G4TV

As exciting as the name makes this game sound, “Adventure” is a misnomer. There’s nothing terribly exciting about this latest expansion for Zoo Tycoon 2, outside of the ability to ride very slowly in poorly-rendered Jeep vehicles. Otherwise you get a slew of new animals, items and maps that feel as though they could easily have been a download.

Jungle Fever

African Adventure does very little to change the way you play Zoo Tycoon 2. It’s still semi-engaging and far too easy. Depending on the type of challenge you’re looking for, that can be a good or bad thing. If relaxation is your thing (we’re talking the ability to leave your computer for a while and have the game basically run itself) then you’re probably already a fan of ZT2.

The developers have tried to add to the excitement with the predator/pack behavior on certain animals, but it really sounds way more exciting than it is. Of course, locking up a bunch of carnivorous animals with a herd of slow-moving, lower-food-chain morsels can lead to some laughs if you’re sadistic like that…but still, it doesn’t make the game feel a whole lot more frantic.

Yawn Safari

The other exciting new feature is the inclusion of Jeep-licensed vehicles in the game. There is a certain “cool” factor to this if you consider it more of a new building – something that makes your zoo look a bit livelier. Building a tour path with Jeeps running around 24/7 gives the whole thing a sort of Jurassic Park vibe, sans the animals eating tourists.

But the functionality of the Jeeps during the free-roam mode – where you actually get to walk around your zoo at ground level, in real time – really does nothing to add to the experience, outside of forcing you down a set path with a poorly-modeled Jeep interior blocking any decent shots you might take in camera mode.

The whole thing feels exactly like what it is: tacked-on product placement.

The Lion Sleeps

Ultimately Zoo Tycoon 2 fanatics will probably get exactly what they want from African Adventure, though this minimal upgrade doesn’t feel like it’s worth the $30 asking price. Of course, if you’re a real animal nut, you may consider paying the price of admission when you realize that some of the proceeds will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund. You big softie….

Article By: Greg Sewart
Video Produced By: Michael Leffler