Zoo Tycoon is a popular simulation series from Microsoft for the PC. So far, it has two editions and many add-ons. Zoo Tycoon 2 DS is the second DS edition. It is pretty much the same game as the PC version, but shorter and easier. Though in a smaller package, the essential components that made the original fun are all present. The controls didn’t translate as well, but this is just a minor issue for most. The main point of Zoo Tycoon has always been about taking care of the animals and running the zoo, and this “lite” version manages to do both nicely.

When beginning the game, players are presented with either free mode or campaign mode. In the campaign mode, the first campaign is a tutorial, which demonstrates the basic menu buttons. This tutorial is brief and succinct, but covers all the important facts in an easy to understand manner. Children who can read will have no problems understanding the menu functions.

The campaign mode presents various scenarios, most of which involve zoo improvements or conservation themes. Money is always important, but don’t worry, in this version, the money keeps poring in unless there is nil management. In fact, these campaigns are so easy there isn’t much difference between the campaign mode and the free play.

The basic tasks include placing enclosures and then putting animals inside them. Then it’s the landscaping. It’s important to match the type of habitat to the animal. For instance, if it’s a moose, then tundra is the ticket. If a zebra, then it’s grasslands. In the PC version, there was an encyclopedia of facts to peruse about the animals and their habitats. Here, the icons of the plants and animals have a small informational display on the top screen. This screen covers the basics, but that’s about it. However, fact cards can be unlocked for additional information.

Other features include a zookeeper mode, which is similar to the same mode in the PC game, in that players can get up close and personal with their animals. In this mode, players can interact with their zoo denizens by brushing, petting, and feeding them. The animals are too cute in this close-up viewpoint, but the interaction isn’t all that fun. It’s just poking the stylus at them, and players don’t get a good sense of actual interaction, maybe because there’s no matching hand or object icon touching the animal.

Animals need to be fed and their cages cleaned. The trash needs picking, and the paths swept. Hiring maintenance people and zookeepers will keep everything in top order. Other management tasks include monitoring and setting prices, ordering food, buying research, and several other jobs. There are a fair amount of items to be placed around the zoo, and more that can be unlocked. Not nearly as many as in the PC game, though.

While the game itself is a decent port of the original, I personally had a big issue with the main overhead view. Because the screen is small, only a small portion of the zoo can be seen at any one time. Scrolling around by dragging the stylus was awkward and often caused the intended location to be overshot, and required several passes to get to just the right spot. Placing cages is hard when the viewing area around the location is limited. I became tired of moving around with the stylus and began using the directional keypad, which worked better for me. My niece, however, seemed to have no problems with the view or the stylus movement.

This version is the same in the main points, but is easier and smaller, due to the handheld’s limitations. I prefer Zoo Tycoon on the PC, but my 13 year old niece likes them both. She does lament the limited amount of animals and objects available, though. Best for younger players.

Gameplay: 7.0
This game is fun in short increments and won’t tax the brain very much. The animals are cute, and the management activities are somewhat interesting. The challenge isn’t very high, so younger players will probably get the most from this game.

Graphics: 7.0
In the main game area, the animals and objects are drawn well enough, but nothing above average. The close-up view in the zookeeper mode is really good, though.

Sound: 8.0
It’s the same music from the PC game.

Difficulty: Easy
It’s all pretty easy.

Concept: 7.0 
The concept is essentially the same here as in the PC version. The conversion is handled nicely, with an even balance between paring down the content for the handheld and keeping the main aspects of the game.

Overall: 7.0
This handheld version is a good zoo simulation game for when on the go. Everything is made a little easier, and thus may be better for short play sessions. Adults may find it a little yawn-inducing after awhile, but younger players who are animal lovers will have a great time with it.