Zoo Tycoon 2 Announced

Microsoft Game Studios announced today that Zoo Tycoon 2, the official follow-up to the popular zoo-building simulation title, is in development. The title is expected to ship in time for the 2004 holiday season.

Zoo Tycoon 2 will feature a brand-new 3D graphics engine, 30 unique animals, enhanced terrain-altering tools, and a new zoom feature to help players keep a closer eye on the action. The title will feature the approachable, intuitive control that Zoo Tycoon was known for, as well as an educational Zoopedia, filled with facts about animals.

Also included in the sequel are three game modes: Campaign, Freeform, and Sandbox.

"Zoo Tycoon has been a perennial top-10 game since its launch in 2001. Zoo Tycoon 2 raises the bar for all Tycoon and simulation games and is a truly revolutionary step for the franchise," said Adam Kovach, product manager at Microsoft Game Studios. "Players of all ages and at all skill levels can experience and enjoy a level of detail and immersiveness that just hasn't been available in simulated zoo games before."

And in the large field of simulated zoo games, that's quite a statement.

Look for more details on the title as we get them.

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