I played only shortly yesterday so far, but of course, the animals were the first thing I checked:
Capybara - Amazingly animated, has alot of cuteness to it, it is a well deserved spot to be the star of the pack. The amazing shower enrichment for them is just top notch. They got deep diving, I was not sure they will get it, as many zoos has just some shallow pools for them, but it is a plus.
Platypus - My gosh it is so funny how they waddle on ground, model and animations are amazing. And it is another Oceania animal. My only "complain" about it is the habitat space requirments, they are way to big. I understand that the game needs bigger space to work properly, but if there was a possibility to reduce it, even if by bits I would be happy.
Red-Crowned Crane - I am just so happy for another bird, and even if I like Grey-Crowned Crane better, this crane is also very beautiful animal. I also noticed they moved like a flock alot, if one started to move, other followed. Not sure if there was something changed regarding herding, but other people also confirmed the new animals move alot more like a herd/flock/pack. My only concern regarding the crane is that when used the forage pool enrichment, it had it regular red texture for shrimps. Also, like with the flamingo, only one kind of food enrichment is not enough imo.If you have bigger flock, you will have to use lot of forage pools and they are too big.
Asian Small-Clawed Otter - Got to admit, I was not interested in another otter, but they are SO cute. They also have different moving animation from the Giant Otter, so they do feel very different. Def an animal that surprised me, I think I might use those alot. Only negative I have regarding this is that the only time they do their standing animation is when playing with bubbles.
Wild Water Buffalo - Beautiful model and texture, it really shows how much Frontier improved with their animals, especialy if compared to the African Buffalo. Would not be my first pick for the pack, but it is nice to have another Asian Ungulate. My negative is that this particular one is the WIld Water Buffalo, which are not found in zoos as far as I know instead of the Domestic form. Though they do looks alike, so I can easily pretend they are the domesticated form.
Nile Lechwe - Very nice and unique looking antelope. The model and textures are just amazingly done. Havent seen any special animations from them, but I havent played with them that long, so we will see.
Spectacled Caiman - Now about this controversial pick. I would have picked a different animal, but I am trying to see the positives here, so.., It really looks spectacular (pun intended), quite different in coloration. And really adds this medium sized crocodillian niche.
Danube Crested Newt - Beautiful and unique looking, not really much to say here as it is an exhibit animal. But it does have some looped animations so its nice.
. In my opinion a good choice. I would have prefered the Axolotl but it is okay for me. Nothing bad but exhibits are for me just Background I must say
