


Planet Zoo is extremely customizable, which is great for players with keen attention to detail, but those looking for a more straightforward experience might be better off with Zoo Tycoon. Zoo Tycoon has easy-to-use build mechanics that players can learn and utilize pretty immediately without a steep learning curve. The build mechanics in Planet Zoo are incredibly detailed but have a massive learning curve to it that players have to be dedicated to understanding. This means placing plank after plank to create a cohesive wall, as well as making custom roofing and enclosure fences. Planet Zoo, on the other hand, lets players craft their own building exteriors from scratch. Zoo Tycoon exclusively has premade buildings that players can place in their zoos and they could be themed to match a certain aesthetic, making it easy to make themed parks or park sections. However, more isn’t always better and this is evidenced in just how many options are available in Planet Zoo. This advancement isn’t surprising, especially because Planet Zoo debuted in 2019 - over ten years after the last Zoo Tycoon game. Planet Zoo has often been applauded for its build capabilities because it’s so far advanced from the days of Zoo Tycoon. RELATED: What The Sims Can Learn From Planet Zoo While this title is deserved, there are a few differences that still give Zoo Tycoon an edge when compared to Planet Zoo.

The more recent endeavor from Frontier Developments has consistently been called the spiritual predecessor to the original Zoo Tycoon franchise. It’s much more accurate to say Planet Zoo is similar to the old Zoo Tycoon games. Microsoft later tried to reboot the series in 2013 with Frontier Developments, still calling the game Zoo Tycoon though the end result varied drastically from the predecessor games. While these games and expansion packs released from 2001 to 2008, they still hold up after all these years as quality endeavors that balance the business side of a tycoon game with the fun construction aspect of building a zoo. One tycoon game that accomplished this, and more, were the classic Zoo Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon 2 games from Blue Fang Games and Microsoft Studios. Standout tycoon games have the right amount of balancing business with construction, as well as a sandbox mode that allows for an “anything goes” gameplay style. Tycoon-style games can be a hit or miss depending on how in-depth they are.
