Planet Zoo launched in 2019 for PC – to a joyous player base eager to hop back into a proper zoo sim for the first time since the 2000s. Developer Frontier Developments had previously translated the PC version of their other sim title, Planet Coaster, to console with great success, so the announcement of Planet Zoo: Console Edition made sense. With deeper systems to consider than its theme park counterpart, how would running a zoo work on consoles?

Planet Zoo: Console Edition puts you in charge of a variety of scenarios where you manage a zoo. From things like animal wellness to dealing with protesters, there’s a lot to learn in this game. For newcomers, the systems for things like terrain preferences and even running electrical to your various buildings can be tricky. It’s not terribly unlike the Jurassic World Evolution games or other zoo sims, but certainly took me a bit to get reacclimated to. The tutorials are your friend here, as is patience as you try to learn the systems.

The game looks wonderful on Xbox Series X. In exhibits, you can choose a camera angle that really centers the activity of the animals and gives you a great look at the detail on display. Things like the length of grass and various paths showcase great textures as well. Performance-wise, I experienced no frame rate or resolution problems. Planet Coaster was a smooth experience and Frontier Developments seems to have nailed Planet Zoo as well. Even the controls, which can be tricky for sims on console, feel great, whether you’re working the camera or placing fences and scenery items with precision.

It’s worth noting here I’ve put a lot of time into Planet Coaster: Console Edition. Like, a lot of time. What makes Planet Zoo: Console Edition so dynamic to me as someone who knows this gameplay so well is the information you’re working with. Each animal has different needs, from how many pals they like to have in their enclosure, to what sort of temperature they want their surroundings to be. The handy encyclopedia in-game allows you to review all of this with ease, and there are even shortcuts in the animal’s individual menus to address their exhibit preferences.

With each species needing its own considerations, there’s no shortage of things to do while playing. Whereas Planet Coaster sometimes had me putting on 2x speed to move through a part of the game, I’m often pausing time in Planet Zoo to really note what needs my attention in what order. At times it’s overwhelming, but the trick is to take things one at a time and not get ahead of yourself as you expand in the Challenge and Sandbox modes where you’re free to build the zoo of your dreams.

In terms of purchasing, you have a few options. There’s the base game, as well as a Deluxe Upgrade Pack DLC, including an additional 16 species and 2 additional campaign scenarios. If you’re really looking for the total package, there’s also a Season Pass, granting access to a selection of 14 future DLCs containing 81 new species, 15 campaign scenarios, and over 2000 additional scenery pieces. The Season Pass content will release in waves from now until March 2025, but you can purchase it now. You can also bundle the Upgrade Pack and Season Pass in the Ultimate Edition of Planet Zoo.

Given the depth of gameplay here compared to Planet Coaster and other sims, there’s a lot in the base game to get you started if you’re unsure of the investment you want to make from the get go. Thanks to Scenarios, Challenges, and the creatively-driven Sandbox mode, you’ll have plenty to do and a lot to learn with what comes standard. Frontier Developments does put deep care into its DLC, so if and when you do want to dive into the depths of more species, it’s fair to say you’ll get your money’s worth if you decide to spend more for additional content.

Planet Zoo: Console Edition is a bit less beginner-friendly than Planet Coaster, but time and patience can give you more freedom than you can imagine. Allowing you to create your dream zoo. There’s so much to manage, so much to customize, and many opportunities to diversify your different zoos. While the systems are tricky to learn as you start, Planet Zoo is so rewarding to the many zoo sim fans who have longed for a deep, layered experience on consoles. The game is available now for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.

An Xbox Series X|S review copy of Planet Zoo: Console Edition was provided by Frontier Developments for the purposes of this review.

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Planet Zoo: Console Edition

$49.99

9

Score

9.0/10

Pros

• Challenging simulation systems to learn
• Diverse array of animals to feature and foster
• Great controls for a console-based simulation title
• A great game for fans of zoo simulators

Cons

• Not terribly beginner friendly, but give it time!