Planet Zoo 2 Review

Managing my ideal zoo in Planet Zoo 2 presents a unique experience compared to the entertainment-driven attractions of Planet Coaster or the fantastical dinosaur parks of Jurassic World Evolution. This sequel places a stronger focus on real-life species, many of which are endangered, and I appreciated Frontier's commitment to conservation as a core objective, despite some elements like wildlife reserves feeling somewhat underdeveloped. The fundamental tasks of creating animal enclosures, recruiting staff, and ensuring animal welfare remain largely unchanged from the original Planet Zoo. This gives the game a sense of gentle progression rather than radical transformation, which isn't necessarily a drawback. Those familiar with the first installment will find it easy to navigate this sequel. While there are additional options for enhancing the aesthetic details, constructing a functional zoo doesn't require mastering every new feature. The roster of species is remarkable, boasting over 130 animals of various sizes. Some are housed in smaller exhibit environments, lacking the full range of features available in larger enclosures. Only about half of these species can eventually be released back into the wild, which is a topic worth discussing later. Nevertheless, the variety never feels lacking, and I even discovered a new horse species! One of the standout new features is the introduction of aviaries and aquariums, which is more than just a visual enhancement. The customizable nature of these systems is impressive. In contrast to the Jurassic World Evolution games, where creating habitats for aquatic and aerial animals involved piecing together large modules, Planet Zoo 2 allows for detailed control over the design of exhibits. I was particularly thrilled to learn that I could construct glass tunnels within aquarium exhibits, allowing visitors to walk through and experience the aquatic life up close. You can even design your entire zoo around species that can coexist in the same aquatic environment. As with the first Planet Zoo, certain species will not get along, and managing the needs of aquatic and semi-aquatic animals—such as varying water temperatures and salinity—adds a layer of complexity. For instance, if you want both freshwater and saltwater exhibits, you'll need to set up distinct filtration systems, enhancing the realism and planning required. A key distinction that elevates Planet Zoo 2 above its coaster and dinosaur-themed counterparts is its robust economic simulation. In sandbox mode, players can disable various management aspects like staff morale, animal aging, and financial constraints. However, I personally appreciate the challenge of maintaining a profitable operation. In my experiment, I created a small exhibit solely for warthogs and charged high ticket prices to see if I could generate profit. It didn't succeed, which I found refreshing! Managing multiple staff types, addressing complex guest and animal requirements, and ensuring visitors feel their ticket prices are justified all contribute to a rich gameplay experience. There are still a few areas in the management interface that could use further refinement, such as the Sustainability rating, which is primarily influenced by the types of power sources and waste management systems you choose. This aspect felt somewhat simplistic, as I achieved high ratings without much thought. Nonetheless, the other components of building my zoo's reputation offered satisfying goals to strive for. Customization options have significantly expanded, with nearly all buildings now featuring fully modeled interiors that both guests and staff can utilize. You can create your ideal break room and even customize animal meal preparation areas. The new modular design for gift shops and restaurants allows for functional seating and display arrangements, impacting both dining capacity and available merchandise. I’m not particularly skilled at maximizing these features, but the Steam Workshop enables me to access decorations and structures created by more talented players, enhancing my experience. The campaign serves as a lengthy tutorial and is adequate for providing inspiration on utilizing new tools. While the characters occasionally feel reminiscent of a children’s program, they exhibit less overt goofiness this time, which made them more tolerable. The narrative involves uncovering the misdeeds of a corporation falsely claiming to be environmentally friendly, adding an engaging layer to the gameplay. Another significant addition is the wildlife reserves, featuring distinct maps where you create biomes instead of traditional enclosures. You can enhance their ratings by planting appropriate flora and reintroducing native species. While driving around in a cart to photograph former zoo residents in their natural habitats is enjoyable, the management aspect of these reserves can feel somewhat superficial. Although there are numerous tags for different animal types to fill ecological roles, the process of establishing and maintaining these ecosystems sometimes lacks depth. For example, removing invasive plant species is merely a matter of clicking on them, eliminating the need for rangers or botanists. I do appreciate the new nature brushes that allow for easy planting of diverse flora using a single tool, and you even have the option to create your own. However, the water features do not match the same standard. While there is extensive customization for the appearance of water bodies, they ultimately remain at a fixed height and require placement in troughs, making it challenging to create realistic flowing rivers without resorting to complex special effects. This aspect made me miss the dynamic waterfalls found in Jurassic World Evolution 3. Nonetheless, having a dedicated space to visit after an animal's time at my zoo concludes is a rewarding feature. I can capture photos of them to earn Conservation Credits, which are essential for acquiring certain endangered species. I also enjoyed investing my zoo’s resources into conservation initiatives, providing a reliable method to convert funds into Conservation Credits, especially when no animals are ready for release.