I'm extremely grateful to the team behind Planet Zoo and Frontier as a whole, for having created such an amazing game, that so many of us have enjoyed, and continue to do so. I do however have to ask, while it is very likely that the pictures shown are not an accurate representation of what is to come, has frontier changed their direction and focus with this game? Are the Planet Zoo representatives that are posting this content, the same individuals that were involved with the base game? The most captivating aspect of this game for me, besides its realism, top notch content and endless creative possibilities is Frontier's focus on real life zoo simulation. There is however some concern, that either by their own making or in an effort to make the game more appealing to a different segment of players, there priorities could have shifted. I have read a number of threads in this forum as well as others, where a percentage of the participants just wanted some of the animals and building pieces to be added to Planet Coaster, others wanted dinosaurs and mythical creatures. One individual even asked for a Game of Thrones DLC that contained Direwolves, Ravens and Dragons. My understanding about the game and all its aspects however, is that it is based and focused on modern Zoo design and simulation, allowing for players to encounter a variety of challenges during realistic zoo focused gameplay.
Let me explain, the base game release was fantastic in my opinion, a solid entry, that thru years of support has the potential of becoming anyone's dream zoo simulation game. Then came the Arctic DLC, and it was a strange choice of scenery, with the Scandinavian theme and a very limited number of animals. While the quality of design was again exceptional, and the animals featured continued being the best of their kind in the video game market, there was something off. Having visited many world renown zoos in Northern Europe, I have to say that I had never seen this connection in any of them between this choice of theme and nature. I'm no stranger to thematic design and the concept of including native geographical architecture within a zoo exhibit. There were a number of possibilities, construction pieces and scenery that Planet Zoo's developers could have brought to live within an Arctic DLC, their choice however was heavily focused on Vikings and Christmas ornaments. Do not misunderstand me Frontier, if you read this, the DLC was of high quality, but your choice was questionable mostly because there was so much still needed in the game. The most appropriate theme for a Northern European DLC in relation to zoos, would probably feature a somewhat modern design that the game already included (in a limited capacity) or a wooden marina theme that just does not fit the bill with the current roster of animals. Because of these reasons, I did not think too much of it, especially since the DLC had been fairly close to the base game release. This upcoming DLC however, (not even officially announced yet) will take place more than likely over 5 months since the base game release, so there is a great urgency for concern.
The storyline being featured as a teaser has me in all fairness somewhat confused, what does Jungle adventures, Indiana Jones and deadly traps have to do with modern zoo conservation and realism. The direction of Planet Zoo has either completely changed, or there are members of the planet zoo team that do not share the understanding and education level of what this game could actually mean and do. I have said it in this forum many times, there are so many fantasy and adventure games out in the market, way too many to mention. More importantly there is already a sensational theme park/adventure/fantasy game on the market, that allows players to use the same mechanics of this game to built the worlds of their dreams, and it is called Planet Coaster. There is however only one modern zoo simulation game in the world as of this moment. Please Frontier, do not deviate from what this game can be, stay focus of its original concept. It is my hope that the ones in charge of this game are truly passionate about zoos, and educate themselves in what they truly represent. The game can be extremely profitable and popular given the correct approach and marketing while still focused on realistic zoo simulation, construction and management.
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