Let's Build a Zoo (2021)
Game Description:
In "Let's Build a Zoo," released in 2021, players take on the role of a zoo manager tasked with creating the ultimate wildlife sanctuary. Construct and customize enclosures, acquire and breed a diverse array of animals, and manage a team of dedicated zookeepers and veterinarians. Dive into the innovative DNA splicing feature, allowing you to experiment and create over 300,000 unique animal hybrids, from the adorable to the bizarre. Balance ethical decisions and business strategies to ensure your zoo thrives. With charming pixel art and engaging gameplay, "Let's Build a Zoo" offers a delightful blend of creativity, management, and moral choices, challenging players to build a zoo that is both profitable and humane.
Game Details
Platforms:
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series
Genres:
Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Adventure
Game Mode(s):
Player Perspective(s):
Developer:
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Publisher:
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Let's build a Zoo is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB with Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief, Mild Blood, and Mild Violence. This is an animal-care simulation game in which players manage all aspects of running a zoo. From a top-down perspective, players take care of animals, keep visitors happy, and handle administrative and maintenance matters (e.g., hiring staff, building amenities). Players can also interact with zoo protestors, offering bribes, agreeing to demands, or placing a protestor in an enclosed space with lions—while there is no depiction of death, the protestor disappears, leaving a small bloodstain and chalk outline of a body. In one sequence, a character can be seen vomiting on the ground. The game allows players to grow hops and open a brewery for visitors.
Content Warnings:
Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief, Mild Blood, Mild Violence
Interactive Elements:
In-Game Purchases:
Parental Notes
Parents are split on this title. While "Let's Build a Zoo" is generally lighthearted, it includes mild profanity and comic violence. The game features scenarios where protestors can be trapped with lions, leaving a bloodstain and chalk outline, which some parents find concerning. Additionally, the game allows players to grow hops and open a brewery, introducing alcohol references. The DNA splicing feature, while creative, can lead to bizarre animal hybrids that might not be suitable for all children. Many parents suggest the game is best for kids 10 and older due to these elements.
Positive Notes About The Game From ParentsParents appreciate the game's focus on creativity and problem-solving. The management aspects encourage strategic thinking, and the pixel art style is charming and engaging. The game also offers opportunities for ethical decision-making, which can prompt discussions about morality and business ethics.
Why Your Kid Might Like Let's Build a Zoo
In "Let's Build a Zoo," players are drawn to the creative freedom and strategic challenges of managing their own wildlife sanctuary. The game offers a unique blend of management and creativity, allowing players to construct and customize enclosures, acquire a diverse array of animals, and manage a team of zookeepers. The pixel art style adds a charming visual appeal, making the experience both engaging and visually delightful. The innovative DNA splicing feature, which lets players experiment and create over 300,000 unique animal hybrids, adds an exciting layer of experimentation and discovery.
Teens particularly enjoy the moral decision-making aspect, where they must balance ethical choices with business strategies to ensure their zoo thrives. This element of the game challenges players to think critically about the impact of their decisions, making it more than just a simple management game. The combination of creativity, strategy, and ethical dilemmas keeps players invested, offering a rewarding experience as they build a zoo that is both profitable and humane. The game's engaging mechanics and charming presentation make it a popular choice for those who enjoy simulation and management games.