Do planet zoo game developer really know what we want in planet Zoo game ???

[Swjosdotschka]

I agree that a slight raise of animals makes the DLCs more interesting already, but yeah, I disagree that it is enough. I'm still voting for meaningful DLCs that include deep features. And no, I don't call it paywall. People need to get paid for well thought out programming or we are left with half-baked features like the looping educator.

You know, honestly, we could just look at the base game and see how many animals are needed to build an believable african section. I still think we have a huge variety of african animals. Personally, I don't need every african animal in my african sections, but I guess if I would build such area, I wouldn't include less than 8 or 10 species.

 

[DarthQuell]

I agree that a slight raise of animals makes the DLCs more interesting already, but yeah, I disagree that it is enough. I'm still voting for meaningful DLCs that include deep features. And no, I don't call it paywall. People need to get paid for well thought out programming or we are left with half-baked features like the looping educator.

You know, honestly, we could just look at the base game and see how many animals are needed to build an believable african section. I still think we have a huge variety of african animals. Personally, I don't need every african animal in my african sections, but I guess if I would build such area, I wouldn't include less than 8 or 10 species.

Yeah. I mean, having just 8-10 different species per area would be way better. Let's make it simpler by dividing each section by theme:

New World (aka North America): we have 4 species (Timber Wolf, American Bison, Pronghorn, Grizzly Bear). Adding at least 4 more will bring a bunch of new options (Moose, Red Fox, American Alligator, American Black Bear, etc.)

South America: we have 7 species already (Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, Jaguar, Capuchin Monkey, Llama, Caiman, Tapir). But, adding a few more to bring it up to 10 would add so many more options (Maned Wolf, Bush Dog, Rhea).

I know it isn't much, but already it's a huge improvement. I think I got a little off topic, though.

 

[Swjosdotschka]

Honestly, it also depends on regions. While I advocate for an european DLC, it has far less interesting zoo species than south east asia and south america. I don't know if there is a "one fits all" DLC pattern, I just think that the current pattern doesn't fit anything.

 

[DarthQuell]

Honestly, it also depends on regions. While I advocate for an european DLC, it has far less interesting zoo species than south east asia and south america. I don't know if there is a "one fits all" DLC pattern, I just think that the current pattern doesn't fit anything.

I think the problem with a European DLC is that many if the animals there are found in North America (or at least something very similar) and other oarts of the world. Me, I'm happy with whatever they throw at us, so if Europe is next, so be it. I'll enjoy the animals. That's my philosophy for enjoying the game

 

[Firestar97]

New World (aka North America): we have 4 species (Timber Wolf, American Bison, Pronghorn, Grizzly Bear)

You forgot the Reindeer, the Dall Sheep, Arctic Wolf and Polar Bear

 

[DarthQuell]

You forgot the Reindeer, the Dall Sheep, Arctic Wolf and Polar Bear

Yes, I thought of them, but I divided it by theme. But you're right, those also work

 

[Bearcat9948]

Actually no, maybe depends on the type of player. The example (the combinations) you provided does not show any improvement on that part, imo really needs to be more unique than that.
Would be nice to have 2 more but will this make much difference on how long the "hype" will stick with me or on this forum? Definately not.
I think new game mechanics/building options/features have more impact for me and i've seen some other players comment similar things.

I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "needs to be more unique than that". We already have semi-aquatic animals that can dive now, so the only two things that I can think of would be
-Aviaries
-Aquariums in some fashion

Aviaries I think will happen at some point, hopefully by the end of the year. Aquariums, unless it's basically just the same as a small exhibit, I don't see happening at all. As far as new game mechanics are concerned, those are always free in the base updates. Diving was implemented to the Saltwater croc for free, and they've said other base game animals will be updated in the future.

I think the best way to keep people involved is by making sure each pack as a good representation of biodiversity from whatever location it represents, more of it (again, at least 6 habitat animals going forward) and making an effort to have animals from different biomes. For instance, if they made an African dlc pack, it would be far more fun if it had:

-A black or white rhino (Grasslands)
-Meerkat (Scrub/desert)
-Cape penguin (Coastal aquatic)
-Serval or Caracal (Scrub/Grasslands)
-Hamadryas baboon (Desert/Taiga)
-Red river hog (Tropical rainforest)

That would be much better than having a pack with four mammals that are all from the grasslands. They almost got it right with the South America pack (excluding that it had far too few total animals), it's just that the llama was, frankly, a terrible choice.

Edit: I also just want to say, you mentioned new building pieces as a way to keep people interested. I don't think that works at all. We got far more new scenery pieces in all four dlcs than animals, and even people coming from PC who are primarily builders have said they'd rather see more animals than scenery. I'm quite frankly sick of hundreds of new building pieces. Most zoos don't have every single section of their zoo themed around whatever country/continent those animals are from.

 

[Navigare Necesse Est]

I don't know what I want.

 

[NL_Mutso]

I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "needs to be more unique than that". We already have semi-aquatic animals that can dive now, so the only two things that I can think of would be

Well, your example has some similar types of animals we already got:

The wolf/dog/ocelot, maybe nice for diversity reasons but imo doesn't bring that much to the table for new building experiences/challenges.

I also just want to say, you mentioned new building pieces as a way to keep people interested. I don't think that works at all. We got far more new scenery pieces in all four dlcs than animals, and even people coming from PC who are primarily builders have said they'd rather see more animals than scenery. I'm quite frankly sick of hundreds of new building pieces. Most zoos don't have every single section of their zoo themed around whatever country/continent those animals are from.

That's because you are more focused on animals than some other players, there's a large group (also a lot of content creators) that really need extra building pieces to keep them interested or able to create new interesting content.
Think only a few from PC said that and most of them said they want more animals (and not specific more animals and less/no scenery).
And it's a game, where you can create whatever you want and most of all: what you like to see. Personally don't care that much what a RL zoo doesn't have.
Some people like to replicate real zoos or real zoo buildings/habitats, while other want to build realistic looking themed buildings in a zoo setting.
Or just their fantasy zoo.

Seen multiple discussions regarding building pieces: It's usually the lack of "basic/classic" zoo pieces compared to the abundant amount of themed building pieces.
That's the bigger issue with a lot of players on this forum. And i agree with that.
Don't think i would buy the full price for DLC if it doesn't have building pieces, at least not at this stage of the game.

-A black or white rhino (Grasslands)
-Meerkat (Scrub/desert)
-Cape penguin (Coastal aquatic)
-Serval or Caracal (Scrub/Grasslands)
-Hamadryas baboon (Desert/Taiga)
-Red river hog (Tropical rainforest)

I agree with this diversity in animal species or close to this one.

 

[PeppyPepp]

I agree that a slight raise of animals makes the DLCs more interesting already, but yeah, I disagree that it is enough. I'm still voting for meaningful DLCs that include deep features. And no, I don't call it paywall. People need to get paid for well thought out programming or we are left with half-baked features like the looping educator.

You know, honestly, we could just look at the base game and see how many animals are needed to build an believable african section. I still think we have a huge variety of african animals. Personally, I don't need every african animal in my african sections, but I guess if I would build such area, I wouldn't include less than 8 or 10 species.

I was SO excited when they announced the educators, and I soon realized just how empty this new feature was. Plop down the stand, hire an educator, set a time for the talk and you're done. There's no depth to it.

 

[Swjosdotschka]

I was SO excited when they announced the educators, and I soon realized just how empty this new feature was. Plop down the stand, hire an educator, set a time for the talk and you're done. There's no depth to it.

Yes, it is a very shallow feature that is - on a gaming point - quite frustrating, as it really doesn't add a lot to the game.
The color variations (a planned feature as well, not an reaction to requests) is a bit better, as it adds at least visiual diversity. However, if you really take a colser look at it, it is also only cosmetic.

I can understand that from an financial aspect though. All features we get in the free update are features that will not bring Frontier more money, but will cost them money due to time and dev-power needed. Of course it is programmed as easy as possible, but especially with the educator I feel like it just looks like low quality and harms the game more than it helps.

I am definately not an EA fan, but the one thing they do good is putting main features into packs with a higher price point. And at least during Sims 1 - Sims 3 times these features were deep and well thought out and definately worth the money and stepped up the game. And a game that develops with added deep features has actually a pretty good and long life span and will also sell smaller packs as well for a longer period of time. At the same time, there is no need to develop a resource heavy base game every 2-3 years that way.

 

[Willyphua]

I hope frontier planet zoo can give us a African lion and African leopard so that I can complete all the big cats in planet zoo .. but it will be even better if they can include

Serval
Ocelot
Fishing cat
Asian golden cat
Caracal
Leopard cat
And all those small cats etc

 

[DarthQuell]

I hope frontier planet zoo can give us a African lion and African leopard so that I can complete all the big cats in planet zoo .. but it will be even better if they can include

Serval
Ocelot
Fishing cat
Asian golden cat
Caracal
Leopard cat
And all those small cats etc

Nice. If Frontier did an African pack, then I'd do it with the following (in the method they've been doing):

The Way Frontier will do it, (likely. Just a theory):

1. African Leopard
2. White Rhinoceros
3. Masai Giraffe
4. Meerkat
5. King Cobra

The Way I'd do it:

1. African Leopard
2. Grevy's Zebra
3. White Rhinoceros
4. Meerkat
5. Red Spitting Cobra or Black Mamba

EDIT: FoxyDee reminded me of the choices I, well, chose, and reminded me that they're "clones". Replaced the Nile Crocodile with Meerkats

 

[FoxyDee]

Uhhh, that would be basically all “reskin” animals. Not that exciting imo. They need to have something completely new and unique in the packs I think. Meerkat, honey badger, secretary bird, fennec fox... at least one of a completely new animal per pack. Meerkat is kinda obvious here.

 

[TFG21]

I was SO excited when they announced the educators, and I soon realized just how empty this new feature was. Plop down the stand, hire an educator, set a time for the talk and you're done. There's no depth to it.

Yes, it is a very shallow feature that is - on a gaming point - quite frustrating, as it really doesn't add a lot to the game.

Just curious, how would you make it different? I ask because I honestly can't think of anything that would make it functionally any better (bugs aside), so I'd be interested in your thoughts

 

[Firestar97]

Just curious, how would you make it different? I ask because I honestly can't think of anything that would make it functionally any better (bugs aside), so I'd be interested in your thoughts

Even though I wasn't asked, I do have a few Ideas.
-They could give them a second Talk for Herbivores (stop roaring at my Reindeer )
-They could give a Tour (maybe make this only possible when they are fully trained)
-some People pointed out that they could hold smaller Animals while they are talking about them (Green Iguana for Example)
-if we ever get Interactions between Guests and Animals, they could maybe lure Animals to the Fence with Food to make it possible for Guests to pet them. Of course it wouldn't work for many Species (Llama for Example)
-it could be possible to let a Educator sit in a Vehicle and talk to the People while driving near the Animals

 

[TFG21]

While all good ideas, these don't offer any functional changes (still plop an educator down and thats pretty much it), outside the tour guide aspect, which I think could be interesting (though I've personally never had a tour guide in a zoo, granted I have been to a limited number of zoos).

So yes, these would add some new animations, but in terms of game play, there would be no changes.

Edit: to expand a bit more, the visual variety in animations would make them interesting for a briefly longer period of time, I would rather the dev team spend time on more important aspects like developing new animals, more scenery objects, bug fixes, etc. Since these educators are essentially speaking gibberish, it really doesn't bother me that there isn't more diversity in animations because it absolutely doesn't affect the gameplay (would be completely different if we knew what they were saying)

 

[Swjosdotschka]

Just curious, how would you make it different? I ask because I honestly can't think of anything that would make it functionally any better (bugs aside), so I'd be interested in your thoughts

Urfu has some very good suggestions. And while yes, it would offer nothing management wise, it would at least be way more interesting to watch and I personally would be more motivated to use the educator. The roaring loop animation, however, is a no go and I don't know who thought it was a good idea to put such a specific animation and sound into a loop. Better just let him babble Planco then, without the mimicing.

Now, I must admit, I was never someone who definately need the educator. I don't even like guided tours in real life, unless they would offer me a look behind the scenes that I otherwise wouldn't get. But yeah, why not add this? Let us mark zones in the zoo as "VIP zones", for what guests have to pay a much bigger amount and the educator tours them through these zones. Imagine how motivating it would be to then build backstage areas and such. And IF (I say if) it would be hard to get money in this game, it would also be interesting from a financial stand point.
And to make it more of a challenge: When you offer too much backstage tours for your guests, your animals, that do not have a save space then anymore, could be more asily stressed and / or get ill from bacteria that guests bring into the areas. The infection risk coukd be even higher if your animals have / are juveniles.

But all of that would require a huge amount of programming. So that is why I want these things in paid packs for a higher pricepoint to make it financially interesting for Frontier to develop their game further and not only add some animals, building pieces and cosmetic changes.

 

[Dyrel74]

Not sure this is the right thread to rant like this but everyone else seems to have gone a little off-topic here so I might as well too ...

Personally, I'd like to see the game modes developed further. I'm rubbish at the designing stuff, but I have a go! I'm inspired by watching all of the fantastic content creators do incredible things with the tools that are available - I've lost count of the hours I have sunk into YouTube and Twitch videos just watching people build something amazing! Its the community of content creators that are feeding my passion for this game.

For me, once you have completed the Career Mode, the game basically becomes a building simulator - which is probably great for some of the intended audience but I'd like to be able to have a reason to keep coming back for a unique experience each time that makes me think and challenges me to use the tools in a different way. I had thought this might be with the Community Challenges but the rewards seem small, meaningless and hit and miss with their availability. What I'd really like is a random map generator with random objectives - something where the skill of the game is in choosing which of the myriad of animals to place and how/where to place them to best achieve the goals. I don't like the timed scenarios - I like to create something that I think is aesthetically pleasing (although, I'm super rubbish at that part!) and where I don't have to rush to get it done (takes me ages to get that wall piece just in the right place!) The Challenge Mode is almost there but the objectives don't 'feel' quite the same as they do in the career mode. They are a little too random - in career mode, each objective builds on those from the previous tier. That's probably a UI issue too - in Challenge Mode the objectives 'look' like an afterthought rather than a real focus for doing something. Would also be cool if completing these gave you rewards you could use in other zoos you create - a Zookeeper that increased breeding success with a certain animal, or a vendor that was particularly good at selling hats, for example!

To comment on the other points made previously, I do feel that the DLC packs are too small. I'd be prepared to pay more to get more - the game has SO much potential and I get really excited every time something new is added. Take my dollar, Frontier! And just as a final couple of thoughts I need meercats and other small animals in maybe a third type of enclosure for small mammals - they would work wonders for filling those crazy little spaces you inevitably end up creating between everything else! I'd also be happy with simple recolouring of existing models to create new animal choices - the new colourings would represent different biome/area specific animals with different needs (flamingos in a zoo are pink and Tapir are black and white!)

Didn't intend for this post to be so long but I've been storing this up since the game launched and its absolutely not meant as a complaint about anything that the game has to offer so far - merely an expression of wish for future direction ... if anyone is still listening!

 

[SanRazo618]

The reason we need more animals per pack and it’s such a big issue vs PC’s rides per pack is that in Planet Coaster you can build a coaster so many different ways! There’s only so many ways you could build a habitat for a lion before it becomes similar (IMO). And there’s only so many ways I can build an African section before I end up making A similar-Ish African section in all my zoos. More species diversity would drastically improve this because we would have bigger variety for what we can add in a “section” so my tropical section in my Baja California Zoo won’t feel like a mish mash of my South America, Africa, and Asia tropical areas of my flagship Solaire Zoo. If we had more animals I could specifically add tropical creatures that my main zoo couldn’t house do too the sheer variety of animals!