism. So, I was delighted to get a Steam code to review Planet Zoo. This immersive game was first released in November 19 from the talented developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon.

First impressions the graphics blew me away. It is such a beautiful game; the animals are so realistic. When you zoom in you can even see the blades of grass moving. I have played a lot of simulation games before, hospitals and theme parks mainly. But this is my very first time managing a zoo! When I was a teen, I worked in a zoo for quite a few weekends as part of my college international baccalaureate qualification. I was hoping that practical experience might give me an edge when playing the game! I was quite excited to get stuck in.

Last night I first started the game by creating an avatar. Choosing my hair, clothes, and body shape. Then I started the tutorial to get a hang of the controls. I did have to go to couple of forums to get my head round everything. But it was well worth preserving. The game has so much to offer, I cannot get over how detailed the game is.

I choose medium difficulty just because then my guests will not request refunds. I thought given my relative inexperience in zoo management there might be a few unhappy customers!

Zoopedia was a wonderful resource. It makes Planet Zoo more of an educational game. You can learn all about the different animals, their habitats, and characteristics. It is very comprehensive.

It was quite sweet when your animals arrive in the zoo the delivery box opens, and golden confetti rains out (a bit like BGT!). The animals you choose to adopt in your zoo have different appeal scores. Higher ones cost more but have better longevity, fertility, and immunity. Those animals will probably work out better in the long run in terms of genetics and breeding, which is something I will be mastering later in the game.

You get to make lots of changes to their enclosures once they are built, you can add enrichment items to make your animals happy. My new warthogs really appreciated their mud bath.

I am still working my way through the tutorial and have learnt how the placement of buildings can affect how people feel about the zoo. It is a good idea to tuck keeper hunts and power transformers out of sight. But at the same time, you do not want the keepers to walk too far to get the animals food. It goes to show there is so much to think about when running a zoo.

I think I will be spending many more evenings lost in this glorious game. With day trips to zoos out of the question in lockdown this game is wonderful for parents and children to play together. It is such an authentic experience, watching the animals interact with the world you have created for them. Each animal seems to have their own personality which really fascinated me.

The game also has a powerful message about conservation as you breed critically endangered animals and release them back into the wild.

Planet Zoo Competition

I have teamed up with Frontier Development to giveaway a Steam download code for Planet Zoo (RRP £34.99) plus two expansion packs Arctic Pack (RRP £7.99) and South America Pack (RRP £7.99). The expansion packs mean more intriguing animals to care for and thrilling new locations to see them in!

The competition will close on the 25^th of May.

Win Planet Zoo Steam Code (and two expansion packs) worth £50.97

Please also check out my other competitions too!